Westchester to hold public hearing on senior issues this Thursday

Westchester County to hold public hearing Thursday on senior citizen concerns at Westchester County Center
Please e mail me with any suggestions or thoughts you have that can make life better for seniors
pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

I will advocate for affordable assisted living facilities and additional help for those who can't afford aides

I deal with many government agencies at the federal, state, county and local levels. Without question - the most responsive agency I deal with on any issue or problem is the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services. Their staff is amazing and always very helpful to everyone. They return phone calls, follow up on complaints and get results for those who need government help. They are really a role model for all government agencies.They are holding a public hearing on Thursday, October 19th.

If you are a senior or have elderly family members and have suggestions as to what should be done to help improve the quality of life - please attend the hearing. I would also welcome your thoughts since I plan to speak. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

One of my concerns: The high cost of caring for the frail elderly. Living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes could easily cost over $100,000 a year --probably more. Hiring aides is also prohibitive for many who live at home and are not wealthy. We need AFFORDABLE assisted living facilities and nursing homes for the growing elderly population. The elderly deserve to be able to live a good quality of life if they are not wealthy. I have felt for a long time that a certain percentage of assisted living facilities that are approved should have rooms that are affordable for low income families.
PAUL FEINERGreenburgh Town Supervisor

The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) will hold its Annual Public Hearing on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains. DSPS will unveil the goals and objectives for the 2024-2028 four-year area plan on the proposed use of funds, from the Older Americans Act and the New York State Community Services for the Elderly Program. The final area plan, incorporating public input, will be submitted to the New York State Office for the Aging after approval by Westchester County Executive George Latimer. The hearing provides a venue for individuals to learn about and speak out on concerns that affect Westchester County senior citizens and their families. Speakers are asked to identify the many beneficiaries of services the County provides to help older citizens maintain a healthy and dignified lifestyle. Registration is not required to attend or speak at the meeting. The plan will be distributed at the public hearing, and is also available upon request starting Thursday, October 12. To request a copy of the plan, or for any other information or accommodations, please contact Andrew Crawford at aqcq@westchestercountyny.gov or call 914-813-6408. Written comments on the plan must be sent by Thursday, November 2 to Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, 9 South First Avenue, 10th Floor, Mount Vernon, NY, 10550, Attention: Sandra Brown, or via e-mail shs2@westchestercountyny.gov For more information about DSPS, call (914) 813-6300 or visit www.westchestergov.com/seniors.