Senior Housing - Activity Center FAQ

I’ve always thought of a senior center as a bunch of old people sitting around playing bingo. Why would I want to go to one?
Now that I’m retired, do I have to go from one government office to another to get information and help about social security, Medicare and other benefits?
I find that my new status as a "senior," has caused strains in my personal relationships. I'm not so sure I will fit in or be accepted at a center.
It sounds like your centers offer so much--are your services affordable for someone on a fixed income?
I am not a senior, but I am responsible for the care of one, which overwhelms me. Can you help?
I feel that I still have a lot to offer to my community. How can I be a part of the center that will let me contribute my skills and talents to others?

I've always thought of a senior center as lots of old people sitting around playing bingo. I still think of myself as active and involved... why would I want to go to one?

Selfhelp sponsors six senior centers in the borough of Queens. Although each one is a reflection of the immediate neighborhood, they all are similar in the broad range of activities and services offered. Today's centers provide educational programs, including college courses, ESL, current events seminars, concerts, group trips to cultural events, exercise classes and health screenings. Instruction in the full range of arts and crafts, bridge, ballroom and folk dancing are popular choices. Most centers offer instruction on computers.

Now that I'm retired, I have lots of questions about my social security benefits, Medicare, long term care options and other entitlements. Do I have to go from one government office to another to get help?

Selfhelp's professional social workers are available at its six activity centers for assistance with health insurance problems, applications to government programs, landlord, utility, legal and home care issues. We have extensive linkages to community service providers, as well as our own Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program that can assist with information on legal problems, help with applications and other issues.

I find that my new status as a "senior," and some changes in my health and functioning have caused some strains in my personal relationships. I'm not so sure I will fit in or be accepted at a center.

The Selfhelp staff is professionally qualified to offer short-term counseling on an individual or group model. They have mediated family problems and provided referrals for long-term interventions when necessary. The Selfhelp senior centers welcome people of all ethnicity, functional abilities and interests. Many offer support groups for the newly bereaved, for those recovering from strokes, for the developmentally disabled, for Alzheimer's sufferers, and for the physically challenged.

It sounds like you offer so much....are your services affordable for someone on a fixed income?

The Selfhelp senior centers are funded primarily by the New York City Department for the Aging. There is no fee for membership. Members are asked to contribute towards the enhancement of the programs by making a voluntary contribution each day they attend the center. The suggested contribution is approximately $1.75 per day. This covers the hot, nutritious, congregate lunch and virtually all other activities. There are other fees for trips and special events, but scholarships are always available, and no one is ever denied service due to an inability to contribute.

I am not a senior, but I am responsible for the care of one and I'm overwhelmed. Can you help?

Selfhelp can ease the burden of caregivers by providing sensitive support groups, individual counseling, and referrals to valuable resources. Through our sister agency, United Help, we sponsor six independent living high rise apartment buildings. The supportive services offered in these housing options often make a real difference in how families cope with aging relatives. Our Home Care Division is also a resource for help. The senior centers provide home delivered meals when appropriate, which can give caregivers some relief from their tasks. Then Selfhelp Alzheimers Resource Program (SHARP) provides respite, stimulation and a caring environment for those who can benefit from a social day program.

My parents are new immigrants, and are reluctant to join a senior center, but they are very isolated at home. Where can they go to become more integrated into their community?

Selfhelp offers English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes at many of the senior centers and assistance in the Naturalization process. Many of the sites have bi-lingual staff and the meals and programming are ethnically diverse.

I feel that I still have a lot to offer to my community. How can I be a part of the center that will let me contribute my skills and talents to others?

All of the Selfhelp senior centers rely on volunteers to make them the special places they are. Some volunteers teach classes, help the staff in the office or the kitchen, serve on the Policy Advisory Council, participate in intergenerational programs or assist frailer members at the center or those who are homebound.