The Senior Services
Department provides information and referrals to
services and programs for independently living residents of the Town of
Bethlehem age 60 and older. Some programs may have age restrictions, many
do not (for example, the Bethlehem Food Pantry, Bethlehem
Senior Volunteer Program, Caregiver programs and information, Health, Safety and
Wellness Programs and Information and Referrals) Please call for specifics. In
order to participate in any programs or to volunteer, an Intake
FormMUST be completed. Intake forms are available
in the Senior Services office or on
this web site.
Transportation
As a
cooperative effort, Bethlehem Senior Services and Bethlehem Senior Projects,
Inc. provide transportation for independently living Town residents, age 60 and
over, to medical and dental appointments, for therapy, groceries and clinic
appointments and to a variety of pre-scheduled social and recreational
programs. Community volunteers assist with van reservations and drive the
vehicles. Currently, the service utilizes eight vehicles;
three vehicles are handicapped accessible for "curb to curb"
transports. Call as early as possible after making a medical
appointment to arrange transportation. Reservations can be made by calling 439-5770,
Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Transportation is available Monday
through Friday starting at 8:00 a.m. Residents are encouraged NOT to make
appointments after 2:00 p.m. No fees are charged, but donations are suggested
and posted in the vehicles.
Bethlehem Senior Transportation offers transportation to the Department
of Motor Vehicles on South Pearl Street in Albany on an as-needed basis. Transportation
destinations such as grocery shopping, monthly trips to shopping malls and
social outings are pre-scheduled and are listed in the Senior Services
newsletter which is available in the Senior Services office, on the senior
transportation vehicles, and on this web site. Contact the Senior
Services Department for referrals to other community
transportation services.
A variety of social programs such as dinners, theater
outings, day trips, boat trips, monthly shopping center trips, picnics, movies,
sports, etc. are pre-scheduled and outlined in a bi-monthly newsletter available
in the Senior Services office the first working day of every other month and is also
available on this web site. Reservations for
Bethlehem Senior Services social programs are available on a first come, first
served basis in person in the Senior Services office, 445 Delaware Avenue,
Delmar or by calling 439-4955, extension 1176. Payment for program participation
should be received at the time of sign up. Individuals with special needs
or who require assistance to participate in senior programs should indicate
those needs at the time of sign up.
Congregate meals and social programs for those age 60 and over, Meals on Wheels home delivery, grocery shopping, food stamp assistance, community
Christmas dinner, Equinox Thanksgiving dinner, holiday baskets and "Dinners
Out" are available. Call for details.
Bethlehem Food Pantry (no age restrictions) is available to Town of
Bethlehem residents by appointment only for emergency or temporary food
needs. The Bethlehem Food Pantry is located at the Town Hall, 445 Delaware
Avenue, Delmar. It is run through Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. with
help from Bethlehem Senior Services Outreach workers and is kept stocked through the
generosity of individuals and groups within the community. Senior Services
volunteers keep the shelves in order. To make an appointment, call
439-4955, extension 1173, 1174 or 1175.
Farmer's Market Coupons:
(Seasonal) The New York State Farmers' Market Nutrition
Program helps limited income persons buy locally grown fresh fruits and
vegetables at nearby farmers' markets. Bethlehem Senior Services will have
coupon booklets of approximately $20.00 available free if you are eligible for one of the
following programs: HEAP, Food Stamps, Medicaid, SSI, live in Section 8
housing. If you are interested in receiving coupon booklets, please call
439-4955, extension 1170 to add your name to the interest list. Coupon
booklets are usually available in July.
Look at the Senior Calendar web page or the
bi-monthly newsletter for transportation outings on selected weeks at the local Farmers'
Market.
Extra Helpings Program: Extra Helpings is a cooperative buying
program which provides a pre-selected menu of groceries to individuals through a
host site. Extra Helpings has been in operation for over 12 years. There
are no income limits for this program. Food is purchased at wholesale
prices. Regular and special menu orders range between $10.00 and $30.00
and consists of first quality,
wholesome foods. Purchase as many orders as you like with no obligation to
purchase monthly. For information about this program, call 439-4955,
extension 1173, 1174 or 1175. Senior Transportation is available to the New
Scotland site each month.
Food Stamps: Food stamps can
increase the amount of money you have available to purchase food each
month. For those who qualify, benefits are received and available electronically at the
check-out in the grocery store. You may own a house and/or a car. No
lien will be placed on either. Bethlehem Senior Services Outreach workers
will be happy to assist you with applications and/or an appointment to see a
Department of Social Services worker at the Town Hall on the second Monday of
the month. Call 439-4955, extension 1176 for an appointment.
