Volunteering
Enrich your life and others' through volunteering. Your local office for the aging can help you find a role for you in your community. Some volunteer opportunities follow here:
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)
Volunteer ombudsmen advocate for elderly residents and their families in nursing and adult homes. They receive complaints, investigate and help resolve problems. Volunteers are trained and certified by the New York State Office for the Aging. Visit the ombudsman website
at: http://www.ombudsman.state.ny.us
Foster Grandparent Program
With federal and state support, low income senior volunteers work with children with special needs. Foster grandparents receive a stipend, meals and assistance with transportation. For more information contact your local office for the aging.
Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP)
Trained volunteers help Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers to become informed consumers and to understand their health insurance coverage and options. Visit the HIICAP website at: http://www.hiicap.state.ny.us or call the HIICAP Help Line at 1-800-701-0501.
Senior Companion Program
Senior Companions offer companionship and friendship to frail, elderly adults, people who have disabilities and those who have terminal illnesses. They also provide respite for caregivers. Senior Companions are 60 years and older and volunteer between 15 and 40 hours a week. Income-eligible seniors are offered a modest stipend. All volunteers receive meals and assistance with transportation.
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is a nationally-acclaimed program that enlists older adults and retirees (age 55 and older) to serve as volunteers in their communities. In New York, thousands volunteer in roles tailored to their interests and skills.