As city, state and federal budgets get tighter, and services get fewer, seniors often get the short end of the stick. That is especially true of seniors who require constant care due to disability or illness, and those living in housing projects, such as those operated by the New York City Housing Authority.
Government funds for home care, senior and community centers are among the first items in a budget to go.
But that is where organizations like Astoria-based AHS Caring Communities come in. The adult day service center offers a variety of programs for adults of all ages, but especially senior citizens.
“We have a structured and safe environment,” said Simon Aronshtein, operations manager at AHS Caring Communities. “Every year they cut their budget, so NYCHA has decided for several years now that no longer providing services, they just want to be landlords. That requires seniors to go find these services elsewhere. We are providing those services as a cheaper alternative.”
Aronshtein noted that in many NYCHA developments, senior centers have closed down and seniors are unable to afford home care. He is working to get AHS’ name out there and reach those who are in need of its services.
AHS offers access to home care and a place for seniors to interact with each other as they would at a senior center. The center offers free transportation to seniors who request it.
“We have a center that is specially made to deal with situations like that,” Aronshtein said. “These people are not getting services because they don’t know we exist.”
He further noted that many seniors come to use AHS even though
“There are individuals that need more care and structure that the senior centers can survive,” Aronshtein said.“They could be participants in my center and their center.”
For more information on AHS and its services, contact AHS at (718) 265-0684.
