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Help at Home

Continuing Care at OFA provides access to anyone, regardless of age and payment source, to long term care services. Case Managers and Public Health Nurses can assess the clients in their home, a nursing home, or in the hospital; establish a realistic plan of care; and provide advice on funding sources.  They may also make suggestions regarding alternatives like adult day care, adult homes, assisted living, foster care, home health care, respite services, and placement at skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes).

Continuing Care at OFA also provides in-depth Alzheimer’s Care Consultations to caregivers. This is a personalized service for those who are facing many decisions and challenges associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders

There are a number of important options to consider and questions to be asked when selecting and purchasing health or personal care services in the home.  The Dutchess County Office for the Aging’s home care unit can provide information and assistance on home care and other community services which may be available that best meet your needs. For information and assistance, call 845-486‐2555 or email ofa@dutchessny.gov. We can help answer your questions.

There are wide range of services and programs, from reassurance services and personal emergency response systems, to home care services including homemaking services, certified home health agencies (CHHAs) and Licensed Home Care Agencies (LHCSAs).

Home Care Services

Home care services can range from basic homemaking and companionship services and personal care services to therapy and skilled nursing services. Agencies providing "hands on" personal care or skilled services must be licensed by the NYS Department of Health. Please contact us at 845-486-2555 or ofa@dutchessny.gov for a current listing of agencies. Dutchess County makes no provisions or guarantees regarding the fitness, character or ability to perform of the agencies listed.  

Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSA)

Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSA) may be private or hospital-affiliated, operating for profit or not-for-profit. They provide a wide range of services in the home. A LHCSA must be insured; some bond their employees. Personal care is the most-used LHCSA service. home health aides and personal care workers provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, feeding, meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, and laundry. Frequent components of such services are companionship and respite for overstressed caregivers.  Personnel are assigned and supervised by Registered Nurses. Please contact us at 845-486-2555 or ofa@dutchessny.gov for a current list of agencies.

Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHA)

A Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA) is a home care services agency that meets specific standards established by federal and state government regulations and is “certified” to provide services under the Medicare program.  This type of home care agency provides directly or arranges for the following services:

Please contact us at 845-486-2555 or ofa@dutchessny.gov for a current list of local certified home health agencies.

 

Reassurance Programs

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

Emergency Medical Alert Systems assist people to live active, independent lives by linking them to assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) unit can be used for Fire, Police, and medical emergencies. Please contact us at 845-486-2555 or ofa@dutchessny.gov for a list of current providers.