Find local help in Dutchess County
70 programs
988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 any time, day or night, to reach a trained counselor if you or someone you know is in crisis. Help is free and confidential.A Matter of BalanceClasses to improve balance and prevent falls, offered at locations across the county. Typically held in spring and fall, one day a week for eight weeks.Alzheimer's Association - Support Groups and ServicesSupport groups, educational workshops and other services for family members and caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or related dementia, held in person and on Zoom.Castle Point VA - Veteran Medical TransportationTransports veterans to medical appointments at Veterans Hospitals.Celebration of AgingHonors Dutchess County residents turning 100 or older and couples married 70 years or more, recognized in the summer issue of the THRIVE60+ newsletter.Community Action Partnership of Dutchess County (Beacon rides)Picks up older adults in the City of Beacon who do not drive and takes them to OFA's Beacon Friendship Center at Forrestal Heights.Dutchess 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.Dutchess County Office for the 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.Dutchess County Office of Veterans AffairsHelps county veterans and their families get the maximum benefits they are owed from the VA and other agencies at every level of government. Veterans must apply to receive benefits.Dutchess County Pride CenterAdvocates, educates and supports the Dutchess County LGBTQ+ community through outreach, monthly support groups and social events.Eldercare LocatorA national hotline that connects you to services for older adults in your community. Staff can point you to local agencies for meals, transportation, in-home help and more.Friendly CallsVolunteers call older adults once a week for 20 to 30 minutes, offering friendly conversation and a steady connection to ease loneliness and isolation.Friends of Seniors - TransportationNon-emergency medical transportation and other services for older adults 60 and older.GoGo VeteransFree rides for registered veterans in Dutchess County: two rides a month to medical appointments and one ride a month to a grocery store, pharmacy or personal visit.HIICAP - Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance ProgramTrained volunteer counselors help you understand Medicare, compare plans, file claims and appeals, and sort out drug and long-term care coverage. The advice is free and not sales-oriented.Housing Information and CounselingInformation and referral on senior housing, including subsidized options and legal rights, plus advocacy for seniors with housing concerns.In-Home Contact and Support ServicesFriendly visiting, shopping assistance and telephone reassurance for older adults at home. As of August 2023, Friends of Seniors operations were taken over by Catholic Charities Community Services of Dutchess County.Information and ReferralAssessment, information, advocacy, case assistance and referral for all individuals 60 and older and their caregivers, including help applying for benefit programs.Legal Services for Older AdultsLegal advice for Dutchess County residents 60 and older, with emphasis on simple issues such as wills, powers of attorney and health care proxies.Loan ClosetsLoan closets that lend medical equipment and other items, run by many houses of worship, rescue squads and service organizations. Contact the Office for the Aging to find one near you.Medicaid TransportationTransportation to medical appointments for people who have Medicaid. Call or visit the site to arrange a ride.National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)Support for unpaid caregivers: assessment, help planning care, respite, counseling, training and information. It supports people who care for an older adult, a person with dementia, a grandchild or an adult with a disability.Navigating Medicare ClassesInformational workshops covering Medicare benefits, supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance and prescription programs.North East Community Center - TransportationTransportation for older residents of the Towns of Amenia, Dover, North East, Pine Plains, Stanford and Washington and the Villages of Millerton and Millbrook. Medical, pharmacy and food appointments get priority.Nutrition EducationPresentations and a monthly newsletter prepared by the Nutrition Services Coordinator, with nutrition talks at the Friendship Centers.OFA Exercise ProgramStrength and balance exercise classes for seniors, led by trained volunteers at Friendship Centers and other locations across the county.Office for the Aging Vans and BusesVans and buses that transport senior clients of the OFA Friendship Centers. The Friendship Centers also offer shopping and recreational trips for clients.Parkinson's Disease Support Group of the Mid-Hudson ValleyA monthly support group for people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers, meeting on the 4th Friday (3rd Friday in November and December).Pawling Resource Center - TransportationTransportation for seniors in the Town and Village of Pawling, with trips to Putnam County or nearby Connecticut.Protective Services for Adults (PSA)A state-mandated program that helps adults 18 or older who, because of mental or physical impairment, can no longer provide for basic needs or protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation.Rebuilding Together Hudson Valley (RTHV)Cost-free home repairs and accessibility modifications for owner-occupied homes of low and moderate income seniors. Programs for veterans are also available.Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP)Support for relatives who are raising a child in place of the biological parents: education, peer support groups, referrals and intergenerational activities.SAGE Hudson ValleyAdvocacy and services for LGBTQ elders, with social events, health and wellness programming and support.SAIL - Stay Active and Independent for Life (remote exercise)A remote (online) strength, balance and fitness program that can be done standing or sitting.Tai Chi ClassesTai Chi classes that can improve strength, coordination, balance and body awareness to help prevent falls. Programs can be adapted for people in wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.Tax Assistance Service (AARP Tax-Aide)Free help with federal, state and local income taxes for low or moderate income taxpayers 60 and older, at locations throughout Dutchess County.United Way Health and Human Services Helpline (211)Dial 211 to reach a trained specialist who can connect you to local help with food, housing, health care, utilities and other needs, day or night.Home Delivered MealsHot or frozen meals delivered to the homes of older adults who are homebound, for one to five weekdays. The service may be temporary or long term, and contributions are suggested but not required.OFA Friendship Centers (Congregate Dining)A hot, nutritious midday meal and social time at eight Friendship Centers around the county. Days and hours vary by site; many are open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required.Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly (EISEP)In-home help such as homemaking and personal care for older adults, arranged through the Office for the Aging. A case manager assesses needs and builds a plan of care.Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)Help with home energy needs for low income older adults and families: financial help with fuel bills, emergency help for fuel or utility shutoffs, and weatherization.Owner-Occupied Property Rehabilitation ProgramAssistance to low and moderate income older adults who must complete code-violation rehabilitation on owner-occupied single family homes in any Dutchess County municipality.Bard College - Lifetime Learning InstituteA volunteer, membership-run organization offering non-credit courses to men and women of retirement age during spring, fall and a January mini-session.Dutchess County Public TransitFixed routes, Rail Link Shuttles and Flex service across Dutchess County, running seven days a week. Dial-A-Ride and ADA complementary paratransit are also available.Marist College - Center for Lifetime StudyA volunteer membership-run program offering non-credit courses for intellectual and cultural exploration for men and women of retirement age.Vassar College - Lifelong LearningAn adult education program offering non-credit educational courses and activities for members 55 and over at minimal cost.Hudson Valley Concierge ServiceMedical transportation to and from appointments and facilities, including a wheelchair-accessible ambulette service with specialized support during chemotherapy or dialysis.Medicaid Care at Home ProgramMedicaid services that help people with disabilities receive care at home instead of in an institution.Medicaid Consumer Directed Personal Attendant ProgramA Medicaid program that lets you choose and direct your own home care attendants, with help from the county.Medicaid Personal Care ServicesPersonal care at home for people who have Medicaid and need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating.Adult Day CareSupervision, care and companionship during the day for elders who cannot be left alone, including activities and a meal. Transportation may sometimes be arranged.Assisted Living ProgramHelp arranging assisted living placement and other residential options for older adults who need more support than home care can provide.Community Senior Transportation ProgramRides for LaGrange and Pleasant Valley seniors for recreation and shopping. Medical appointments are not covered.Dutchess Community College - Continuing EducationContinuing education and non-credit classes, with seniors able to audit classes when space is available.Forever Young ClubAn aging-in-place organization serving adults over 50 in the Town of Stanford area, with social support, health care, transportation and home maintenance services.Foster Care for AdultsFoster care placement for adults who need a home setting, arranged through the Office for the Aging.GoGo GrandparentOn-demand transportation for older adults in Dutchess County, with limited free rides to non-emergency medical appointments within the county for those who are not Medicaid clients. Also available to visit loved ones in hospital, nursing home or hospice within the county.Habitat for Humanity - Home Preservation and RepairExterior home preservation and critical interior and exterior home repairs for homeowners.Hudson River HousingCreates pathways out of homelessness through emergency, transitional and permanent housing, with outreach, care management and support services for people of all ages and incomes.Meals on Wheels - Hyde Park School DistrictHome-delivered meals for older adults in the Hyde Park area, including the Village of Rhinebeck. Days of service and fees vary by organization.Meals on Wheels - MillbrookHome-delivered meals for older adults in Millbrook and Verbank. Days of service and fees vary by organization.Meals on Wheels - Wappingers FallsHome-delivered meals for older adults in the Wappingers Falls area. Days of service and fees vary by organization.Meals on Wheels of Greater PoughkeepsieHome-delivered meals for older adults in the Poughkeepsie area. Days of service and fees vary by organization.Nutrition CounselingNutrition counseling is available at the Friendship Centers and by appointment. Call the Office for the Aging to find out more.OFA Summer PicnicsSummer picnics held throughout Dutchess County in cooperation with municipalities, businesses and civic organizations, with music, socialization, lunch and outreach.Office for the Aging - Continuing CareAccess to long-term care services for people of any age, regardless of payment source. Case managers and public health nurses assess clients at home, in a nursing home or in the hospital and build a plan of care.Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)An emergency medical alert system that links you to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can live independently.Respite CareOvernight respite for caregivers who need to be away for short periods, arranged through the Office for the Aging.Rhinebeck@HomeAn aging-in-place organization serving older adults in the Town and Village of Rhinebeck with social support, health care, transportation and home maintenance services.The Mediation Center of Dutchess CountyConflict resolution services for senior issues.