Medicare Part D
Prescription Assistance, AARP Income Tax
Assistance, HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), WRAP (Weatherization
Referral Assistance Program), Legal Assistance, Medicaid Assistance, Medicare buy-in
information, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) information, Bethlehem Food
Pantry, Food Stamp certification site, Medicare forms assistance, and Telephone Lifeline
Discount certification site.
HEAP: The Home Energy Assistance Program helps individuals on
fixed or low incomes with energy related bills. Senior Service Outreach
workers provide assistance filling out applications for Town residents age 60 or
over. If you have received HEAP in the past and choose to fill out your
own application, please consider letting us know so that we can alert you to
other programs for which you may be eligible. For more information regarding HEAP, contact Cornell Cooperative
Extension/CHOICES, Faith Plaza, Route 9W, Ravena, NY 12143, 756-8650,
Senior Services Outreach at 439-4955 ext. 1173, 1174 or 1175, or the Albany County
website at http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/dss/programs_services.asp?id=186
(scroll down for HEAP information) which includes income guidelines and an online application form.
Persons under age 60 may make appointments for HEAP assistance at the
Bethlehem Town Hall at monthly scheduled sessions. Call for information,
439-4955 extension 1173, 1174 or 1175.
WRAP: The Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program may help
persons age 60 and over who are Albany County residents with needs such as the insulation of walls or attics, weather stripping
and furnace improvement. Your household must be eligible for the Home
Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). If you own your own home or trailer or
live in an apartment building and pay for your heat separately (up to four
units), you may be eligible for free assistance. For more information,
contact the Senior Services Department at 439-4955 extension 1173, 1174 or 1175.
Lifeline Telephone Discount: Telephone companies provide a
service to help low income customers save more than $100 per year on their local
telephone bills. If you are eligible for Food Stamp Assistance, Medicaid,
SSI or HEAP,
you may be eligible for a significant discount on your telephone bill each
month. For more information, contact the Senior Services Department at
439-4955 extension 1173, 1174 or 1175.
Albany County Senior Legal
Services Program Town of Bethlehem residents, age 60 and older, can
take advantage of the Albany County Senior Legal Services Program at the Senior
Services Department at Town Hall on the second Thursday of each month. The program is staffed by a
full-time attorney through the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York and
can provide representation and/or referrals as appropriate on a variety of legal
issues facing seniors in the community. The program is free of charge but
appointments are required. For more information or to make an appointment,
please contact the Senior Services Department at 439-4955, extension 1176.
Contact the Senior Services Department for lists of independent housing units, nursing and
adult homes, adult day care, respite programs, home-sharing, and other housing information.
A Housing Options booklet is available on this web site, see
below.
Albany County Rural Housing Alliance (ACRHA) is an independent,
not-for-profit, HUD certified housing counseling and community development
agency servicing Albany County. ACRHA, located in Voorheesville, NY, was
incorporated in 1982 and has promoted home ownership through education,
counseling and grant programs for over 20 years. In addition, ACRHA
develops, rehabilitates and restores buildings and residences. Families of
low and moderate-income levels are emphasized, however, no one in need is ever
turned away. All of Albany County Rural Housing Alliance's counseling and
grant services are free. ACRHA offers
Housing counseling, both one-on-one or in a classroom setting, covering credit repair, budgeting, saving,
home post-purchase, reverse mortgages for senior citizens, and foreclosure
prevention
Grant assistance
HOME program for single family home rehabilitation
AHC Home Repair covers a portion of the cost of needed repairs for owner
occupied dwellings
RESTORE is an emergency home repair program for seniors when State
funding is available
A small member item grant is also used for emergency repairs
The American Red Cross
of Northeastern New York is sponsoring the New York State Office for the
Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). An "ombudsman"
is an advocate who speaks on behalf of others. The Long Term Care
Ombudsman works on behalf of a resident of a nursing home or adult care facility
to resolve complaints. The Ombudsman is certified by the New York State
Office for the Aging to hear concerns from residents, families, friends and
personnel. This trained volunteer then works to investigate and resolve
complaints. The program's mission is to help protect the health, safety,
welfare, and rights of long term care residents. For more information, or
if you know someone who may be interested in becoming an Ombudsman, please
contact Ken Chappell, Program Coordinator, at the American Red Cross of NENY at
458-8111, extension 3006. Visit
http://www.redcrossneny.org/SENIORS_AND_YOUTH/Omsbudsman Program.asp
What is
Outreach? Social workers provide
information and referrals to services and programs for individuals and
families in accordance
with prescribed programs of the Senior Services Department.
Outreach
programs and services may be explained by
telephone, by a pre-arranged office conference or during a visit to
your home.
