Politics & Government

Town of North Hempstead Notebook: Senior Care

Here's a recap of some of the recent happenings in the Town of North Hempstead.

The recently released the results of a survey commissioned by and the North Hempstead Town board which shows the need for various components of the Project Independence program.

Many of the Town's residents who are over 60-years-old want to stay in their homes, according to a press release about the survey which polled 1,250 Town of North Hempstead seniors. Six hundred eight of those seniors live alone and 45 percent of those surveyed still drive, according to the release.

The information gathered from this survey is going to help the Town's Department of Services for the Aging, which deals with Project Independence, better tailor the program to its users, the release noted.

Find out what's happening in New Hyde Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 “Linking the program with our 311 Call Center not only makes access easier for our citizens but enhances our ability to track its efficacy," Kaiman said in the press release.

Some of the services that Project Independence provides include free rides to certain supermarkets via licensed cab companies as well as transportation to non-emergency medical visits seven days a week. With these rides, seniors pay half of a reduced taxi fee and the Town picks up the other half, the release noted.

Find out what's happening in New Hyde Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Thirty-six percent of those surveyed said that they need help with at least one task related to their everyday lives. In response to this, the town has a pilot program that allows for housekeeping, minor repairs and yard work to be done for seniors in New Hyde Park, according to the release. This program is through the non-profit group Family Residences and Essential Enterprises.

The survey also focused on exercise with more than 430 seniors saying they would attend a free fitness program and about 350 saying they wanted computer training. To address those desires, there are fitness classes related to exercise and yoga as well as a program taught with Wii Fit, the release said. These classes are taught in the Project Independence centers in Great Neck, Manorhaven, Roslyn and New Hyde Park. Four more centers are planned, according to the press release, and there are also plans for a virtual fitness program for those seniors who are homebound. Computer training classes will start later this year at the Roslyn location, the release noted.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here