Here it is, December, and time for the holidays to really get started.
NY Connects is a great way to connect with several service gift ideas and an excellent way for families close and far to check in to see what services are available to assist Chautauqua County seniors. NY Connects is the single point of entry for a wide range of services available to those who may need long-term care and community supports to allow them to participate in family and community life. You can access NY Connects via the internet by emailing CCNYC@co.chautauqua.ny.us, or by checking out the website, www.co.chautauqua.ny.us, then looking at ''Departments & Agencies'' and choosing Office for the Aging. You can then look through the full listing of senior services. Also included on the website are all the contact numbers for NY Connects from each section of the county.
How about a practical gift for the seniors in your life? Meals on Wheels is an active program in the county and you could set up a gift of regularly delivered meals for your loved one. If they are out and about in the county; we offer a dining-out program to a few local restaurants in Chautauqua County. Tickets can be purchased from the Mayville office location. There are even some private meal providers that can be accessed through the Internet that can be contacted for delivered meals prepared or just single-serving specialty foods can be a wonderful practical gift for someone living alone or needing smaller sizes for meal preparation. A gift card to the local grocery store is another great idea.
A gift of services can be a practical and much appreciated gift to seniors. House cleaning, lawn care and snow removal, handyman services for annual to do lists, transportation services, shopping/errands assistance, gift certificates to a favorite beauty/barber shop are a treat any time of the year. This can be done through a local Internet search as well as by looking at the senior's favorite service provider. These gifts are very thoughtful and extremely practical. The Office of the Aging provides some information about local home care agencies as well as a private provider list that can be helpful in identifying local providers for a variety of services. There are a few spas locally geared to seniors as well. NY Connects can also get people in touch with support groups, adult day services and other agencies that can provide support to a loved one caring for another. The gift of time to relax and retool is invaluable to a senior who is a primary caretaker for a spouse or other loved senior.
As you plan to visit family and are looking for gift idea. Think practical. Try to think of areas that are challenging for your senior. These are the areas they could need help with on a regular basis. These are great ideas for gifts of time and assistance that can mean the world to a loved one. The small extras we take for granted but may be difficult for some to do or afford. Remember, if you are home visiting and see a need, call NY Connects for information about local programs and services for seniors. We are able to assess your needs and provide information and assistance with referrals for several programs. NY Connects wishes you and yours a happy, healthy holiday season.