In this program sponsored by the ASPCA, volunteers bring their pets to health care facilities throughout the metro New York area. Both animals and owners undergo a training program before visiting, to understand how the healing presence of animals may be safely brought to others. The most common animal visitors are cats, dogs and rabbits—although other furry guests are not unheard of!

Elder Craftsman works to keep seniors productive and tries to reach those who have limited access to arts programs. As such, it makes extensive outreach efforts. The agency sends staff members to various senior facilities; they provide instructions, materials and help in constructing crafts. Sometimes the finished products are given to local charities. Elder Craftsmen also trains residents of senior facilities in craft-making. This, in turn, benefits individual facilities whose financial resources would normally preclude an arts program. Intergenerational activities, usually involving seniors and their younger relatives, also take place. Homebound seniors can be accommodated as well.

Virginia Bell and David Troxel's four guidebooks assist professional and family caregivers in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's. The books educate caregivers on how to offer emotional support and promote communication and positive behavior. One of the books outlines approximately 150 activities geared specifically toward people with Alzheimer's. Another book aims to improve Alzheimer's care by assisting facilities in recruiting and training staff.

CAPP is a multifaceted interdisciplinary program that addresses the needs of family caregivers through its advocacy, education and support programs. Initially, the agency was set up to aid individuals connected with Mount Sinai Hospital, the School of Medicine or its affiliates—either by way of their role as caregivers, or by employment or residence within the community. However, advice and referrals are given to those in need regardless of their affiliations. CAPP's call center centralizes information to make caregiver resources easier to find. Spanish-speaking social workers help alleviate any social disconnect for Latin American caregivers. Short-term respite care is available but depends on funding.

The MedicalView website provides links to interactive programs that address a wealth of medical issues, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and heart attacks. The site offers a comprehensive list of short informational programs that answer questions pertaining to specific medical conditions. Web audiences click on the queries to receive detailed responses from medical specialists.

Although it is a division of Beth Israel medical centers, the Family Caregiver Program pulls in all available resources in order to create the very detailed Net of Care web pages. The website is extremely comprehensive in its discussion of caregiver issues. It also lists a great many resources, making it especially helpful to those new to the role of caregiving. The site is easily navigated, as service listings can be accessed by type of illness, needs or location. The e-newsletters inform participants of new and relevant technologies and information. The Family Caregiver Program provides copies of their Caregiver Resources guides on the site, but hard copies can also be ordered free of charge.

Administered by Brookdale, one of Brooklyn's largest teaching hospitals, two specialized programs provide outreach and support to the senior community. The Alzheimer's support group aids patients, family members and caregivers, while the Grandparents as Parents support group is designed for seniors who have become the primary custodians of their grandchildren.

Elder Wisdom Circle is web-based nonprofit organization of volunteers, sixty and older, who offer practical advice on a broad range of topics—from gardening and personal goals to major life changes. The organization encourages seniors to share their experiences in ways that not only empower those in need but also reinforce their own roles as leaders within their communities. Seniors may participate from the privacy of their homes or in groups within their long-term care settings.

Designed to aid those with life-threatening illnesses, as well as their caregivers, this SOHO-area agency takes a comprehensive approach to healing. What it designates the "heart and soul" of the operation is its Big Group meetings—a handful of which take place throughout the week. Drop-ins are encouraged. The structure of these meetings allows for welcoming newcomers in addition to aiding those who are coping with illness. Crisis counseling is available on a limited basis. Weekly yoga and meditation classes are scheduled along with weekend and evening workshops, which usually address holistic health issues. Massage therapists with a breadth of styles are also available: Breema, craniosacral, polarity, reflexology, Reiki, shiatsu and Swedish. All services are free of charge; the agency runs solely on donations.

