Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from using www.ElderNetworkNY.org?
Older adults, people with disabilities, families, caregivers, service providers, planners and anyone else interested in exploring services and resources available in the Capital Region and elsewhere.
How can the Elder Network help me get services that I need?
The Elder Network's web-based information resource provides information about local resources and services. Learning what options exist is the first step.
As a next step, you may choose to contact service providers directly OR you may still want to talk about your situation with an objective, knowledgeable person. In the Capital Region, your county Offices for the Aging (sometimes called an Area Agency on Aging) can provide individual assistance and referrals.
The U.S. Administration on Aging's elder resource locator will help you find contacts throughout the nation.
How are service providers chosen to be listed on ElderNetworkNY .org?
Elder Network staff has worked to identify programs and services in Albany , Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties in New York that can assist senior adults to remain healthy, independent and as active as possible. We list only services that are currently available to members of the general community. We look for service providers who are willing work with us to keep their informational profile accurate and up to date.
ElderNetworkNY.org does not receive payment from organizations listed in our service database.
What geographic areas are covered?
ElderNetworkNY has collected information for aging related services in Albany , Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. We recognize that some users may want information on neighboring counties and even states. Advanced search features on our website will also permits searches on services in other geographic areas as well.
How do I know what services I need?
You can begin by searching the "learn about" sections to educate yourself on specific topics. Talking with family, friends and others may help you determine whether the services and programs described here can be helpful to you. Trusted leaders in your religious community, your doctors, nurses, social workers and attorneys may provide useful personal guidance.
Who can help me understand what services are available to meet my needs?
If you need to talk these possibilities over you should contact knowledgeable aging services specialists in person or by telephone at the Area Agencies on Aging in each of our four counties or your local area.
Once I access the services I seek, how can I determine whether services meet my needs?
Only you, family and objective professionals can assess whether the services you receive best meet or continue to meet your particular needs. The answer will depend upon your individual goals, the outcomes of the services received and your comfort level.
Can I offer a rating on the quality of services I have found from this website?
Once you have registered as a user, you may use the submit feedback link to provide such ratings. You also have the opportunity by clicking on review feedback to view information submitted by other users.
Our website also offers opportunities for online discussions in the "Forum" and users will be asked to participate in periodic surveys to help us remain aware of site users' views and needs.
Besides being a clearinghouse for information, what other programs does the Elder Network of the Capital Region support?
We collaborate with community partners to sponsor health education and wellness forums; support faith -based communities to reach the underserved; and utilize communications media to increase public awareness of local services. Information about these other Elder Network activities can be found at http://www.albany.edu/aging/ENCR/.
