By Dana Corwin, Director, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services
As I begin my second year as Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued support, guidance, and feedback. It has been just over a year since I stepped into this role, and I am proud of the progress our staff made together in 2025 to better serve older adults across our county. Our team is energized, committed, and eager to connect with even more of you in 2026.
Over the past 16 months, we have asked a simple but important question: What do you need to age successfully here in Chautauqua County, New York? Your responses were clear. You told us you need increased transportation options, improved communication from our office, expanded home care services, and stronger support for caregivers. We listened—and we acted.
Throughout 2025, the Office for Aging Services was active in the community every month. We offered Car Fit safe driving classes, legal forums, energy education programs, flu clinics, Memory Cafés for caregivers and their loved ones, Medicare and health insurance information and counseling, in-person and online caregiver support groups, and brain health education in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver support groups, farmers market coupons, we distributed Ring Doorbells and cameras to make you feel safer in your homes and neighborhoods! June saw us combating against elder abuse with many community partners. In October, we proudly walked together to End Alzheimer’s, and during the holiday season, we shared joy with nearly 200 older adults through our 2025 Santa for Seniors campaign.
Looking ahead to 2026, we are ready to do even more. We are working to expand transportation options, enhance caregiver supports—including respite services—and assist caregivers in navigating new and emerging resources. We will continue to innovate in home care services and plan to launch a monthly newsletter to keep you informed and connected.
Planning is already underway, and we are excited to announce that the Second Annual CHQ Aging Expo and Conference will take place on May 21, 2026, in celebration of Older Americans Month, at SUNY Fredonia. We have so much to share—please save the date and join us.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you—listening, learning, and working together to ensure Chautauqua County remains a great place to age.
Here’s to a healthy, connected, and vibrant 2026.
If you have questions about services, programs, or benefits for older adults and caregivers, you can contact NY Connects Helpline: 716-753-4582. Or ccnyc@chqgov.com.
The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services is here to guide, connect, and advocate for long-term services and supports so older adults can remain in our community.