SPOP has variety of programs that aid adults fifty-five and older with mental health issues. All services are provided free of charge unless otherwise noted. SPOP's clinic offers onsite therapy as well as home or senior center visits. An auxiliary program is in place for seniors with a secondary diagnosis of substance abuse. A sliding scale is available for both. Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance are accepted; however, service is not dependent on the ability to pay. The Geriatric Outreach Assessment Linkage (GOAL) program, which is completely funded by donations, serves Spanish Harlem residents with an Axis I psychiatric diagnosis or signs of mental illness. GOAL hopes to enable these seniors to stay psychologically stable and within their community by providing in-home counseling and assessment sessions. The Widowed Person Service offers free bereavement support to widows and widowers throughout New York City; group support is available in addition to one-on-one meetings with volunteers who have also coped with loss. SPOP's peer advocacy group visits senior centers to inform participants of available resources and pertinent information about mental health issues in the community.

Dr. Patrick Arbore, Ed.D., the 1988 recipient of the American Society on Aging award for outstanding contributions in the field of aging, is the founder of Friendship Line for the Elderly. An expert with more than thirty years of experience in the areas of aging, grief and crisis intervention, he is a noted workshop leader and lecturer, speaking on such issues as crisis, depression and despair in the elderly.

The three-part system of telephone-based service at HELP LINE includes a hotline, referral service and the CheeRing program. The volunteers at the continuously staffed hotline assist individuals in crisis; the staff is trained to deal with a whole host of problems including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, domestic violence, loneliness and suicidal ideation. Referrals are available to over 1,000 agencies, both local and national, that offer a variety of programs and services. The CheeRing program has volunteers calling homebound persons on a weekly, scheduled basis in order to foster a relationship and dispel any feelings of isolation.

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and vascular diseases are all associated with memory and behavioral disorders. Staff members trained to distinguish between memory changes resulting from specific disorders—versus the normal aging process—work to evaluate and treat these issues. The staff also works to assuage secondary symptoms of dementia such as agitation, hallucinations and sleep disorders. Pharmacological treatments for memory impairment are integrated into therapy plans as appropriate.

This memory clinic is run collaboratively by the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University. Close to 400 patients are registered and followed in the center, which deals with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment—both on its own and when coupled with depression. By compiling information, clinicians hope to understand the underlying causes and discover the most effective treatments for memory disorders. Testing, including neurological and physical exams, is augmented by assessing patients' medical history. Participants in the federally funded program pay no fee; however, patients or their insurance carriers must cover the costs of laboratory blood analysis and brain imaging.

This research center works to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's and related disorders and to promote healthy aging of the general population by educating the public about advances in the field of geriatrics. The organization's best-known division is its Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC) at the NYU School of Medicine. By studying the mechanics of the aging brain and the course of Alzheimer's and related disorders, the ADC hopes to increase knowledge about the genesis and progression of the disease—and, in turn, develop the best possible methods for diagnosis and treatment. The ADC's Caregiver Program addresses the emotional and psychological repercussions of the diseases for relatives and caregivers, whereas the Education Program keeps abreast of major findings and breakthroughs in the scientific community, relaying findings via its newsletter and website. The Multicultural Aging Assessment Program aids what it deems "underserved" populations, particularly the Spanish-speaking community. The ADC accepts Medicare, Medicaid and third-party insurance. Inability to pay does not necessarily preclude treatment.

Growth House is a website that provides resources for life-threatening illnesses and end-of-life care. Its mission is to improve the quality of information and resources for this population. Growth House's network serves an international consortium of health organizations, which hosts a discussion forum for over 18,000 professionals. The website explains major issues in hospice and home care, pain management, grief, and death with dignity. It also offers disease-specific interviews and guides, and maintains an online bookstore. Growth House Radio is a unique online entertainment service that offers a unique mix of music and educational features on end-of-life care.

BERGFELD's helps clients to arrange and manage their personal possessions. Staff is adept at dealing with space constraints and clutter issues, in addition to streamlining the moving and vacating process. Sorting, reorganizing and relocating possessions (which may include charity donation, shipping, storage or removal services) are supplemented by heavy-duty cleaning and written reports with recommendations for ongoing maintenance. By collaborating with family members, guardians, social workers, attorneys, building managers and community or public agencies, the staff strives to meet clients' needs—and wishes.

As a top-notch estate liquidator, Gramercy Park works competently to always display the utmost in care and respect to its clients. As the staff is well-trained and has a deep appreciation of art, clients needing a discerning eye will be served best by this agency. The company arranges estate sales, occasionally purchasing the entire estate itself. The staff will conduct tag sales and clean-outs. The company also offers representation at auctions.

