New York City Resources to Support Aging in Place

There are a lot worse places to be a senior in than New York City.

That’s because not only is it the city that never sleeps, it’s also the city that provides lots of support and resources for its elderly citizens who want to age in place.

Here is a sampling of 8 NYC-area nonprofits and organizations that support aging in place with exceptional programs for seniors, educational resources, and community outreach.

LiveOn NY is all about advocacy that champions the rights of older New Yorkers. The organization provides direct assistance, hosts workshops and an annual conference, and works with its membership of over 100 agencies to support senior citizens and their caregivers. Last year, LiveOn NY advocated for $22.9 million in funding for Department for the Aging (DFTA) programs.

The Aging in New York Fund, Inc.  is a 501(c)(3) organization that is committing to improving the quality of life for the city’s older residents. The organization has a history of helping, having started the program that eventually become the Citymeals-on-Wheels program. Today, the Fund is focused on several projects including helping seniors with financial literacy, intergenerational community service, and supporting working caregivers.

NYC Caregiver is a city service that is dedicated to the tireless caregivers who take care of seniors. It serves as a great resource for those doing important work, but who can use some respite and support now and then. Visit the site for important information on self-care, legal matters, and health care. You can also search its database to find a NYC Caregiving Resource Center in your area.

OATS (Older Adults Technology Service) is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive municipal technology program for seniors, serving over 20,000 people each year. The organization runs 24 technology labs across the city, and it also partners with government agencies, community-based organizations, national advocacy groups, and major corporations to help get technology into the hands of older New Yorkers.

New York Cares’ Seniors Programs help connect volunteers with elderly adults to share social interaction. Last year, more than 63,000 New Yorkers volunteered to take part in activities ranging from knitting, arts and crafts, to casino games and fitness classes, and more.

Visiting Neighbors is another volunteer matching service, which lends a helping hand to seniors aging in place who could use a bit of assistance or just some company. From escorting them to appointments and taking them for groceries to offering health advocacy and social opportunities, seniors without nearby family to care of them don’t have to feel alone thanks to this organization, and other organizations like it.

New York Foundation for Senior Citizens aims to help Big Apple seniors age in place and avoid moving into nursing homes or other institutions earlier than they would prefer. As the only non-profit, non-sectarian organization serving New York’s seniors in all five boroughs, the Foundation provides over 900 units of housing and 35 professionally administered social service programs for tens of thousands of elderly New Yorkers each year.

The Carter Burden Network (formerly The Carter Burden Center for the Aging) serves Manhattan, offering 12 programs in 7 locations. In addition to its senior centers and social services, it also has innovative Arts Programs that engage older people with stimulating activities including ceramics, jewelry-making, guitar lessons, visiting museums, and more.

Special Touch Home Care (our own organization) focuses on providing the most caring and supportive home health care aides around to families in need throughout the New York City boroughs and Westchester, with local aides based in every borough for immediate support. Our trustworthy team can also help you navigate the difficulties of signing up for CDPAP, should you wish to get paid for your own caregiving support for a loved one.

If the contributions of these 9 organizations prove anything, it’s that New York seniors and their caregivers are not alone. As you age in place, if you’re in need of support, assistance, or education, or looking for affordable (or free) ways to stay active and enjoy NYC culture, help is out there. Start with these groups, and ask around in your local community to find programs that can benefit you.

Disclaimer: This list is intended only as a starting point, and is not intended to be a comprehensive resource list. Readers are encouraged to do their own independent research to identify the best organizations for their needs.