Outreach workers can provide information and assistance with many programs
including community resources, care-giving issues, flu shots, health fairs, nutrition counseling
information, community loan closet equipment, File of Life, legal assistance,
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), Bethlehem Food Pantry, WRAP (Weatherization
Referral Assistance Program), assistance with Food Stamp certification,
assistance with Telephone Lifeline, SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
information, EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage), Medicare Part D
and Medicare Premium Savings plans (QMB and SLMB)
information. For more information or to set up an appointment, please call
439-4955, extension 1173, 1174 or 1175.
Health and Wellness programs, which include speakers,
interactive programs and displays, are held on Fridays during the months of January
through March from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Programs are held at the Bethlehem Town Hall. All are welcome to attend.
Other Available Health Programs, including
Home visits, Outreach, blood pressure screenings and flu shot clinics scheduled
periodically at Town Hall, EPIC forms, Community Loan Closet for short-term loan
of some medical equipment, File of Life, Emergency Alert, caregiver programs,
information and referrals, other aids and resources are available through
Bethlehem Senior Services.
EPIC: Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage is a program
which can help income eligible persons age 65 and over with their prescription
costs. Depending on your income, you either pay an annual fee (fee plan)
or meet an annual deductible (deductible plan.) Call 439-4955 extension
1173, 1174 or 1175 for more information.
Senior Discussion Group
The Senior Discussion Group, facilitated by a Senior Services Social Worker,
targets current news events, human interest stories and reminisces about the
past. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30 a.m.
until noon at the Bethlehem Town Hall. Transportation can be arranged by
calling 439-4955, extension 1176.
Fitness for Seniors
The Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of options
for maintaining physical fitness. A brochure outlining senior exercise
programs is available in the Senior Services office. Registration for
Parks and Recreation activities can be made
on-line, by mail or in person at the Parks
and Recreation Department office at 261 Elm Avenue, Delmar or by calling the
Parks office at 439-4955, option 3, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Registration forms are available on the
Parks
and Recreation Department's web page; click on "Activity Information and
Registration". Non-residents are welcome, too, so bring a friend!
Dementia Caregivers Support Group
Are you caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia? Do
you want to share your concerns, successes, and frustrations with others who
will understand? Sometimes it is helpful to share your thoughts and
concerns within a safe and supportive environment. There is a caregivers support group waiting for
you. Please join the monthly daytime group in Delmar at the Bethlehem Town
Hall, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each
month from 10:30 a.m. until noon. The group is co-sponsored by Bethlehem
Senior Services and the Alzheimer's Association. For more information,
call 439-4955, extension 1174 or e-mail
The Bethlehem Senior Volunteer Program is an integral part of the senior
services office. Participants in the volunteer program are matched with
their abilities and job preferences. Volunteer jobs may include: clerical work,
van or car driver, van assistant, congregate meal helper, “Meals on Wheels”
delivery, garden bounty, food pantry, project volunteers and assistance to other town
offices and programs.
In addition to community volunteers of all ages, college interns and community
groups assist the Senior Volunteer Program. Student and community groups do such things as:
sort food in the Bethlehem Food Pantry, clean and wash senior vehicles, assist
transportation drivers with grocery shopping and evening and week-end social
programs.
A listing of volunteer opportunities is available in the Senior Services
office and on this website or call the department for details.
Bethlehem Senior Citizens meets Thursdays at 1 p.m. in Town Hall
Auditorium to provide social interaction and support for senior citizens.
Activities include cards, games, bingo and conversation. A bi-monthly newsletter
is available in the senior services office.
Sunshine Senior Citizens meets the second Monday of each month at noon
at the First Reformed Church on Route 9W in Glenmont to bring together people
age 55 and older for social activities, community service and sharing of mutual
interests.
Second Milers a retired men's club meets monthly for lunch and
speaker.
Contact Senior Services contact persons for the above groups at 439-4955,
extension 1176..
The Senior Services newsletter, Intake form, and several brochures are available for viewing
or printing on-line. These require Adobe Acrobat to be read. The
Acrobat reader can be downloaded for free at Adobe's web site by clicking on
the "Get Acrobat" logo below.
New York State Office for the
Aging - A public service to older New Yorkers, their families and others. Find help, explore
aging, discover news and events, help family caregivers link to more resources.
Albany
County Department of Aging - Web pages designed for older New
Yorkers, their families and those concerned about providing opportunities
and services to enrich the lives of senior citizens, and to promote their
independence.
Health Insurance Information, Counseling and
Assistance - Free, accurate and unbiased consumer help with Medicare, managed care,
Medigap insurance, long term care insurance and more, for Medicare beneficiaries, their
families and others.