By assisting the needy, improving the quality of life for southern Brooklyn's seniors, and enabling those at risk to remain safely in their homes, the Bay Ridge Center ensures that its work has positive, far-reaching effects. The center aids the elderly by delivering hot meals and providing grocery shopping companions. Several programs involve volunteers helping seniors by doing light household chores and indoor and outdoor repair work. Wheelchair-accessible vans provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping and assorted senior services and social activities in the area. Homebound seniors benefit from the Telephone Assurance Program, which checks in on them on a daily basis. The staff also provides advice on government assistance programs (food stamps, Medicare and Social Security) along with housing and utility queries.

Located a block away on Fourth street is the affiliated Bay Ridge Senior Center, which hosts regular health screenings, a women's support group and a men's club. Members of the Senior Advisory Board plan weekly activities, classes, menus and trips. Social needs are met by a monthly restaurant dining club, training at a computer learning center and more than forty weekly classes in everything from tai chi to tango. Membership and participation is free for adults over sixty.

The Burden Center for the Aging is a large organization that primarily serves the Upper East Side. The organization offers an adult day program (C.V. Starr Adult Day Services) in addition to groups for adult children of Alzheimer's patients, Chinese speakers and women. Caregiver information is available—so too are referrals for those outside the center's catchment area. The Burden Center teams with the Community Elder Mistreatment & Abuse Prevention Program to aid adults sixty and older with court advocacy, legal advice and crisis counseling. Seniors within the center's service area can have staff provide and install door locks and window gates in their homes. The center also coordinates home security checks by local police and aids in replacing stolen goods like identification paperwork.

The affiliated Carter-Burden Luncheon Club & Senior Program provides an array of cultural and social activities along with a hot lunch to seniors at its 74th Street location. Homebound seniors benefit from meal delivery. Club members benefit from free blood pressure and vision testing along with nutrition lectures. The Burden Center also sponsors various programs in which staff or volunteers: make friendly visits to homebound seniors; serve as escorts to medical appointments and shopping trips; check in with seniors regularly via telephone; coordinate financial, social and medical services for homebound seniors; and assist with financial management and end-of-life planning. A specialist from the center's Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program provides counseling and representation for those sixty and older.

While Callen-Lorde's services are available to all older adults, they are designed to meet the specific medical and social needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors. The health center introduces seniors to the appropriate support networks to help with issues surrounding illness, loss of loved ones and isolation. Callen-Lorde's medical and mental health services emphasize preventive health and wellness; some, but not all of the health program's offerings include primary medical care, HIV-related medical care, gynecological and transgender services, counseling, case management and substance abuse assessments.

The genesis of this council began with a localized effort to aid Chinese immigrants; today it has prospered into one of the largest providers of social services for Chinese-Americans in the U.S. Four centers have senior-centric programs. The agency educates seniors on entitlement, food stamps and housing applications, in addition offering to case management and bereavement services. Instructional classes include English language, health and nutrition courses. Recreational activities range from the sedentary but stimulating (calligraphy and bingo) to the more active (tai chi and dancing). The Mulberry Street center's orchestra room allows seniors to perform for their peers. Not to be outdone, the Chrystie Street building, home to Project Open Door, has hosted senior art shows that integrated traditional Chinese art with western styles and photography. The Nan Shan Center in Queens lies in a predominantly Chinese area. The Brooklyn office is a walk-in center specializing in

Con Edison Senior Direct offers a range of free services for clients with special needs. The clientele includes seniors who are blind, disabled or who require life-sustaining equipment. Customers can discuss their accounts and other special programs at Con Edison with a representative via a toll-free number. Services include suggestions on making bill-paying easier, directions on applying for government aid programs, and referrals to organizations that offer more specialized assistance. Con Edison provides convenient quarterly and third-party billing.

