Programs / Services Offered

For detailed information about the following programs, click on the Program Title.   

Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation

Washington County Office for Aging  (OFA) recognizes that older adults are at an increase risk for social isolation and loneliness. OFA works diligently to provide services, through our In-Home Contact and Support Program, to address the isolation and loneliness individuals are experience through our Robotic Companion Pets, Telephone Reassurance Programs and our newest program NYSOFA-ElliQ -Proactive Care Companion Technology.  

If someone has concerns or questions about their feelings of loneliness or know someone who is socially isolated, our staff can access them with an online tool called the Loneliness Scale. After completed a short series of questions, a summary is provided. This allows the person to evaluate their own situation and our staff can determine what services or programs that the individual would benefit from. 

Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program serving adults, age 18 or older who may be in need of protective services because: 

  • They have a physical or mental impairment
  • They can no longer protect themselves from neglect, abuse, or hazardous situations
  • They cannot provide for their most basic needs, for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care
  • They have no one willing or able to help in a responsible manner

APS can provide services to strengthen an adult's ability to live in the community for as long as possible. Referrals made to APS are kept confidential and cannot be released to the public. 

If you suspect that an individual, age 18 or older, meets the requirements above, you are encouraged to contact our Aging and Disability Resource Center and make a referral to our Adult Protective Services Unit (APS) at 1-800-848-3303. An APS worker will listen to your concerns and will walk you through the process.
 

Blind and/or Visually Impaired

In partnership with the Glens Falls Association for the Blind, we offer services dedicated to preventing blindness and promoting the well-being of blind and visually impaired persons in all ways. We are committed to equipping visually challenged individuals with the skills needed for an independent and productive life in the community.


Caregiver Support Services

Caregiver Support Services are designed to offer informal caregivers such as family, friends, and neighbors of all ages to carry out caregiving responsibilities. Caregiver support services provide information and assistance (case management), caregiver trainings, respite in the form of level 1 and level 2 personal care assistance, consumer directed in-home services, in-home contact and support services, social adult day services, supplemental services of transportation, caregiver meals, and personal emergency response services.

Get Set Up Program

In partnership with NYSOFA, the Association on Aging in NY purchased 50,000 licenses and with these licenses, older adults are offered the opportunity to access a variety of classes/courses for FREE on a virtual platform. 

Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program  

Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides information on low income programs such as Medicaid, the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program, Medicare Saving Programs, Low Income Subsidy- "Extra Help" prescription assistance and pharmacy discount programs. New York State has a number of programs for those with low incomes that make it easier to afford health insurance. These programs may pay part of your monthly costs, offer discounts or provide full medical coverage.   

Health Promotion

Health promotional services and activities that address chronic disease prevention and management, promote physical and mental health, improve/maintain a quality of life, increase awareness and understanding of a healthy lifestyle. 

Home Energy Assistance Program

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)  is a federally-funded seasonal program which assists eligible households who meet income guidelines, to receive a one time payment to help meet their home heating cost and heat related electric needs. Individual must apply annually, and the program is available to both homeowners and renters. 

Legal Services

This program allows access to the advice and services of a qualified attorney to Washington County residents age 60 and over who cannot afford legal services of their own.     

OFA Personal Care Services

Washington County office for Aging (OFA) contracts with several home care agencies to provide Level 1 and Level 2 in-home personal care assistance for Washington County residents age 60 and older who do NOT qualify for Medicaid. 

This is a case managed program that enables many frail older adults to remain in their home. The goal is to improve access to cost-effective, nonmedical in-home services and supports for non-Medicaid older adults who have functional impairments in the area of their activities of daily living. 

Ombudsman Program

Staff and trained volunteers are on-hand to receive, investigate and resolve concerns of, or on behalf of, the residents of long-term-care facilities.

Ombudsmen volunteers may visit the facilities regularly to:

  • Monitor the quality of care
  • Assist residents in understanding and exercising their rights
  • Assure care with dignity and respect
  • Encourage residents to express their opinions

Personal Emergency Response

The Personal Emergency Response Service (PERS) is provided to Washington County residents age 60 and older the utilization of an electronic device to alert appropriate people of the need for immediate assistance in the event of an emergency situation.   

Senior Medicare Program

The Senior Medicare Program (SMP) helps Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, and prevent healthcare fraud. In doing so they not only protect older persons, they also help preserve the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. 

Transportation

Transportation is a critical component in the array of services provided by Washington County Office for Aging (OFA). Many older adults utilize our transportation services to enable them to gain access to needed services and maintain their dignity, independence, and connection to their communities.