The Suffolk County Office for the Aging is the designated Area Agency on Aging under the Older Americans Act. For over 40 years, Suffolk County Office for the Aging has administered federal, state and county programs for persons 60 years of age and older. Specific goals for the Office are to develop a comprehensive service system designed to assist persons 60 years of age and older in maintaining maximum independence and dignity, to remove barriers to economic and personal independence, and to provide a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly. Most importantly, Suffolk County Office for the Aging acts as advocate on behalf of all Suffolk County senior citizens. The Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides the following services: benefits counseling, case management, day care, employment, EPIC (elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage), family caregiver support, foster grandparent program, health insurance counseling, HEAP (home energy assistance program), home care services, home equity conversion, I.D. card, internet websites, information and referral, legal assistance, nutrition program, ombudservice, residential repair, respite services, telephone reassurance and friendly visiting, transportation, wellness project, town senior citizen divisions.
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Elder Abuse is a national problem affecting over one million older people. This abuse can be physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, or neglect by another individual. There are services available to help elder abuse victims. For non-emergency situations, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging can provide information and assistance to the victim. Call (631) 853-8200. Adult Protective Services, which is a state-mandated program designed to assist adults 18 or older who are in danger, can be reached at (631)853-3195, (631)853-3196 and (631)853-3197. There is also an Elder Abuse Counseling Program at the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk, (631) 360-3730. |