With the start of the New Year us here at Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services and NY Connects would like to start it off right and remind everyone of what services and assistance we can help to provide and/or connect you or your loved ones with to assist in healthy and safe aging at home.
NY Connects is run in partnership with the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and is designed as a “No Wrong Door” (NWD) system. This means that whether you contact us by phone, in person, or via email, you will be connected to the correct and appropriate information by our operators who serve as a one-stop access point for objective, free guidance about long-term services and supports for people of all ages or with any type of disability, including caregivers and professionals, as well as many other local services and resources. One of the main goals of NY Connects is to help individuals and families understand their options before, during, and after planning for long-term needs such as in-home care, transportation supports, caregiver assistance, and more. Please note we are NOT emergency services but work to provide you with the best options available to you regardless of the situation you may be in.
At its core, NY Connects serves a broad group of people, including older adults seeking support to maintain independence and quality of life, individuals of any age with disabilities who may require long-term services, caregivers and family members looking for resources to support loved ones, as well as professionals assisting clients with care planning and benefits navigation. NY Connects offers up-to-date, comprehensive information on long-term services such as in-home care, transportation, meals, housing options, and caregiver support. NY Connects operators can walk callers through options specific to our local area and help them understand what’s available and how to access these services. Person-Centered Options Counseling is also offered which assists in helping individuals identify goals, understand their values and preferences, and make informed decisions about long-term supports. This also includes assisting in exploring different care choices, reviewing eligibility requirements, and assisting with access to these services. Referrals can also be provided through utilization of the statewide directory and network of local partners, including independent living centers, social services departments and well as other agencies in the community. NY Connects links people to supports such as home care, nutrition programs, personal emergency response systems (PERS), caregiver programs, health insurance counseling, and legal assistance. NY Connects also can facilitate enrollment in local nutrition programs such as home delivered meals, the Local Roots program and our very popular Dining Out Program.
As well as offering general information and assistance for the community, our local NY Connects acts as both a navigator and advocate—translating complex systems into clear options for families and individuals. By providing free, unbiased information, coordinating services, and empowering people to make informed choices, it helps users preserve independence and quality of life, avoid unnecessary institutional care when community-based options are appropriate and reduce stress for caregivers and families.
Chautauqua County NY Connects can be reached by phone at 716-753-4582, by email at ccnyc@chqgov.com or by visiting your nearest Office for Aging Services location during normal business hours.