DOROT, which means "generations" in Hebrew, is a multifaceted agency that concentrates on the many needs of the elder community. Family Circle brings intergenerational programs to a new level: in Bubbe's Bakery, seniors make everything from brownies to challah with children and other adults. The In-Sight program provides volunteers who read paperwork for the elderly and also hosts a telephone support group for seniors with visual impairment. Kosher delivery, including a Shabbat meal, ensures seniors with friendly visits and good food. In University without Walls, participants enroll in classes via scheduled teleconferencing; the scope is large and covers everything from poetry to politics. The Homelessness Prevention program aims to keep elderly in self-sustaining environments and provides temporary housing placement for those who find themselves without living arrangements. Although many of the programs are geared towards Jewish participants, people of all faiths are welcome.

The GRIOT Circle began as a grassroots group of neighbors who came together to aid fellow Brooklynites. The agency, although welcoming to all, is designed to meet the needs of Brooklyn-area lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of color. Computer and exercise classes are offered along with some very specialized support groups, such as a cancer survivor support network for lesbians and an HIV Over Fifty group. Perhaps one of the most interesting offerings is a weekly class in Yoruba woodcarving, which is augmented by classes in Yoruba language and history. The Buddy-2-Buddy program has volunteers over the age of fifty who aid seniors in getting to appointments or out on shopping excursions. Volunteers also make regular telephone calls to check in and see what, if anything, the elder needs—simultaneously dispelling any feelings of isolation. The agency asks that volunteers be sensitive to the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Premier Bathrooms transforms bathrooms for elderly, frail and disabled people so they can comfortably maintain their independence. The company's products range from walk-in showers and baths to bath seats, grab bars and hydrotherapy tubs. Premier Bathrooms' representatives advise their customers on the best options for their unique needs. A full demonstration of all products is available at local stores.

The Healthy Aging Program strives to help seniors remain in the comfort of their homes without compromising safety, health or wellness. The Safe Environment Promotion offers slight home and apartment modifications to maximize personal safety; the coordinator can arrange for simple reorganizing of the home as well. The Wellness Promotion offers a variety of educational workshops on diet and nutrition, weight management, medication management and even smoking cessation. The wellness package also offers fitness classes and individual and family counseling.

What began as eight people in the Village who decided to help their older neighbors has burgeoned into an agency that aids over 700 seniors in a given year. Volunteers must undergo screening and training before joining the organization. Each volunteer is then matched with a senior. Typical services include weekly visits at the senior's home and accompaniment on shopping excursions or appointments. Staff keeps track of special occasions like birthdays and holidays, ensuring that seniors receive cards and small gifts—but more importantly, that they feel remembered and nurtured. The agency also provides referrals and pertinent information for the frail elderly who have specific difficulties. In Manhattan, the area served lies mostly between 23rd and Canal Street: Greenwich Village, NoHo, SoHo, the East Village, Chelsea, and Gramercy and Stuyvesant. Residents of Forest Hills and Rego Park also have access to these services.

Cabrini Alzheimer's Care Program emphasizes the importance of art and storytelling as powerful tools for engaging dementia patients and the frail elderly. Trained volunteers guide art and storytelling projects both in facilities and private homes. The program also offers home visits by a nurse practioner who can create a unique response to disease progression by integrating a patient's lifestyle and preferences. Volunteers also provide education, advocacy and respite care for family members and caregivers.

Journey for a Day is designed to provide recreation for seniors who are unable or unwilling to attend a senior center or an adult day program. In-home events include exercise and mentally stimulating activities such as craft-making or writing. Trips to museums, theatres or short jaunts to the park are also included as appropriate. Special emphasis is placed on invigorating the daily lives of dementia patients. The company also trains staff from in-home care agencies and various senior facilities and programs, in addition to providing geriatric care management services.

The Hebrew Bet Tzedek translates to "House of Justice." This particular abode is part of the Cardozo School of Law's program, which assists elderly and disabled people who cannot afford to pay for legal representation on their own. The clinic's team consists of legal and social work students and professionals; together, they represent clients in civil matters, assist with advocacy and provide referrals to appropriate agencies or resources. The team has dealt with a wide variety of clients and problems, thereby ensuring that staff has experience even in seemingly atypical cases—such as evictions due to problematic hoarding.

