In recent decades, the number of older Americans has steadily increased due in large part to the aging of the “Baby Boomer” generation. Experts estimate that by the year 2050, the number of older Americans (age 65 and older) will outnumber their younger counterparts (age 21 and younger) for the first time in history. The increase in the elderly population has caused a corresponding interest in social and legal issues that concern the elderly. In Hauppauge, 7.7 percent of the households had someone aged 65 or older living alone at the time of the last Census.
Whether you are a senior yourself, or you are the caregiver for someone who is, there are resources available to help you with many of the issues you may face. To take advantage of those resources, however, you must know how and where to find them. To help you locate those resources when you need them, the elder law attorneys at Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia have compiled some commonly used elder law resources for the Hauppauge, New York area.
Local Government and Law Enforcement
If you are a senior living alone, or you are concerned about a loved one who is, it is wise to know who to call in case of an emergency. Although you can always call 911, it is also helpful to know how to locate your local law enforcement agency online. If you live in the hamlet of Hauppauge, New York, that means the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department which serves residents in the area.
Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and Home Health Care
Most of us hope to spend out Golden Years in our own homes; however, there may come a time when it is no longer safe to remain in your home or when you realize that a loved one needs the type of care that you simply cannot provide by yourself. The choice of a long-term care facility is a highly personal choice, and one that should only be made after careful thought and deliberation. Whenever possible, planning ahead is best as it allows you the time you need to properly research your options. As the population of older Americans increases, options for long-term care are increasing as well. Likewise, the amenities and services offered by LTC facilities are expanding to provide choices and options that were not available just a generation ago. The following resources may be helpful in your search for the right facility:
- Published by Suffolk County, a list of skilled nursing facilities in the Hauppauge, New York area that are licensed by the New York State Health Department.
- com which offers you the ability to search for all types of care, including home care, assisted living care, and skilled nursing facilities in and near Hauppauge.
- Nursing Home Compare found on the Medicare.gov. This is the official U.S. government’s website for Medicare, offering you the ability to search for and compare licenses nursing homes anywhere in the country.
Leisure Time
As long as they are able to do so, most seniors continue to enjoy socializing with their peers. Experts tell us, in fact, that getting out and spending time with friends and neighbors is vital to both the physical and mental health of seniors. Fortunately, there are several excellent places in Hauppauge for seniors to meet and mingle. The Suffolk County Office for the Aging typically has information regarding events for seniors on its website. For veterans, the VFW Post 3817 is always a good place to meet new friends and mingle with old ones. Finally, the Grand Forks Park District offers programs for seniors throughout the year that you might enjoy.
State and Federal Assistance
Many state and federal resources and assistance programs are geared specifically at seniors. An excellent example is the New York State Office for the Aging. Many seniors also qualify for assistance from the Social Security disability or Social Security retirement program. For information, including application instructions, visit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability website. To sign up for your Social Security retirement benefits, navigate to the sign up website of the SSA. . If you are a veteran, or the surviving spouse or dependent of a veteran, you may also be entitled to a number of benefits through the Veteran’s Administration. Along with well-known benefits such as pension and disability benefits, you might qualify for additional benefits you may not be familiar with, such as Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefits. Once you reach retirement age, you will likely be automatically enrolled in the Medicare program. Although basic Medicare is free to all seniors, Medicare actually has four parts and the other three parts may come with a premium. If you have questions about a covered service or need to find a provider, the official Medicare website can help. In addition, if you need help covering the high cost of long-term care at some point you might qualify for New York Medicaid for seniors. Although predominantly funded by the federal government, each individual state administers its own Medicaid program.
Contact Us
If you have specific elder law questions,or if you would like to find out if you qualify for Medicaid benefits, contact an experienced elder law attorney at the Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia by calling 800-295-1917 to schedule your appointment.
