Services
Social Services
Seniors often need help navigating through the services that are available to them as they age. Our Social Service Department provides support to seniors and their families, and connects them with resources available through government and other agencies. The department is staffed by a licensed social worker who assists members as well as non-member seniors throughout our service area, to address their needs ranging from financial issues and medical care, to isolation, depression and social problems. Often in times of crisis, our social worker guides people through life-changing transitions as they age, working with families to find the best resources for their aging parent or spouse.
At no cost, people can receive one-on–one counseling for seniors and their families with advice on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, caregivers, housing and so much more. Social Services Programs include information, support and guidance such as:
- Geriatric needs assessment in the home, at the Center or on the telephone
- Benefit and entitlement screenings (i.e. Medicare, EPIC, Medicaid, SNAP/Food Stamps, HEAP, Enhanced Star Exemptions, and others)
- Referrals and a direct connection to other senior service agencies
- Services for homebound seniors: telephone reassurance and home visits
- Support and guidance when a higher-level of care is needed
- A full range of information resources
- Bi-weekly Caregivers support group and various small group discussions
- Bi-monthly Social Services updates
- Senior Advocacy
The social worker also facilitates weekly cognitive programs to promote “brain fitness”, and will spearhead our 2020 “Tech for Seniors” program. This new program will introduce computer training classes to teach seniors about resources available online which can help them stay better connected in the community.
To schedule an appointment with our Social Worker, please call 516-922-1770 ext. 305 Monday through Friday.
Caregiver Support
Taking care of an elderly family member or friend is never easy. Even with the best of intentions on the part of the caregiver, as time goes by, the situation often becomes more difficult and the caregiver realizes a need for help and respite.
Through our Caregiver Support groups, the Center offers an opportunity for caregivers to share their experiences and concerns, and learn new ways to address difficult issues. Meet with others who know firsthand what it’s like to care for a loved one, and who understand the compassion it requires. Practical suggestions and advice on handling stressful situations are provided by our experienced facilitators, and resources can also be recommended when applicable.
Our Caregiver Support group meets twice a month. Admission to these meetings is free and all are welcome, regardless of your situation or relation to the senior.
For more information and this month’s meeting schedule, please call 516-922-1770.
On-site nurse and Health screenings
A registered nurse is available most weekday mornings from 10:00 am to noon, and is a great resource for our members. Sometimes isolated alone at home, our seniors find solace in coming to the Center and having a familiar, friendly face available for simple consultations. The nurse can do blood pressure screenings, assessments, answer general medical questions, and provide advice and referrals. During the autumn season we also conduct a free flu clinic which is open to all eligible residents in the community.
Elderly Transportation Service (ETS)
This service is currently unavailable, but we hope to resume in the near future!
In our effort to promote health and wellness, we offer transportation to seniors in our area who do not have their own means of transportation for non-emergency dental, medical and social service appointments in nearby communities. The service is provided by our roster of volunteer drivers, who can pick up the senior at home and transport them to a local appointment. A suggested donation of $ .55 per mile is requested.
Please call 516-922-6422 for a reservation about one week in advance.
Food Shopping Assistance
For seniors who sometimes find it difficult to get a ride to and from the grocery store, we offer bus transportation from our Center to the Stop and Shop Supermarket in Oyster Bay on Wednesdays after lunch. Just call us at least a day in advance to make your reservations for the bus as well as lunch. Immediately following lunch, the bus will take you shopping and drive you home afterwards. For reservations and information, please call 516-922-1770.
Food Pantry
The Center maintains a relationship with The People’s Pantry in Oyster Bay, a small food pantry that is available to people in need within our community. For more information, please call the People’s Pantry at (516) 945-9738
Resources and Helpful Links
If you are in need of finding resources or assistance regarding issues that seniors face, please feel free to call our Center at 516-922-1770 to speak with our staff. In addition, here are some phone numbers for local organizations which can also be of help or point you in the right direction:
- Nassau County Office for the Aging 516-227-8900
- Town of Oyster Bay 516-624-6333
- Town of Oyster Bay Low Income Housing 516-624-6333
- Social Security office 800-772-1213
- Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption 516-571-1500
- Long Island Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900
- OBEN Chamber of Commerce 516-259-1842
- Long Island Cares Food Banks 631-582-FOOD