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Frequently Asked Questions Photo of department head Office for the Aging
John A. Beale, Director


There may be additional FAQs that relate to the topics listed below on the complete
Frequently Asked Questions page.


  Financial Help  

  • As a senior citizen, is there any type of financial assistance available to help me with the cost of home repairs?

  • The Dutchess County Senior Citizen Owner-Occupied Property Rehabilitation Program is available to low and moderate-income senior citizen households to help them with the cost of home repairs.  For more information and the application, see the Forms webpage under Planning and Development or call (845) 486-3600.


  • I am a senior citizen and need help paying my medical bills. Who can I call?

  • The type of financial help available depends on your income and the nature of the bills.  Contact Case Assistance at the Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555 for information.


  • Where can a senior citizen get help paying heating costs?

  • The type of assistance available depends on your income.  The Dutchess County Office for the Aging offers a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funded through the New York State and Dutchess County Department of Social Services. Call the Dutchess County Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555.  The toll free number is (866) 486-2555.


  • My home heating costs have increased because my home is not properly insulated. As a senior citizen, where can I find help?

  • The Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP) is designed to help senior citizens with energy related problems or needs.  If you are experiencing a cold, drafty house during the winter, or if your heating bills are skyrocketing out of sight, contact the Dutchess County Office for the Aging  at 486-2555 (toll free (866) 486-2555) to see if you can get help with your energy troubles.


  • What is a Senior Citizen Discount Identification Card and how do I obtain one?

  • The card entitles holders to discounts from many merchants and service providers in Dutchess County and beyond.  It is also an acceptable form of photo I.D. for identification purposes for those without a driver's license.  View our Senior Citizen Discount Identification Card webpage for a list of distribution dates and locations.




      Health Insurance/Medicaid-Medicare  

  • How can seniors get help with health insurance questions and problems?

  • Dutchess County's Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) can assist seniors with health insurance questions.  Office for the Aging also offers seminars on Medicare and other related problems.  Call Office for the Aging (Nina Lynch) at (845) 486-2555.


  • How do I get insurance to supplement Medicare?

  • The staff at the Office for the Aging Case Assistance can provide you with the most current information.  Please contact OFA Case Assistance/HIICAP at (845) 486-2555.


  • Where can seniors get help paying for prescriptions?

  • New York State's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program is a prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions.  Medicare-approved drug discount cards are also available.  Contact HIICAP at the Dutchess County Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555.


  • What does Medicare pay for in regards to long-term care?

  • Medicare does not pay for long-term care, however, an intake worker can evaluate your needs and find out programs that are best suited to your needs.  Call DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555.


  • What are the qualifications for Medicaid and how does one apply?

  • Medicaid is based on income, not on age.  Call Office for the Aging (Nina Lynch) at (845) 486-2555 for an application.


  • Does Medicaid pay for home care for seniors?

  • A need for Medicaid home care must be determined by a nurse from DUTCHESS NY Connects.  For more information call (845) 486-2555.


  • Does Medicaid pay for assisted living, adult home or nursing home placement?

  • Medicaid does not pay for adult home placement.  However, some assisted living residences and most nursing homes accept Medicaid.  Call DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555 to determine your needs.




      Help for Families and Caregivers of the Elderly   

  • Where can I obtain the name, address and telephone numbers of Office for the Aging agencies in other counties?

  • The Dutchess County Office for the Aging can supply the names, addresses and telephone number of out-of-county OFA's or can access the Elder Care Locator.  Call (845) 486-2555 for information.  


  • How can I get my senior mother/father to accept help?

  • Let's talk or visit our caregiver collection at Adriance Library.  Contact DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555.


  • How can I get my senior mother/father to stop driving?

  • Contact Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555 for information about the Driver Evaluation Program.


  • My senior mother/father is getting confused. What should I do?

  • A DUTCHESS NY Connects intake worker can discuss the situation with you and help you to obtain information or make an assessment.  Call (845) 486-2555 for assistance.


  • I am responsible for taking care of my elderly parents. Where can I go for advice/moral support?

  • Caregiving is often stressful and tiring.  Visit Tips for Caregivers  to access helpful tips and resources for caregivers.




      Home Care Services  

  • What services are available to the elderly or handicapped who would like to remain in their homes and need homecare?

  • DUTCHESS NY Connects staff authorizes a number of homecare programs including Medicaid, EISEP, and case management services for those who are eligible.  For more information contact them at (845) 486-2555.  The following links provide access to additional information:


  • As a senior, how do I get an aide to help me at home?

  • Office for the Aging or certain Medicaid may be appropriate.  Call DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555 for an assessment.


  • As a senior, how do I get help with my housekeeping?

  • An assessment of your needs can be made by DUTCHESS NY Connects for Office for the Aging programs and private vendors who offer housekeeping.  Call  (845) 486-2555 for more information.


  • After discharge from the hospital or rehabilitation center what type of help is available to seniors?

  • A nurse from DUTCHESS NY Connects can help to assess long-term care needs.  Call (845) 486-2555 for assistance.


  • Where can I find information about respite care for seniors?

  • Respite care can be provided through private providers and facilities.  Call DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555 to discuss your needs as a caregiver.


  • How do I donate or obtain a loan of medical equipment?

  • Office of the Aging/DUTCHESS NY Connects does not loan or accept donations of medical equipment.  Call the Office of the Aging at (845) 486-2555 to obtain phone numbers of area loan closets.




