Find local help in Albany County
59 programs
2-1-1A free, confidential line for emergency food, housing, clothing and other help. Call 211 to reach a trained specialist who can connect you with local services.Albany County - NY ConnectsA trusted place to ask about long-term services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Staff explain what is available, what it costs and how to apply, with no income test.Albany County Adult Protective ServicesTakes reports about adults 18 and older who are being mistreated, neglected or exploited and cannot protect themselves. Caseworkers investigate, assess risk, make a care plan and can take legal action.Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence CenterFree, confidential help for crime victims: information, referrals, counseling and criminal advocacy. A 24-hour sexual assault hotline is staffed around the clock.Albany County Department for AgingThe county office for people 60 and older and their families. It runs the area's aging programs, answers questions and connects people to services that help them stay independent at home.Albany Guardian SocietyClasses, directories and information for older adults and their families in the Capital Region, including a housing directory and technology classes.Alzheimer's AssociationInformation, support and resources for people living with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, and for their families and caregivers.Community CaregiversVolunteers help older adults stay in their own homes in the hill towns and nearby towns: visits, rides, shopping, meals and help with paperwork and yard work.Community Hospice Grief and Bereavement SupportFree grief support for anyone who has lost a family member or friend, whether or not the person was a Community Hospice patient.Equinox Elder Abuse ProjectCounseling, case management, shelter and legal advocacy for older victims of domestic abuse. The 24-hour hotline is answered around the clock.Farmers' Market Coupon BooksCoupon books worth $20 for fresh produce at participating farmers markets. A limited supply is handed out each summer to senior centers and groups.Free Cancer ScreeningsA state line that connects people to free breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and support services.Friendly Visitor and Shopping AssistanceA volunteer is matched with you for weekly visits and help with shopping. The program is for older people who are mostly homebound, isolated and without enough support to get out.Hearing Loss Association of America - Albany ChapterA volunteer organization for people with hearing loss. It offers education, advocacy, information about technology and social opportunities.HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program)Free, unbiased help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, EPIC, long-term care insurance and other coverage. Trained staff and volunteers compare plans, explain penalties and help fix billing problems.Housing Options for Senior AdultsA guide to subsidized and market-rate housing, adult homes, retirement communities, assisted living and nursing homes in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.Legal Counseling & AssistanceFree civil legal help for Albany County residents 60 and older. An attorney gives advice and representation on benefits, housing, home repair, consumer fraud, elder abuse and related issues.Long Term Care Ombudsman ProgramAdvocates for people who live in nursing homes and adult care facilities in Albany, Schenectady and Montgomery counties. Ombudsmen explain residents' rights and work to resolve complaints about care.MedicaidHealth coverage for people with limited income and resources, including help with long-term care costs. County staff take applications and answer questions about spend-down.Medicaid TransportationRides to medical appointments for people covered by Medicaid. Call the regional line to schedule a trip.Medicare Savings Programs and Extra HelpPrograms that help pay Medicare costs for people with limited income: Part B premiums, deductibles, co-pays and prescription drug plan costs. HIICAP can check which program fits and help with the application.National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)Support for people who care for a family member, friend or neighbor without pay: counseling, training, respite and help finding services. The program serves caregivers 18 and older, and people 55 and older who live with and care for a child or an adult with a disability.Northeast Association for the BlindInformation, assistance and referrals for people with visual impairments.Nursing Home Complaint LineA state line for complaints about care in a nursing home. Call to report a concern or to ask about a facility's complaint history.Patient Advocate FoundationFree help for patients who are having trouble getting care, keeping a job or staying financially stable because of a serious illness.Reverse Mortgage CounselingFree, unbiased counseling about reverse mortgages and home equity for homeowners who want to stay in their homes on a limited income.SilverSneakersA fitness benefit included in more than 65 Medicare health plans. Participating health plans and group retirement plans provide a gym membership, usually at no additional cost.SNAP and the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP)Help applying for SNAP food benefits, which add money to your monthly grocery budget. NOEP staff check what you may receive, help with the application and prepare you for the interview.The Food Pantries of the Capital