This law firm has offices in all five boroughs that serve a low-income population. The Brooklyn location houses the Office for the Aging, which offers resources for adults over the age of sixty. Besides aiding with general legal issues, the firm also works on benefits, consumer and eviction cases. Legal Aid Society represents clients who reside or participate in congregate care facilities such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and adult day programs. Family law, including cases involving custodianship or elder abuse, is handled as well. Home visits can be arranged.

Sadin Institute on Law, Public Policy & Aging, otherwise known as the Law Institute, is a division of Hunter College's Brookdale Center on Aging. The Institute functions primarily as a call center where professionals such as social workers, paralegals and attorneys can receive advice on aiding elderly clients. The staff keeps abreast of laws and issues that affect seniors, ensuring that professionals receive up-to-date information about accessing and securing benefits for their elderly clients—many of whom are impoverished.

SeniorLaw is a one-stop online resource that features the most current information on elder law services. Seniors and their loved ones can use SeniorLaw to research updated Medicaid and Medicare benefits, statutes on local trust and estate acts, and federal elder law policies and mandates—as well as various local and nationwide services. Sponsored by elder law attorneys, the website also features a list of attorneys located across the country.

All three of the library systems serving the New York metro area offer a books-by-mail service through their respective community outreach programs. The generous selection of materials, which includes large-print and audio books, accommodates a variety of readers.

Greenberg Academy for Successful Aging is a health education program that offers numerous lectures, workshops and exercise classes that focus on the special interests and needs of adults sixty-five and older. A few favorites are Gentle Yoga for Arthritis, Gentle Yoga for Osteoporosis and Dancing to the 60s! Most classes are held in the Hospital for Special Surgery on 70th Street and York Avenue.

Retired professionals, ranging in age from fifty-four to ninety-two, compose IRP's student body. Classes and discussion groups are held on the New School campus in Greenwich Village. The course listings reflect the socially progressive, innovative and diverse interests for which the university is known. IRP's Changing Eye and Ear Committee aids students who have impaired vision or hearing by providing audio books for some courses, setting up "touch tours" of museums and facilitating support groups. Monthly newsletters and a yearly volume of prose and poetry entitled Voices document the labors of learning. IRP emphasizes study groups and peer education. There are no grades, but the program is serious about its academic pursuits. A committee welcomes new students (and even their course proposals!) in an effort to keep the program dynamic.

The entire sixth floor of New York City College's Center for Worker Education is home to Quest, a group of seniors who feel that although they are retired or semiretired, their pursuit of learning should continue. Members come from a variety of backgrounds, but many previously held professional jobs. Students can petition to teach a course. Class topics include everything from politics to poetry. About thirty-five classes run during any given semester. The level of participation is left up to the individuals—ensuring that even shy and retiring types can enjoy classes.

For twenty years, SeniorNet has spearheaded computer education programs for adults fifty and older. The nonprofit organization sponsors over 240 learning centers across the country; there are eight in New York City alone. Seniors can enroll in numerous introductory courses in computers, word processing, spreadsheets and using the web—all courses are offered at a low cost. SeniorNet's website provides access to the organization's newsletter, and seminar and conference announcements, in addition to its online community, SeniorNet RoundTables. Some of the most common web discussion forums focus on health issues, money management, health care benefits, recreation and books.

Citymeals-on-Wheels provides midday meals to homebound seniors. Besides assisting elderly New Yorkers to remain safely in their homes and communities, the deliveries also ensure daily human contact, as many of the recipients live alone. To qualify for this program, an individual must be at least sixty years of age and have a chronic physical disability which precludes shopping for food and preparing meals. Special holiday and weekend meals along with boxed nonperishable foodstuffs for emergencies guarantee that participants in the program are never without recourse. Supper meals in addition to lunch are available for clients susceptible to malnutrition. Many of the centers offer kosher meal delivery.

Baron's range of durable medical equipment and supplies include mostly mobility aids: wheelchairs, seating and positioning equipment, scooters, lifts, ramps and respiratory products. The company stresses a work ethic based on integrity and accountability. The management's customer service stance is to make the buying experience both pleasant and efficient.