      Housing  

  • Where can I find a list of senior housing developments in Dutchess County?

  • The Long Term Care Resource Directory provides contact information and other details for senior citizen housing developments within Dutchess County.  Click on the following link to view Housing/Residential Choices Contact Information.


  • What housing is available for seniors? What is Section 8 Housing?

  • There are several forms of subsidized housing for senior citizens in Dutchess County. Some housing complexes are run by governmental agencies, while others are operated by not-for profit organizations or profit making companies. In addition to housing sites, the Section 8 program also includes housing vouchers and certificates which may be used as payment toward rent in privately owned apartments.  Visit our Section 8 Housing web pages for more information on Section 8 housing income guidelines and a list of available units.


  • How do I apply to an adult home?

  • Before applying, an unbiased assessment is needed to determine the level of care needed.  Please contact DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555 for an intake worker to assess your needs.  View our list of Adults Home in Dutchess County for  additional information.


  • How do I apply to a nursing home for seniors?

  • Before applying, an unbiased assessment is needed to determine the level of care needed.  Please contact DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555 for an intake worker to assess your needs.  View our list of  Nursing Homes in Dutchess County  for additional information.


  • How do I apply to an assisted living facility?

  • Before applying, an unbiased assessment is needed to determine the level of care needed.  Please contact DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555 for an intake worker to assess your needs.  View our list of  Assisted Living Facilities in Dutchess County for additional information.




      Long Term Care  

  • Where can I find information about long term care services available?

  • The long term care Resource Directory is designed to assist you in finding long term care services and information available in Dutchess County.




      Nutrition  

  • What types of nutrition services are available for seniors who are homebound?

  • The Office for the Aging offers Home Delivered Meals to homebound seniors.  Home visit assessments are made by personnel from the Nutrition Program to determine each person's eligibility. For more information contact the Office for the Aging Nutrition Department, (845) 486-2555, toll free (866) 486-2555 (outside 845 area code only). 


  • Where can my parent get a hot lunch and socialization?

  • We have 9 Friendship Centers located around the County.  The current month's mail menu is also available online.




      Personal Safety  

  • I'm concerned about my elderly neighbor who seems unable to care for him/herself adequately. Who can I call for assistance?

  • Contact Dutchess County Office for the Aging, 27 High Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601; Voice (845) 486-2555;   Fax (845) 486-2571; Toll Free (866) 486-2555 (outside 845 area code only); e-Mail ofa@co.dutchess.ny.us.


  • I know a senior who is being abused by their relative. Whom should I call?

  • Contact Protective Services for Adults. Phone: (845) 486-3300.
    For more information on the warning signs of elder abuse, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse Frequently Asked Questions.


  • How can I get a medical alert button?

  • A list of Life Line vendors who provide this service as well as other personal emergency response systems (PERS) is available on the Office for the Aging's Reassurance Programs web page or by calling DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555.




      Programs/Activities/Socialization  

  • Are there any upcoming events in Dutchess County that are geared towards senior citizens?

  • Visit Office for the Aging's Calendar of Events.


  • How do I locate the senior exercise sites and how do I obtain an application?

  • Information and applications for the senior exercise program are sent out by Office for the Aging.  Please call (845) 486-2555.   Locations of the classes can also be found online on the webpages of the Office for the Aging.  Visit our senior exercise program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section for additional information.


  • When and where are driving classes for seniors held?

  • Classes for the AARP-55 Alive driving program are held at various locations throughout the year.  For information on the next class near you, call toll-free (888) 227-7669.


  • What programs are available to seniors for socialization?

  • Friendship centers are located throughout the Dutchess County or contact DUTCHESS NY Connects at (845) 486-2555 for information regarding social day care programs.


  • What services are available for grandparents who are caregivers for their grandchildren?

  • For information, call Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555.  For additional resources and services, visit New York State Office for the Aging's Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children website at:  http://www.aging.ny.gov/




      Senior Legal Services  

  • Are there any legal services available to seniors who cannot afford a lawyer?

  • Office for the Aging provides legal services for seniors once a week to help with simple wills, health proxies, etc.  For more information contact Office for the Aging Reception at (845) 486-2555.




      Senior Tax Exemption Information  

  • Where can I find information about the types of property tax exemptions available to senior citizens?

  • View Local Options in Exemption Administration for Persons Over 65 for an explanation of the types of exemption options available to persons over 65.  You can also visit the website of the New York State Office of Real Property Services to access additional information regarding Senior Citizens' exemptions as well as downloadable application and renewal application forms.




      Senior/Disabled Transportation  

  • I am a disabled senior citizen, what transportation services are available?

  • The Dutchess County LOOP Bus System operates three (3) types of Paratransit Services that provide curb-to-curb service: an ADA Complementary Paratransit Service, a Dial-A-Ride program, and a Rural Paratransit Service. Each program has its own specific eligibility criteria and regulations.


  • What transportation is available to seniors who no longer drive for shopping and social activities?

  • Transportation available to seniors includes: Dial-A-Ride, the LOOP Bus, volunteer organizations, and churches.  For more information contact Office for the Aging Reception (845) 486-2555. 


  • Is there transportation available to seniors for medical appointments?

  • Some medical transportation is available for seniors.  Medicaid clients should call Medicaid Transportation at (845) 473-0813; a three-day notice is required.  Non-Medicaid clients should call Office for the Aging at (845) 486-2555.




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    Last Updated: 7/29/2005