DistrictHelps you find the food pantry that serves your address. Call with your current address and staff will direct you to the nearest pantry.United Tenants of AlbanyA nonprofit that works with individuals and communities to promote and preserve safe, decent and affordable housing for renters.CDTA ACCESSRides for Albany County residents 60 and older who have no other way to get to vital appointments: dialysis, medical visits, adult day programs, meal sites, grocery stores and pharmacies.Congregate DiningA hot meal and company at dining sites around the county. The suggested contribution is $3, and no one is turned away for not paying. Call the site at least a day ahead to reserve a place.Home Delivered MealsOne or two balanced meals brought to the homes of older people who cannot shop or cook for themselves. The service may be temporary or long term, and contributions are suggested but not required.Nutrition CounselingOne-on-one help from the county's registered dietitian nutritionist: an assessment and a plan for eating well with a health condition. Appointments can be at home or by phone.EISEP (Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program)Help at home for people 60 and older who need a hand with daily tasks but do not get Medicaid. A case manager makes a plan and arranges aides for housekeeping, meals, shopping and personal care.Access to Home ProgramMoney to make a home accessible for a resident with a disability: ramps, wider doors and other changes that let someone stay in or return to their own home.Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)Helps pay heating bills and heating emergencies for households with lower incomes. It can also help with a furnace repair or replacement.NYSERDA EmPower+Help making a home more energy efficient for households with low or moderate incomes. The work can lower energy use and utility bills.USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans and GrantsGrants and low-interest loans for home repairs in rural parts of Albany County. People 62 and older can receive a grant of up to $7,500; loans of up to $20,000 are available to homeowners of any age.NYSERDA Energy Efficiency LoansReduced-interest loans for certain energy-efficiency improvements at home, with terms up to 10 years.CDTA Half Fare Navigator CardA photo ID card that lets riders 65 and older, and people with disabilities, pay half the regular fare on CDTA fixed-route buses.STAR Bus ParatransitParatransit for people who cannot use CDTA's fixed-route buses at some or all times because of a disability or impairment. Riders apply and are certified first.Umbrella of ColonieLow-cost home maintenance and other help for older adults and people with disabilities who live in the Town of Colonie.Umbrella of the Capital DistrictLow-cost home and garden maintenance for older adults and people with disabilities. Members pay a yearly fee plus an hourly rate for the work.AARP Driver Safety ProgramA six-hour online or in-person course for people 50 and older that reinforces safe driving skills. Courses are offered in English, Spanish and Chinese, and AARP membership is not required.Adult Day CareStructured daytime programs for people 60 and older who are frail or have memory loss. The programs offer activities and a meal, and give a family caregiver a break.Albany County Mental Health ServicesMental health services for adults, including a Senior Support Team for people over 55. The team helps with medication therapy, supportive counseling, referrals and group therapy.Bright Horizons Social Adult Day ProgramsA social adult day program listed by the county. Call or visit the program's page for hours, activities and cost.Caregiver Support ProgramsA range of help for spouses, adult children, other family members, friends and neighbors caring for an older person. Some services need an in-home assessment first.Cohoes CompanionsA social adult day program in Cohoes with planned activities, a meal and supervision during the day, Monday through Friday.Colonie Senior Services CentersA social adult day program in Colonie with planned activities, a meal and supervision during the day, Monday through Friday.Driver Fitness CenterA program that helps older adults drive safely and stay connected to an active lifestyle.EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage)A state program that helps people 65 and older pay for prescription drugs. EPIC supplements other drug coverage, including Medicare Part D.Fitness Programs for Older AdultsA list of gyms and fitness centers in Albany County. Some Medicare health plans include a SilverSneakers membership at participating locations.Health & Wellness ProgramsClasses that help older adults build healthier habits: fall prevention, sleep, healthy eating, hydration and financial fitness. The county also provides nutrition counseling and monthly nutrition handouts.LifePathA social adult day program in Albany with planned activities, a meal and supervision during the day, Monday through Friday.Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)A button you wear or keep nearby that calls for help when you press it. The county helps caregivers arrange one, and an in-home assessment is required.Senior HopeAn outpatient treatment clinic for people 50 and older who are struggling with alcohol, drugs or prescription medicine. Services include evaluation, case management, counseling and support.Town Senior TransportationSeveral towns run their own rides for older residents, separate from CDTA ACCESS. Call the town line for the area where you live.