Clothing Solutions offers attire for people who require full or partial assistance in dressing. With a varied population in mind—from individuals with limited mobility, to those who may attempt to undress themselves at inappropriate moments, to those who are incontinent—Clothing Solutions manufactures pieces to suit individuals in various scenarios. The designs include features such as zip-fronts, inseams secured by snaps, pullover styling, rear seat panels and back openings. All of these features are disguised to promote the wearer's dignity as well as their comfort.

e-Pill is an online store that offers a plethora of medication-reminder merchandise. Alarms, vibrating timers, watches and pagers, pill organizers and identifiers—all are technological solutions to the often hard-to-remember and easy-to-forget problems with tracking daily medication schedules. e-Pill provides a money-back guarantee for all its products.

Express Ramps is a web-based business that specializes in wheelchair ramps. Some of the ramps less than ten feet long collapse for easy transport. Ramps longer than ten feet are described as "modular," since they can be assembled by joining small pieces to create more permanent ramps that do not require building permits. All ramps fulfill a spectrum of needs. The company's online ramp wizard ensures picking out the correct design is fail-safe. Customer service representatives are helpful and well-trained in regard to their products. Customers need the skills and help of at least one handy friend to set up most ramps.

Gold Violin offers its clients nifty gadgets and support products to enhance independent living. The Gold Violin online catalogue is replete with merchandise for seniors with physical and cognitive conditions that may hinder daily routines; memory enhancing products such as photo phones and day-of-the-week clocks are as handy as they are helpful. Many of the products are specifically designed for people with arthritis, dementia or visual impairments.

HDIS offers a full range of incontinence supplies. Company representatives helpfully answer questions and provide advice. The online catalog is extensive and all orders are delivered in discreet packaging.

Lifeline is an affordable, easy-to-use medical alarm that promotes the independence of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and the chronically ill by helping them to stay safely at home.

Living Independently Group is the maker of QuietCare, a system that works to thwart potential emergencies. To do this, motion sensors are placed in seniors' homes. Using existing home telephone lines, a base station relays information gathered by the sensors to the company's call center. Activity levels are monitored to ensure they fall within individually determined "normal" ranges; designated caregivers can access the data via email, phone or a protected website. Eating habits are checked by the opening and closing of the refrigerator. Although medication cannot be checked for correct dosage, the sensors do note the senior's presence in the area where medication is taken. Perhaps most helpful is how the sensors detect whether a senior has been in a particular area, such as the bathroom or the bedroom, for an abnormal amount of time.

Medical Supply Group's online catalog features a comprehensive selection of specialized products and medical equipment at affordable prices. From ambulatory devices and wheelchair accessories to incontinence supplies and bath safety equipment, the catalog offers options from several hundred specialty manufacturers. Medical Supply Group offers around-the-clock product support, via web or phone, 365 days of the year.

MedicAlert, a nonprofit organization, stores important health records for its members. The organization's 24-hour response center quickly supplies emergency response personnel with these records in the event of an emergency. Members wear the MedicAlert Emblem, a bracelet engraved with their ID numbers, medical conditions and the phone number of the emergency response center. The E-HealthKEY is a small electronic device that fits on a keychain and contains medical records that can be quickly accessed during emergencies. MedicAlert also stores state-recognized advance directives and do-not-resuscitate orders so that members' loved ones and medical caregivers have access to this crucial information should the need arise.

MediKeeper is an online record-keeping service that aids seniors, their caregivers and physicians in keeping track of important health-related information. MediKeeper's features include MediKost, which uses personal information to help seniors choose the most appropriate pharmacy and Medicare prescription discount card; MediKabinet, which tracks subscribers' medications and related information including dosage, side effects and drug interactions; MediTracker, which logs personal health markers like weight, cholesterol and blood pressure, and MediForms, which enables subscribers to avoid completing medical forms repeatedly. A phone call to MediKeeper during an emergency quickly provides medical personnel with subscribers' medical information.

Optelec specializes in computer hardware and software for the visually impaired. In addition to computer desktop units, portable and handheld devices are equipped with magnifiers that allow users to enhance the size and resolution of the image. Optelec also offers a text-to-speech converter for cell phones, which allows visually impaired seniors to identify incoming calls without visual strain; all text is vocally transmitted.

