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Office for the Aging
***Special Announcements***
COVID-19 VACCINATION INFORMATION
COVID-19 VACCINE
We are happy that so many people are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine is very scarce at this point in time, most appointments are booked but we do expect the vaccine to be more readily available in the coming weeks.
Please be patient, and don’t worry you will eventually get your vaccination but it may take up to 14 weeks. In the meantime, you should continue to wear a mask, social distance and avoid large and small gatherings.
New York State is coordinating vaccine distribution. New York State is administering a website whereby individuals in the approved categories can schedule and sign up for their own individual appointment time. Appointments are very limited and many sites are filled up through March but you should check back frequently.
The Office for the Aging is not administering vaccines and we are not keeping waiting lists. Our role is to direct you to the appropriate resources available. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE THE NEW YORK STATE ONLINE TOOL TO FIND A LOCATION AND REGISTER:
https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
As per the New York State COVID-19 website:
As of January 11, 2021, New Yorkers in Phase 1a and segments of Phase 1b are eligible for the vaccines. ALL VACCINATIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Eligible groups include doctors, nurses and health care workers, people age 65 and over, first responders, teachers, public transit workers, grocery store workers and public safety workers. Residents and staff at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities will continue to be vaccinated through a federal program, which the state is providing resources to accelerate.
- Health care workers who are part of Phase 1a will continue to be vaccinated at hospitals and other clinical settings.
- People age 65 and over will primarily be vaccinated at pharmacies and other sites that are part of the “retail network.” Use the NYS online tool https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ to find a location. The COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline is open 7AM - 10PM, 7 days a week, for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
- Public employees (for example, police departments, public school teachers and MTA employees) will primarily be vaccinated through their groups’ relevant health programs or as organized by their unions.
For more information,
https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
You may be able to schedule an appointment at a local vaccination site through one of the links below:
County Public Health Departments
Ontario County https://www.co.ontario.ny.us/101/Public-Health
Seneca County https://senecacountyhealthdepartment.com/
Finger Lakes Health https://www.flhealth.org/
Pharmacies: Please note that many of the pharmacies do not have their allotment of vaccine yet. Check the websites of these pharmacies:
If your primary care doctor is in the UR Medicine System they will be calling their patients in the coming weeks to schedule the vaccine, as it becomes available to them.
Community-Wide "Drive Thru" Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
January and February 2021 schedule
AARP Tax Preparation
AARP 2020 Tax Preparation:
For low to moderate income, simple tax preparation only
Start date has not been determined yet. They are taking names and phone numbers at Wood Library and Geneva Library and will contact you when it starts.
Appointments will be in 15 minute increments to scan your documents. Taxes will be done off-site and you will be contacted when they are done
Wood Library - 585-394-1381
Geneva Public Library - 315-789-5303 ext. 4.
AARP website https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
How to Use Medicare Plan Finder Step by Step
Social Security Announces 1.3% Benefit Increase for 2021
CURRENT SENIOR NEWSBEAT NEWSLETTER
Need Help?
NY Connects Helpline - Call 585-396-4047 for help connecting to all kinds of resources. If you have a question or problem, call us.
Home Delivered Meals: If you are age 60 or older call for an assessment to receive either hot or frozen meal from our Meals on Wheels program. Our Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers are required to wear face masks and gloves while delivering your meal. They are also practicing social distancing.
Congregate Meals (Community Dining Program): This program is closed until further notice. We have opened Grab n Go sites at the Spa Apartments in Clifton Springs and Lyceum Heights in Geneva. However, you must be a resident of those apartment buildings to participate. We also have a Grab n Go site in Honeoye at the United Church of Christ on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call to reserve a meal. Former participants of our congregate meal sites can get a home delivered meal, if they desire.
Health Insurance Counseling: We are still providing health insurance counseling on Medicare, Medicare supplement or Advantage plans, Medicaid, MSP over the telephone or over the web.
Medicare 101 Workshops: Are being offered by webinar or telephone conference, call the office for more information. We also started in-person workshops with social distancing.
EISEP: Home care services for middle income older adult and case management is still available. A comprehensive assessment is conducted over the telephone. This service is for frail older adults struggling to perform activities of daily living. A financial assessment is also required as there may be a cost share required for the home care services.
Caregiver counseling and support are still being offered by phone. There are many on-line services available from the Alzheimer’s Association or the Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute for caregivers of those with dementia. Call NY Connects for information. We also have respite services for those caring for older adults.
Tai Chi: We are offering a class on-line through Zoom. Call to register for a class .
Other Resources
Find a COVID Testing Site Near you
Emotional Support Line Helpline 1-844-863-9314 - The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) opened this Helpline to assist New Yorkers who are overwhelmed by the anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating chaos in the lives of so many people, it is especially important to know that the Helpline is here to provide assistance, referrals to services, and a person you can talk to if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
Know the Symptoms
The CDC has updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms. The updated list of symptoms includes cough, shortness of breath, or at least two of the following:
- fever
- chills or repeated shaking with chills
- muscle pain
- headache
- sore throat
- new loss of taste or smell
Guidance on Face Masks
Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials are recommended. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
When wearing cloth face coverings:
Wear it whenever you go out in public
Make sure that it fits snugly and covers your nose and mouth
Change it frequently and launder it when soiled or wet
Do not become complacent with other protective measures
Do not touch the cloth covering or your face
Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing by using soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60%+ alcohol.
Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes
Practice social distancing – even when wearing masks
Stay home and help flatten the curve!
Legal Assistance of Western New York
Open Food Pantries COVID-19 Emergency
Grocery Delivery Fact Sheet
Pharmacy Delivery Fact Sheet
How to Use Instacart Tutorial
Social Security Newsletter
Got an Hour?
Call Tammy, Volunteer Coordinator
for volunteering opportunities!
585-396-4046
The Fraud Corner
New York State Office for the Aging Issues Guidance Against Government Grant Scams
Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam
COVID-19 SCAMS
COVID-19 CONSUMER TIP SHEET
For the most recent and up to date news on fraudulent activities, please visit our Scam Alerts page.
How Do I Get Help?
By calling NY Connects or Office for the Aging at 585-396-4040 or 315-781-1321.
New York Connects, a "single Point of Entry" for long-term care services, is a program of the Ontario County Office for the Aging.
It offers a "one-stop shop" for consumers attempting to navigate the many aspects of the long-term care system.
Telephone interpreter