Our dedicated professionals are available to address groups on a variety of topics related to older adults and services and programs designed for them. The Administration on Aging and the NYS Office for the Aging help bring these key programs to our community.
Services for Seniors in Erie County / NY Connects:
Locating needed programs and services can be a challenge. Learn what is available to seniors in our community - from volunteer opportunities to tax rebates to housing options and services in the home. Staff from the Information and Assistance Unit of the Erie County Department of Senior Services will guide you through the maze of options. Call 858-8526.
Who’s Helping the Family Caregiver?
The sandwich generation... adaptive equipment... respite...support groups. What are the caregiving challenges and solutions for today's seniors and those who help them? Staff from the Erie County Department of Senior Services' Caregiver Resource Center will explore the techniques, programs and services so vital to caregivers.
Call 858-6864.
Volunteer Opportunities:
RSVP volunteers annually give more than 200,000 hours of service in Erie County, through their affiliation with 100 nonprofit organizations and groups. RSVP assists people 55 years or older to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity that matches their skills, interests, and schedule. RSVP volunteers make a difference by addressing issues of hunger, health care, environment, education, and more. At the same time, these older volunteers derive benefits by keeping active, involved, and connected with others. Call 858-7548 to learn about valuable contributions made by volunteers through the RSVP program, and how doing good is good for you!
Alzheimer’s Proofing Your Home:
A workshop to make it safer and easier for family caregivers to care for an elderly person at home. Learn about a confidential in-home assessment by Department Staff. Because caring for someone with dementia presents unique challenges, specific tips and suggestions offered can help caregivers better care for themselves while caring for their loved one. Assistive/adaptive equipment is demonstrated and information on services and programs is offered. Call 858-2177.
Dementia Awareness Sensitivity Training:
Caregivers of people with dementia often struggle to communicate and cope with the daily challenges of caring for their loved one. By actually experiencing some of the emotions and frustrations that people with dementia may feel, caregivers are able to gain insight, a better understanding of the disease, and new coping strategies. An activity on “experiencing loss” is also included. This training is helpful to family caregivers, graduate students, and others in the field of human services. Presented by staff from Erie County Caregiver Resource Center - 858-6864.
Health Insurance:
Medicare, Supplemental plans, and long term care insurance options will be discussed by Senior Services’ Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP). Handouts provided help you select the best affordable coverage. We also talk about changes in Medicare, and health care insurance options for the underinsured and uninsured. Presentation minimally requires 45 minutes to adequately cover the topic and respond to questions. Call 858-7883 to schedule.
Energy Assistance Programs:
Discussion and information about various home heating and energy assistance programs available to the senior population, including the federally funded Home Energy Assistance and Weatherization Referral programs. Call the Energy Services Unit at 858-6955.
Health Education Presentations -
Personal Health Records: Many seniors have physicians and health specialists who may not share clinical information in a seamless fashion. This increases the risk for medical and medication errors. Participants will receive tools and strategies needed to compile all of their health info in one place - create a Personal Health Record; Partnering with Your Doctor/Finding Dr. Right; How to Get Copies of Tests & Records; and More Questions to Ask Doctor. Call 858-8081.
Emergency Planning: Participants will prepare for an emergency by putting together a personal emergency plan that addresses food, water, medical, supplies, communication, transportation and emergency contact information. Call 858-8081.
De-stressing Your Life: Participants will learn about the relationship between stress, illness and health; how to identify triggers; and strategies to eliminate, decrease and/or cope with stress in a healthy way. Call 858-8081 for this presentation.
Sexuality & the Older Adult: Recognize and manage the effects aging and chronic illness may have on sexuality. Will also discuss the STD/HIV among older adults, as well as risk factors for STD and prevention. Call 858-8081.
Living Well, Living Long and Loving Life: Finding and doing what you love, exploring healthy eating, enjoying exercise, keeping your mind sharp, how small changes make a big difference in enjoying a healthy, pleasurable life. Call 858-8081 for this presentation.
Living Healthy with Chronic Disease: (HIV, COPD, Hypertension, Asthma, Heart Disease, Diabetes) Recognize the emotional aspects of chronic disease and how they hinder or support self-care. Better understand the importance of disease self-management. Disease specific medication and treatment adherence and formulate a plan to adopt self-care behaviors. Call 858-8081.
Share Your Wisdom:
Participants identify valuable life experiences and accomplishments, and explore ways to share their knowledge. Call 858-8081.
Share Your Wishes:
Learn about Advanced Care Planning, Living Wills, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and the decision making process, as well as how to share your decisions with family and health care providers. Call 858-8081.
Nutrition Education Presentations:
- Food & Drug/Medication Interactions
- Healthy Recipes for Healthy Eating
- Nutrition Advice for Every Stage of Life
- Nutrition Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults
- Most Current Healthy Eating Guidelines
- Food Strategies for Your Good Health
- Nutrition from the Ground Up
- Eating Alone - Cooking for 1 or 2 People
- How to Eat Smart At Home or Dining Out
- Reading and Understanding Food Labels
Food Safety:
- Spring Clean Your Way to a Clean Kitchen
- Maintaining Safe Food Temperatures
- Learn Food Safety from the Experts
- Six Steps to Safer Fruits and Vegetables
Special Diets:
- Dealing with Diabetes
- Healthy Eating with Hypertension
- How to Avoid Digestive Problems
- Gain or Lose Weight
- How to Fight Daily Temptations
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Best Season for Fruits & Vegetables
- Fruits & Vegetables with Most Nutritional Value
- Food Facts Related to the Special Needs of our Elderly Population
Exercise & Fitness:
- Exercise & Arthritis
- Building Muscle, Bone, and Flexibility
- Exercise for Over 60
For More Nutrition Information:
This list is not exhaustive of the many nutrition and fitness topics Stay Fit dining is able to present. Our professionally trained and certified Registered Dietitians who work for the Erie County Department of Senior Services Stay Fit Dining Program are experts in the field of presenting on the dietary needs of older adults. Please contact us with your request or to schedule any one of our informative presentations at (716) 858-7639 Monday through Friday between of the hours of 9:00 am to 4:00.
If there is any additional speaking topic you had in mind not listed on this page but related to aging services, call us at 858-8526 and perhaps we can point you toward the right direction.