Not only does ResponseLink manufacture monitoring devices, the company also provides 24/7 emergency response, scheduled medication reminders and even wake-up and tuck-in services, all of which are transmitted through a ResponseLink monitoring unit. The sophisticated alert device has automated fall detection that summons for help when activated. The unit is perfect for seniors who reside at home alone, or those who choose to manage more autonomous daily schedules.

Shield Healthcare is a web-based medical supply company that offers products ranging from incontinence and ostomy supplies to nutritional supplements. The company is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service, making sure that their employees receive regular training on products and services.

Chateau Drug & Homecare shop carries prescription medicines along with supplies to manage diabetes, incontinence and in-home health care. Items can be delivered to clients within a two-mile radius of this Upper West Side office.

By trying to streamline the ordering and refill process and delivering anywhere in the Bronx for free, Mt. Carmel hopes to create a hassle-free pharmacy experience. The comprehensive service ensures that prescriptions are monitored and queries about possible side effects are answered preemptively. Mt. Carmel also works to have a fast turnaround by stocking injectable and HIV treatment drugs that usually require advance ordering. Drug therapy counseling further augments their services. Durable medical equipment and incontinence and ostomy supplies are available as well.

The primary focus of EIS is to keep seniors in sustainable, rent-controlled living conditions within Midtown East. In doing do, the agency's objective is to stabilize the area and maintain the neighborhood's identity. An integrated legal arm of the agency ensures more than just discussions of advocacy—individuals receive advice and representation in housing court along with assistance in securing their Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption. EIS also works with clients who have clutter issues, as this particular nuisance can sometimes lead to eviction. Seasonal tax clinics are free for seniors. The agency's ties to the East Side Elder Abuse Prevention Project are another nod to creating a community where elders are safe, comfortable and never without recourse.

NHS is a nonprofit organization that aids a low-income population with housing issues. One of the ways in which the agency helps is by securing loans for first-time home buyers. By utilizing their team of volunteers and looking for funding, the agency also assists homeowners in maintaining and renovating their existing properties. A reverse mortgage program is available for those sixty-two and older who are owners of a home or a HUD-approved condominium.

Senior Real Estate Specialists realtors have received a special education from the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council so they can effectively assist seniors with major decisions such as selling their home or refinancing. These specialists are equipped to counsel seniors on topics that include relocating and purchasing property. Clients receive pertinent information on the real estate market as well as referrals to attorneys and other professionals who focus on senior-related issues.

Elderhostel is a nonprofit organization that designs affordable and educational itineraries for older adults. The objective is not just to visit a destination, but to get to know a place and learn about the native culture. By humanizing and contextualizing the travel experience, Elderhostel goes beyond the commonplace travel experience by offering informed lectures, field trips and cultural excursions. Both U.S. and international destinations are covered. The organization also serves as a social network where like-minded seniors can meet. Some trips include intergenerational programs and community service work.

This state-sponsored agency provides vocational rehabilitation and other direct services to blind and visually impaired residents of New York State. The agency's primary focus is helping these individuals to maintain their independence. Specialized versions of the agency's Adaptive Living Program, administered from the Bronx office, address the specific needs of seniors. One aspect of the program has volunteers teaching seniors, usually the newly blind, adaptive household skills.

Pioneered to assist people with visual impairments, National Federation for the Blind's Newsline is a toll-free news hotline. Gathering news bytes from over two hundred media affiliates, including giants such as USA Today, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and prominent magazines such as The Economist and AARP, subscribers receive their news at the touch of button. NFB-Newsline gives its "readers" access to local, national and world news twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

True to its namesake, Visiting Eyecare Service brings its expertise to its clients, offering in-home vision check-ups and optometry care. The staff visits seniors in Queens and parts of the Bronx and Westchester Counties.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority administers this program, contracting private carriers to offer shared rides and door-to-door paratransit services for people with disabilities who are unable to use public transportation for some or all of their trips. Eligibility is determined within twenty-one days after completing the application. Fares are the same as one would pay on public transport—and, as with the regular bus service, exact change is required.