Find local help in Broome County
65 programs
2-1-1 / First Call for HelpA free helpline that connects people to local food, housing, utility, health and other services.Adult Protective ServicesHelps adults 18 and older who are mentally or physically impaired and can no longer protect themselves from neglect, abuse or exploitation. Referrals can be anonymous.Alzheimer's Association, Central New York ChapterSupport groups, care options and education for families and caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or other dementia. A 24/7 helpline is available.Alzheimer's Caregiver Respite ProgramA break at no cost for caregivers of a person with memory loss, up to 120 hours per year.Broome County NY ConnectsA single place to ask about long-term services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Staff explain options and help with applications.Broome County Office for AgingThe county office for older adults and their families. It runs NY Connects, senior centers, meals, in-home help, caregiver support and benefits assistance.Broome County Veterans Service AgencyCounseling and help applying for veterans benefits, including disability compensation, pensions, health care, education and burial benefits.Food Bank of the Southern TierA regional food bank with a mobile food pantry at different locations a few times a month.Four Seasons ClubA social club for adults living with mental health challenges, with peer connection and life-skills support.Getthere Transportation Call CenterHelps older adults and caregivers find and use transportation options, including travel training.HIICAP - Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance ProgramFree, unbiased help with Medicare, supplemental plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Savings Programs and Part D drug plans. Counselors also help with claims and appeals.Kinship Care ProgramHelp for relatives raising someone else's child, including advocacy with DSS and Family Court and help applying for free services.Legal Aid Society of Mid-New YorkFree legal help for Broome County residents 60 and older with simple wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, living wills, simple real estate and income matters.LGBT National Senior HotlinePeer support, information and local resources for LGBTQ+ older adults. Free and confidential.LGBTQ+ Social Group for Older AdultsA monthly social group for LGBTQ+ older adults at the Johnson City Senior Center, with speakers and a chance to meet people.Long-Term Care Ombudsman ProgramAdvocates for people living in nursing homes, assisted living and adult care homes. Volunteers visit, listen to concerns and help resolve complaints.MHAST Warm LineA free, confidential phone line staffed by peers for mental health support when someone is struggling but not in immediate crisis. Answered 24/7.Office for Aging Caregiver ServicesCounseling, workshops, support groups, referrals and information about respite for people caring for an older adult. Home visits are available when requested.Office for Aging Exercise ClassesIn-person and online classes including chair exercise, Tai Chi for beginners, Bingocize and Walk with Ease. Advanced registration is required for most classes.Office for Aging Health and Wellness ProgramsExercise, health screenings, nutrition counseling and evidence-based programs at senior centers and online.Property and School Tax ReliefInformation on STAR, the senior property tax exemption and the IT-214 rebate. Age and income rules vary by program and locality.Road to Recovery ProgramVolunteer rides to cancer treatment appointments for patients who have no one to take them.Virtual Senior Center ProgramFree online classes and activities for Broome County residents 60 and older, including history, arts and crafts, computer training and exercise.Meals on Wheels (Office for Aging)A hot lunch and cold supper delivered by volunteers Monday through Friday to homebound older adults who cannot prepare meals and have no one to help them.Senior Center MealsA hot lunch at eight senior centers around the county. People 60 and older and their spouses can dine for a suggested contribution; no one is turned away for inability to pay.Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP)State-funded in-home help for older adults who need a few hours of support each week. A case worker assesses needs and coordinates services; aide availability varies.Ramp It Up ProgramBuilds wheelchair ramps for seniors and people with disabilities in Broome County using volunteer crews. Applications are accepted year-round; builds happen in the summer.Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)A New York State program that helps people 65 and older with Medicare Part D drug costs. Income limits apply.Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR)Repairs or replaces a home's primary furnace when it is not working or not safe. Chimney, venting and oil tank work may also be covered.Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)A once-per-season payment to a fuel vendor for homeowners or renters paying for heat. Renters whose heat is included may get a renter's benefit.Medicare Savings ProgramsPrograms that help pay Medicare Part B premiums and, for some, co-pays and deductibles. Income limits apply.NYSEG Energy Assistance Program (EAP)A monthly credit on NYSEG bills for customers who receive HEAP, plus limited help with past-due balances.NYSERDA EmPower PlusNo-cost energy efficiency upgrades for households that meet the income rules, including LED lighting, refrigerators, air sealing and insulation.Project SHARE Heating FundUp to $200 toward a heating fuel expense for NYSEG or RG&E customers with a shutoff notice or less than a 10-day fuel supply.Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)Monthly food benefits on an electronic card. People 60 and older can use SNAP at senior center meals and Meals on Wheels.Supplemental Security Income (SSI)Monthly cash benefits for people 65 and older, blind or disabled who have low income and limited assets.Weatherization Assistance ProgramFree weatherization help for Broome and Tioga County residents who meet the income rules, including insulation, air sealing and heating efficiency work.USDA Rural Development Section 504 Home RepairLow-interest 1% loans to very-low-income homeowners and grants to people 62 and older for home repairs.BC CountryCurb-to-curb rides for rural Broome County residents traveling to urban areas. Buses have wheelchair lifts; reservations are required.BC LiftCurb-to-curb service for people with disabilities in urban Broome County who cannot use regular buses. Certification and reservations are required.BC Transit Fixed Route BusesScheduled bus routes across the Broome metropolitan area. All buses are wheelchair accessible, and seniors with an Office for Aging ID card get a discounted fare.Meals on Wheels of Western BroomeHot and cold meals delivered Monday through Friday, plus frozen weekend meals delivered on Fridays, to people in western Broome who cannot shop or cook.OFA Mini-BusCurb-to-curb rides for Broome County residents 60 and older who have an Office for Aging ID card. Buses have wheelchair lifts; reservations are required.Yesteryears Group RespiteA day program for frail, isolated or memory-impaired adults with support, supervision and socialization. Two locations: Binghamton and Endwell.Senior Helpers ProgramMaintains lists of workers 55 and older who do home repairs, housekeeping, shopping, transportation, companionship and other tasks. You hire and pay the worker directly.Southern Tier Homebuilders and Remodelers AssociationA network of contractors, roofers, electricians and plumbers who provide names and phone numbers for repair and modification estimates.Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)A self-directed home care option for people who need home care and can manage their own care. You choose, hire and supervise your caregiver.MedicaidHealth coverage for people 65 and older, people who are blind or disabled, and some families with limited income. It can cover doctor visits, hospital care, nursing home care and home care.ACCORD Dispute ResolutionConfidential mediation for family, neighbor and senior issues, including assisted senior citizen communication.Assisted Living and Enriched HousingResidential options that provide an apartment, meals, housekeeping, personal care and 24-hour monitoring. Levels range from enriched housing to enhanced assisted living and dementia care.Better Hearing ProgramHearing aids for people who meet financial criteria and are approved for assistance. Call to find a local partner for a hearing test.Binghamton Housing Authority Section 8 Rental AssistanceRental assistance when grants are available for low-income households. Call for current waiting list and rules.Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP)24-hour hotline and in-person assessment for emotional or psychiatric emergencies.Family-Type HomesSmall adult care homes that can house up to four people who need assistance. DSS regulates them and keeps a list.Golden Days Adult Day Health CareA supervised medical adult day program with activities, meals, companionship, nursing and rehabilitative therapies.Home Health Care AgenciesLocal agencies provide nursing, therapy, home health aides, homemakers, companions and shopping help. Some services require a doctor's referral and a skilled need.Home Repair Service for SeniorsMinor home repairs for seniors and people with disabilities. Labor is free or charged a small hourly fee depending on income; the homeowner pays for materials.Long-Term Care FacilitiesA list of nursing homes, assisted living, enriched housing and adult care facilities in Broome County, with levels of care and contact information.Office for Aging In-Home ServicesChore help, laundry and personal care assistance that can help older adults stay in their homes.Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)A button you wear that calls a 24-hour dispatcher for help. Units can use a landline, wireless or GPS, and some offer fall detection.Pooled Supplemental Needs TrustsTrusts that can hold excess income or assets for a person with a disability so they can receive Medicaid while still paying living expenses. Fees and minimum deposits vary by organization.Senior Apartment Housing ListA list of private senior apartment buildings in Broome County, including subsidized and enriched housing options. Call each building for applications and waiting lists.Shopper ServiceA shopper visits the home, helps make a grocery list, does the shopping and returns with groceries. Some help putting items away is available.Southern Tier Independence Center (STIC)Services for people with disabilities, including independent living skills, peer counseling, housing help, benefits navigation, CDPAP and nursing home transition.SUNY Broome Dental Hygiene ClinicDental hygiene students provide exams, cleanings and X-rays under supervision. The clinic follows the academic calendar.