Chronic illness, changing physical abilities, social isolation and loneliness, life events such as loss of relatives and friends, and transitions such as retirement or relocation, are stressors on the lives of seniors that can lead to mental health problems. These stressors can negatively impact a person's functioning and quality of life and should not be ignored.

The Office for Aging is involved with two programs that provide mental health treatment to seniors with special attention and emphasis on in-home services. These programs are the Helping through Outreach and Mental Health for the Elderly (HOME) Program and The Family and Children's Society Elder Counseling Program.

The HOME Program

• Helps seniors who are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, confusion, and other feelings.
• Accepts requests for help made through the Senior Resource Line.
• Connects seniors with social workers who provide mental health assessments and short-term counseling in the home, and as needed, link to community resources.
• Represents a cooperative agreement between the Office for Aging, United Health Services, and the Broome County Department of Social Services.

For more information or to make a referral, call the Senior Resource Line at 607.778.2411.

The Family and Children's Society Elder Counseling Program

• Offers professional counselors who can meet in the home or at the office to help elders and their families address issues they are experiencing.

For more information, call The Family and Children's Society at 607.729.6206

Help with counseling is a phone call away!