Otsego County Office for the Aging and NY Connects

09/03/2026

💙 Are You a Family Caregiver?

AARP New York estimates that approximately 2.2 million New Yorkers provide unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbor. That’s roughly 1 in 4 adults—and many do not even recognize themselves as caregivers!

If you help someone with meals, transportation, medications, appointments, personal care or everyday tasks, you may be a family caregiver.

Did you know the Otsego County Office for the Aging offers support and resources for people caring for an adult age 60 or older?

You don’t have to do it alone. Call us today to learn more!

📞 607-547-4232

For National Family Caregiver Month in November, the New York State...

09/03/2026

YES!! Help setting up your online social security account is just one of the MANY ways that NY Connects can help you. Call Office for the Aging or the Independent Living Center today for more information.

How does NY Connects help? One couple reached out to NY Connects for help setting up online accounts for their Social Security benefits because they saw on the news that this is something they can do fairly easily. Staff were able to assist them both with this process and also explained other online benefits that they could access. Call 1-800-342-9871 or https://nyconnects.ny.gov

09/03/2026

Are you living on a fixed income? You may qualify for benefits you don't even know about. Give it a try today!

Take 5 minutes today and apply for HEAP, tax credits, SNAP, and many other benefits you’ve paid taxes for. Put money back in your pocket. Apply right now by visiting the MyBenefits website. https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin

09/01/2026

Bonnie Libheart has formed virtual relationship with three men over...

08/31/2026

🍽️ Lunch Is Better Together! 💛

Looking for an affordable meal and a chance to get out and connect with others? Come join us at one of our Congregate Dining Sites!

Adults age 60+ can enjoy a delicious, balanced hot meal for a suggested contribution of just $4.00. And lunch is only part of the fun!

✨ Catch up with friends and meet new people
✨ Enjoy activities and conversation
✨ Hear presentations and learn about helpful community resources
✨ Get out of the house and enjoy some company!

📞 Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.
Call Trinity Services at 607-547-6454 to save your seat.

💲 Guests under age 60 are also welcome for an $11.00 contribution when accompanied by someone age 60+.

👋 Haven’t joined us before? Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member and give it a try. Good food, good company, and a welcoming place to spend part of your day!

08/28/2026

If you want to see if you qualify for help with Medicare costs, give Office for the Aging a call and we can help screen programs available to assist you.

Medicare costs can add up quickly.

Many people with Medicare are surprised to learn that there may be programs available to help with Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and prescription drug costs.

Even if you've looked into assistance before, it's worth checking again. Some income and assets may not count toward eligibility, and many people qualify when they didn't think they would.

SHIP is here to support you. If Medicare costs are a concern, don't assume you won't qualify for help. Reach out to your local SHIP to learn about programs that may help lower your Medicare costs.

More information and instructions on how to contact your local SHIP can be found in the comments below.

💬 Have you heard of Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help before?

08/28/2026

We've noticed a lot of questions and confusion about Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit and whether Medicare covers preventive care.

One common misconception is that the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is the same as a traditional physical exam. While they're different, the Annual Wellness Visit plays an important role in helping you stay healthy by reviewing health risks, medications, preventive screenings, and creating a personalized prevention plan.

Medicare also covers many preventive services, including certain screenings, vaccines, and counseling services.

💬 What surprised you most about the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?

08/28/2026

Office for the Aging partners with American Red Cross for the "Sound the Alarm" program. If you need smoke alarms in your home please reach out to Office for the Aging and we can connect you to get help installing Smoke Alarms in your home.

The American Red Cross and its partners are saving lives through the Home Fire Campaign, which aims to prevent fire-related death and injuries.

08/28/2026

"Close Before You Doze’ focuses on straightforward actions and simple behavioral changes which can provide critical help in delaying the spread of fire. This doesn’t require major effort or going out and buying anything."

- Steve Kerber, Vice President and Executive Director, Fire Safety

In a house fire, are you safer sleeping with your bedroom doors open or closed? See the dramatic, life-saving difference a door can make. For more information and resources, visit https://closeyourdoor.org.