Chairman’s Corner: Office for the Aging: Part 2

Last time, the topics were the Office for the Aging’s Meals on Wheels program, and the effects that scams of all varieties are having on seniors.

This time around, let’s take a look at the support OFA offers in such areas as home care services, HEAP, transportation, HIICAP, shopping assistance, and nutrition education and counseling.

Beginning Oct. 15 and continuing through Dec. 7, through the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP), OFA helps seniors learn to file Medicare forms, how to choose an insurance carrier, as well as how to appeal denials of claims and assist with referrals. HIICAP is also equipped to provide current information to help seniors make informed decisions regarding their health insurance options.

The Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) is available to seniors 60 or older who have unmet needs and require assistance in at least one of the following areas: bathing, eating, toileting, and dressing. And/or in at least two of these household activities: meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, local travel, making telephone calls, medication reminders, and assistance with writing checks and banking.

For those providing care for a loved one in their home, respite services are available at no cost. The service is designed to give the caregiver the opportunity to leave the house and take a break from the caregiving duties.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides a one-time benefit for income-eligible households to help with paying their energy bills. The benefit amount depends on income, energy source, and whether or not heat is include in the rent.

HEAP eligibility guidelines and benefit amounts vary from year-to-year. Those who received HEAP through OFA last year should receive an application in the mail by the end of October.

Through the Healthcare Consortium (518-822-8020), door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation is free of charge to county residents. Availability is limited — call the office as soon as your appointment is scheduled.

Non-medical transportation is offered to seniors who cannot drive, have no means of travel, or are prohibited from driving because of health reasons. Rides are available primarily to shopping facilities, banks, pharmacies, nursing homes for visits, county agencies, and congregate meal sites.

The Senior Safety Net, a countywide service, establishes daily contact with homebound residents who have no regular outside social interaction. The well-check is initiated with a phone call from the Columbia County’s Sheriff Office, which will dispatch a deputy to the home if the individual fails to answer the call.

For the homebound or those physically unable to perform the walking and lifting required in the market and who do not have anyone available to help, shopping assistance is available to help with shopping needs. Shopping is done on a biweekly basis. The client provides a shopping list and check for the staff shopper, who will purchase groceries from the nearest supermarket and assist with putting them away in the home, if necessary.

Voluntary contributions of varying amounts are suggested for many of the above services, yet under no circumstance would anyone be denied service.

On a quarterly basis, OFA issues the Elder Express, loaded with information pertinent to senior activities. Be sure to get your copy to keep up with the latest.

Located at 325 Columbia St. in Hudson, the OFA telephone number is 518-828-4258.

Reach Matt Murell at matt.murell@columbiacountyny.com.