Some programs may have age restrictions, many do not (for
example, Food Pantry, LawHelp/NY, volunteers, Caregiver programs.) Please call for
specifics. In order to participate in any programs or to volunteer, an Intake
FormMUST be filled out first. Intake forms are available in
the Senior Services office or on this web site.
Responsibilities of Office
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 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.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 the first Friday of each
month. 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.
Social outings are outlined in a bi-monthly newsletter which is 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, option 4. 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
and for the frail and
homebound (transportation available), Meals on Wheels home delivery (weekdays
only), grocery shopping, food stamp assistance, community
Christmas dinner, Equinox Thanksgiving dinner, holiday baskets, "Dinners
Out", and nutrition counseling.
Bethlehem Food Pantry (no age restrictions): Available by appointment 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 and at certain times may have available a supply of food and
drug store gift certificates for special needs.
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 ($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.
Check the Senior Calendar web page or the
bi-monthly newsletter - weather permitting, Bethlehem Senior Transportation will provide you with an
afternoon chance to shop at the local Farmers' Market(s).
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 or 1174. 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, option 4 for an appointment.
Medicare Part D
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
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 or 1174, 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 or 1174.
WRAP: The Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program may help
persons age 60 and over who are Albany County residents with non-fuel related
problems or needs such as the insulation of walls or attics, weather stripping
and furnace assessment. 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.
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.
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 fourth 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, option 4.
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/volunteers/LTCOMB_program.htm
What is
Outreach? Outreach services provide intensive or direct
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 or 1174.
Health and Wellness programs, which include speakers,
interactive programs and displays, are held on Fridays during the months of January
through April from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Programs are held in Room 101 of
the Bethlehem Town Hall. All are welcome to attend.
Health Programs
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.
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 or 1174 for more information.
Health Related Screenings and Independent Living Displays
The Town of Bethlehem Senior Services Department and Bethlehem Senior Projects,
Inc. periodically sponsor health related screenings and displays at the
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave., Delmar, New York. The programs are
staffed by community volunteers and coordinated through Senior Services Outreach
Services. Blood pressures are taken by volunteer health professionals. Other
medical screenings are administered by qualified health care professionals. See the
Seniors calendar for specific dates and
when applicable, the brochure can be viewed and/or printed at
the paragraph entitled "Intake form, Newsletter,
Brochures, etc."
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 programs can be made by mail (preferred method), 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' web page or
Parks'
programs web page.
Daytime 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
Transitions
Your spouse has dementia. You visit. You go home. Your spouse
stays there. Other people provide the care. There are lots of
changes in both of your lives. How are you coping? Would it be
helpful to talk with others in similar situations? Bethlehem Senior
Services and the Alzheimer's Association are co-sponsoring a monthly support
group geared specifically to people who have spouses living in facilities.
The group is open to anyone in the Capital District who is able to come to the
Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar on the first Thursday of each
month from 10:30 a.m. until noon. For more information, call Jane Sanders,
LMSW at 439-4955, extension
1174 or e-mail
Caregivers Support Group
Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and held at the Delmar Presbyterian
Church, 585 Delaware Avenue, Delmar; held on the third Wednesday of the month at
2:30 p.m. Call the Alzheimer's Association at 438-2217 for more
information.
The Caregiver Connection
A program sponsored by Senior Services of Albany with funding from the Albany
County Department of Aging which offers free counseling and information and
referral services to anyone who resides in Albany County and is caring for an
older relative or who does not reside in Albany County but is caring for someone
who resides in Albany County. The program includes an initial
consultation, either by phone or in person, followed by a personalized packet of
pertinent information and then a follow-up call within two weeks. If the
person cared for qualifies, financial assistance is available for respite
services such as Adult Day Care, Home Delivered Meals, Telephone Caregivers
Support Group and Personal Emergency Response System. For more
information, call Laurie Milward, Eldercare Counselor, Senior Services of
Albany, at 465-1398.
Telephone Reassurance Program
A program sponsored through the American Red Cross, provides the opportunity to
socialize by telephone with someone who cares. It allows individuals to
remain in contact with their community and help to decrease the feeling of
loneliness and isolation. If you would like to receive Telephone
Reassurance calls, please contact the Office of Volunteers at the American Red
Cross of Northeastern New York at 458-8111.
Community Caregivers
provides free short-term assistance by trained volunteers for acute and
chronically ill people of all ages. The program can provide short term
assistance with such services as shopping, assistance to family caregivers, meal
preparation and delivery, light housekeeping, home repairs, yard work and visits
to the homebound. For information, call the Community Caregivers at
218-1167.
Caregiver Assistance News
A statewide newsletter developed solely for the 1.7 million New Yorkers caring
for older adults or persons with disabilities by the New York State Coalition
for the Aging (NYSCA.) The newsletter is adapted for family caregivers in
a simple, reader friendly monthly newsletter enabling them to do their job with
confidence, pride and a level of competence. Each issue of Caregiver
Assistance News has a main theme such as nutrition, equipment and supplies
or skin care. Monthly content will also include caregiver self-care
tips. Copies are available in the pamphlet rack in the Bethlehem Senior
Services office.
Bethlehem Senior Services Outreach Workers can provide a variety of
informational resources for caregivers including the programs listed
above. Resources on adult day care programs, meals on wheels, and care
facilities are also available. Please call 439-4955, extension 1173 or
1174.
Catholic Charities Caregiver Support Services
An agency of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, with one simple
mission - to make life better for those who care for friends and relatives in
need by providing respite services, information and assistance, social work
services, and support groups. The Elder Caregiving Program supports
caregivers as they care for their older spouses, parents and friends.
Annual grants are available to help fund home care, adult day care and
facility-based services to help caregivers cope with the physical, emotional and
financial strains of their responsibility. A registered nurse is available
to provide wellness and prevention information. The Kinship Care
Program focuses on supporting grandparents and relatives raising
children. For more information, please call 449-2001.
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. President: Marie Privler,
439-4573.
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. President: Carolyn Karp, 463-1080.
Second Milers a retired men's club meets monthly for lunch and speaker.
President: Thomas W. O’Connor, 439-0313.
Contact Senior Services for referrals to local classes
for seniors, discount passes, church activities.
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.
www.ElderNetworkNY.org
-- This website informs seniors, families, caregivers and care managers about the vast
array of community services, providers and resources throughout New York's
Capital Region.
Aging Well Village - 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/volunteers/LTCOMB_program.htm
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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