Tioga County, New York

What is NY Connects?

• Tioga County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) and the Tioga Opportunities Inc. Department of Aging Services (DOA) are the central access agencies for long-term care in Tioga County.
• Tioga County DSS and DOA are NY Connects partners – a joint initiative between your local Dept of Social Services and Dept of Aging Services – to provide information and assistance you need to make informed decisions about long term care.
• The fundamental goal of NY Connects is to ensure, when appropriate, community services are utilized as a viable alternative to institutional placement.

In providing a safe environment, the quality of life improves for the customer, at the same time promoting independence.

In order to achieve this goal, NY Connects must work closely with other local private, non-profit, and county agencies to ensure a consumer receives the appropriate services.

What kind of help can I get from NY Connects?

• NY Connects provides free information and guidance on many long term care options and services including those listed below.
• A knowledgeable staff to help you understand and arrange available services.
• NY Connects offers “one-stop shopping” by providing free assessments (in most cases) and case management for long-term care in Tioga County.

A person in need of long-term care can easily access the information and the alternatives to make the most cost effective & least restrictive choices for in-home services with just one telephone call. A NY Connects case manager will then work with the client to develop a comprehensive care plan which utilizes family, friends, community and agency supports.

They will also make other referrals as necessary to ensure all needed long-term care services are arranged. When remaining at home is not desired or safe, assistance is provided with the process of deciding which housing alternative is safe and appropriate.

Who is NY Connects for?
Anyone who needs long term care information and services:

• Children with disabilities
• Adults with a disability
• Older adults
• Family members
• Helping professionals

How can I get help from NY Connects?

Contact or visit either of the agencies listed below:

Tioga County Dept of Social Services	Tioga Opportunities Inc. Department of Aging
Adult Services Program 1062 Rt 38, PO Box 240 Owego, NY 13827 607-687-8550/ 1-877-882-8313	9 Sheldon Guile Blvd Owego, NY 13827 607-687-4120/ 1-866-352-3680 www.tiogaopp.org

LTC Services offered via Tioga County:

• Assessment & Case Management Services – Free comprehensive assessment (in most cases) by NY Connects case manager to any Tioga County resident regardless of age or income, in home or institution, to determine a consumer’s long-term care needs. Will do referrals to other agencies or residential options as appropriate, follow-up and monitor services on a routine basis.
• Medicaid Homecare (MA-PCA) – Medicaid recipients requiring personal care, chore housekeeping, and/or personal emergency response systems due to health problems or disabilities. Services must be deemed necessary per assessment and physician order. Aide services may be contracted out to local Licensed Care Providers.
• Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a personal care program which allows the Medicaid recipient to hire and manage their own care provider. Approval for this program is at the discretion of the assessing staff person.
• Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) – Medical emergency response system available for elderly or disabled to summon help.
• Long-Term Home Health Care Program (LTHHCP) – Anyone who meets the criteria for placement in a Skilled Nursing Facility, but who can remain at home with the provision of in-home services. Cost not to exceed 75% of nursing home cost.

Non-Medicaid Homecare:

• Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly (EISEP) – Case Management and non-medical in-home services (Personal Care and Chore housekeeping) for the elderly who need long-term care but are not eligible for Medicaid. This program is through the Department of Aging.
• Private Hire – Assistance is given on how to hire a private aide for those in need of home care who do not qualify for subsidized care or who want the flexibility a private home care aide can offer.
• Home Delivered Meals – Hot and cold meals available for home-bound elderly or disabled.
• Caregiver Respite Services – Aide provided for supervision of elderly clients to provide respite for caregiver.
• Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) – Medical emergency response system available for elderly or disabled to summon help.

Medical/Social Day Care:

• Medical Day Care – Supervision in a medical model; Respite for caregivers; meals, aide services, RN and therapies.
• Social Day Care – Recreational opportunity in a structured setting; respite for caregivers; meals.

Alternate Levels of Care:

• Family-Type Homes for Adults (FTHA) – Private homes with no more than 4 eligible residents. Provides 24 hour supervision, housekeeping, personal care medication management and meals. For elderly and disabled who can no longer remain safely at home, even with the previously described in-home service options, and who would otherwise require placement in a nursing home.
• Assisted Living Program (ALP) – Supportive living apartments providing case management, housekeeping, meals, personal care, medication management, and PERS. For elderly and disabled who can no longer remain safely at home, even with the previously described in-home service options, and who would otherwise require placement in a nursing home.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) – Will arrange for a PRI (Patient Review Instrument) & Screen for anyone who can no longer be maintained safely or adequately by the previously described long-term care options. SNFs provide 24 hour care (medical and personal) to those with limited or no independent functions.

For additional online information please visit the state web page at www.nyconnects.org