By Dana Corwin

There is so much going on in the world and it is difficult to know what is available and what is not. Ads on TV, Facebook and word of mouth can sometimes mislead people when looking for help.

Sometimes you need a trusted source to help you navigate to what you need right then and there!

Chautauqua NY Connects is here for just that purpose. We are here to help you find information and assistance in finding care in your community. Finding services and programs that help people in the community manage daily needs is what we do. It is easy to access, you can call, e-mail, or do your own research on the NY Connects state directory at www.nyconnects.ny.gov

The Eldercare locater is a public service from the U.S. administration on Aging that can help you narrowing down to any state/local agencies you may need.

If you are looking for someone out of your state or area-this is a great tool to use. You can visit them at www.eldercare.acl.gov

Long term care and services are not just nursing homes. Many people can/do live well in their communities with programs, services, and supports designed to keep them in their own homes and communities.

It can include a variety of services designed to meet peoples care needs either for a short time or ongoing. The good news is that there are options! Not every plan is the same for everyone. It depends on you and your unique situations. These services might be assistance with your personal care, nutrition, home delivered meals, safety concerns, socialization wants/needs, and social adult day services. These services are offered in many ways, some with a fee and some without-it depends on your unique set of circumstances.

Another great resource is the New York state website MyBenefits. This is an on-line tool for New Yorkers to check and see if they are eligible and even apply for many human services benefit programs. Visit www.mebenefits.ny.gov You can put in your information and see if you are eligible for programs like Home energy assistance program (HEAP) and supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), Medicaid weatherization programs, special tax credits, temporary assistance, elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage(EPIC), women, infants, & children(WIC), and many more programs. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Don’t wait and see what is going to happen-plan on having a conversation with Chautauqua NY Connects today. Our goal is to help individuals remain in their homes for as long as they can. NY Connects serves people of all ages. Our staff can provide you with information and assistance for things you may need right now or help you plan for later down the road. Chautauqua County NY Connects is a program brought to the community by the Chautauqua County department of health and human Services and the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. Our number is 716-753-4582 and our e-mail is CCNYC@co.chautauqua.ny.us

NY Connects is your trusted place to go for free, unbiased information and assistance.