First in the Nation App Connects Older Adults and Their Families with Services and Information in Their Communities
On May 9th, Governor Cuomo's office announced the first statewide mobile app to connect older adults with valuable resources and services in their communities. Per the press release, “The New York State Office for the Aging’s (NYSOFA) Aging Services app will provide New York’s more than 3.7 million older adults with easily accessible material about benefits, programs, and services, including information regarding health and wellness, housing, and transportation options.”
One of the primary goals is to provide basic information addressing issues older New Yorkers and their families face and connect them to local resources that can help. Using the app’s “Near Me” feature, an older adult or caregiver anywhere in New York can immediately obtain address and contact information for local offices for the aging, senior centers, farmers’ markets, caregiver services, Alzheimer’s Association chapters, and more, within the closest proximity to their exact location. It will also link users with information and assistance through NY Connects, the state’s “no wrong door” system for community-based long-term services and supports, which is designed to help older adults and those with disabilities remain healthy and independent. Additionally, the app provides timely news and updates about state and federal programs that directly impact the lives of older New Yorkers and their families.
LeadingAge NY member Ann Marie Cook is quoted as saying: “Lifespan appreciates Governor Cuomo’s ongoing commitment to older New Yorkers and their families. The new mobile Aging Services app is an innovative tool that allows older adults and caregivers to connect to local resources and services in their area at the touch of a button, as well as link users to the NY Connects system for live information and assistance.”
Individuals interested in accessing NYSOFA's Aging Services app can do so at the links below:
Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871