Elders

AOA Elders Corner: Preparing for Winter

Submitted by Melissa Shaw, Outreach Coordinator – SNI Area Office for the Aging

Fall is a beautiful time of year, but seasons change quickly! We want to make sure that our Elders are prepared for winter and aware of the services available to help them stay safe.

Snow Plowing

During the winter months the Seneca Nation DPW may be able to provide snow plowing for eligible Elders on-territory. Please remember that DPW’s first priority is clearing parking lots and walkways at SNI facilities. After SNI sites are cleared, work begins to plow driveways for Seneca Elders/Disabled members that have requested service. DPW makes every effort to schedule early plowing for those eligible who need to be able to get out of their driveways for dialysis, chemotherapy, etc.

For more information or to apply for snow-plowing through SNI DPW, please contact Lindsey Cooper, AOA Senior Support Specialist, at (716) 532-5777 ext. 5504.

HEAP

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

The 2021-2022 Regular HEAP benefit opened October 1, 2021. Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled.

For more information or assistance applying for HEAP, please contact Briana Snyder, AOA Options Counselor, at (716) 532-5777, ext 3624.

Winter Weatherization

With a little planning and preparation, you can reduce the cost to keep your home warm this winter. Dirt and neglect are the number one causes of heating system failure, so be sure to schedule a fall checkup of your heating equipment with a licensed contractor to make sure your system is operating at peak performance.

Seal air leaks to prevent warm air from leaking out of the house. Winter weatherization Kits from National Fuel are available at Allegany and Cattaraugus AOA and include weather-stripping, foam sealant and other products to help keep your home warm. Kits are first come, first serve. Please call or stop in to pick one up if you are interested.


Upcoming Drive-Thru Distribution


A.O.A. LEGAL DAY w/SNI Surrogates Court & Attorney Lee Redeye

Tuesday, October 19th, 10am
@ Wini Kettle Elders Center
Thursday, October 21st, 11am
@ Seneca Allegany Elders Center

Stop by to meet the Judges and Court Clerks. Get information on Will Preparation and Estate Planning.


Adult Day Services

Reprinted from AOA Elder Living – October 2021 Newsletter

An adult day center provides care for vulnerable adults in a safe, cheerful and supportive environment. Adult day centers operate during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, in some instances Saturdays as well. Nutritious meals are typically included as well as an afternoon snack.

Examples of activities typically provided:
• Arts and crafts
• Musical entertainment
• Mental stimulation
• Stretching or other gentle exercise

The Seneca Nation AOA has contracted with three Adult Day centers to provide Adult Day services to qualified Elders and their caregivers. They include:

  1. Lake Shore Family Center
    in Irving, NY
  2. Chautauqua Adult Day
    in Jamestown, NY
  3. Linwood Adult Day Center
    in Olean, NY

If you are a caregiver you may find that an adult day program can not only provide you a safe & supervised environment for your Elder, but it can also provide social interaction and cognitive stimulation for your loved one.

Depending on the participants income, there may be cost share associated with this program. For more information or to schedule an assessment to see if you qualify, please contact AOA Case Managers:

• Shantel Burning, Catt. AOA
(716) 532-5777
• Theresa Redeye, Alleg. AOA
(716) 945-8990