Aging
Well - Health and
wellness for mature adults seeking to start or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Nutrition, fitness, healing, medications, safety and more.
Umbrella -
A nonprofit agency helping senior citizens and persons with disabilities
keep the two things they cherish most... their homes and their independence.
Umbrella strongly supports the "Aging at home" philosophy and is
committed to the idea of seniors helping seniors gain confidence to live
comfortably and independently in their own home for as long as desirable
and practical. Through their program of quality home maintenance, with
special emphasis on prevention, Umbrella is helping senior citizen and
disabled homeowners to regain confidence that often leads to greater
independence, self satisfaction, peace of mind and improved overall
health.
AARP - AARP (American Association of
Retired Persons) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to addressing
the needs and interests of persons 50 and older. Through information and
education, advocacy and service, they seek to enhance the quality of life for
all by promoting independence, dignity and purpose.
Albany County Rural Housing Alliance, Inc. -
Albany County Rural Housing Alliance (ACRHA) is a
not for profit, tax exempt organization. It was formed to develop, rehabilitate
and restore buildings and residences in rural and suburban Albany County in an
effort to increase the quality and quantity of housing available to citizens of
low and moderate income status; and to provide technical assistance and
educational programs to citizens, organizations and local governments concerning
housing programs and opportunities. http://www.acrha.org
The American Red Cross
of Northeastern New York is sponsoring the New York State Office for the
Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). An "ombudsman"
is an advocate who speaks on behalf of others. The Long Term Care
Ombudsman works on behalf of a resident of a nursing home or adult care facility
to resolve complaints. The Ombudsman is certified by the New York State
Office for the Aging to hear concerns from residents, families, friends and
personnel. This trained volunteer then works to investigate and resolve
complaints. The program's mission is to help protect the health, safety,
welfare, and rights of long term care residents. For more information, or
if you know someone who may be interested in becoming an Ombudsman, please
contact Ken Chappell, Program Coordinator, at the American Red Cross of NENY at
458-8111, extension 3006. Visit
http://www.redcrossneny.org/SENIORS_AND_YOUTH/Omsbudsman Program.asp
NY Connects
- Albany County
NY Connects is a trusted program where anyone who needs long term care information services, their family
members and helping professionals can get the information they need to make informed decisions about long
term care as well as the assistance needed in linking with services.
NYS Crime Victims Board
The New York State Crime Victims Board (CVB) is here to help you in a number of ways as you, a family
member, or friend cope with victimization from a crime.
Seniors Teaching and Reading Out to Students (STARS) Program - This
program serves A.W. Becker Elementary School in Selkirk and P.B. Coeymans School
in Ravena providing volunteer opportunities for seniors who enjoy working with
children. The STARS program recruits seniors to provide academic
assistance to students in the classroom setting, giving children individualized
attention and leading small groups as directed by the teacher. Senior
volunteers also are needed to help Homework Club students work on reading
skills. A $5 hourly
stipend is available for interested individuals. For further information,
contact Stars Intergen Corporation at (518) 439-1505 or kharmon@nycap.rr.com.
Winston Norek Memorial Fund The Winston Norek Memorial Fund may
be able to help you and your pet. There is money available to assist low
income senior citizens with the cost of their animals' veterinary care.
Money is allocated on a case-by-case basis by the board of directors. In
most cases, payments are made directly to the treating veterinarian. The
ability to assist seniors and their animals depends on how much money is in the
fund at the time the request is received. For information or assistance,
please call Jane Sanders at 439-4955, extension 1174.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program The Mohawk and Hudson River
Humane Shelter (MHRHS) at 3 Oakland Avenue in Menands has a low cost spay/neuter
program for cats and dogs. Vaccinations are available for an additional
charge. All surgeries will be performed at the MHRHS Shelter.
Verification of eligibility will be necessary before the surgery can be
scheduled - individual income of $25,000 per year or less, family income of
$35,000 per year or less, or receiving Public Assistance, SSI, Medicaid, Child
Health Plus or Family Health Plus. For more information, leave a message
at (518) 434-8128, extension 217 or visit their web site a http://www.mohawkhumanesociety.org/
LawHelp/NY Helping low-income New
Yorkers solve legal problems. LawHelp
(http://www.LawHelp.org/NY)
is an on-line, legal information
clearinghouse that provides low-income people throughout the State of New York
with referrals to free legal services, information about their legal rights,
links to social services and government agencies and information about the
court system. The website matches a potential client with appropriate
referrals and materials, based on place of residence and type of legal problem,
and has the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of New York legal services
providers available.
Town of Bethlehem: 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054 Ph: 518.439.4955
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