The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (OFAS) will hold its annual public hearing on Tuesday, September 8th at 10:30 AM to gather community input on its proposed 2026-2027 Annual Update to the Four-Year Plan. The hearing will provide older adults, caregivers, service providers, health care partners, community organizations, volunteers, elected officials and residents an opportunity to share ideas about the needs and priorities of older adults in Chautauqua County.
Residents may participate virtually by clicking here or attending one of three in-person locations: the 3rd floor of the Gerace Office Building in Mayville, the 3rd floor of the Chautauqua Center at 107 Institute Street in Jamestown, or the Dunkirk Senior Center at 45 Cliffstar Court in Dunkirk. The public can review the OFAS 2027 Annual Update Narrative prior to the hearing.
OFAS Director Dana Corwin says, "Our annual public hearing is an important opportunity for us to listen directly to the people we serve. We want to hear what is working, where there are gaps and what our community believes we should be focusing on as we plan for the year ahead."
OFAS serves as Chautauqua County's Area Agency on Aging, helping older adults and their families find services that support safe, healthy and independent living. Nearly one in three Chautauqua County residents is age 60 or older, and many older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age.
Community feedback has identified several ongoing needs, including assistance that allows older adults to remain at home, transportation, support for family caregivers, food and nutrition, access to technology and safe housing.
The proposed 2027 Annual Update focuses on strengthening services that help older adults remain independent and connected to their communities. Priorities include:
- Expanding services that help older adults remain safely in their homes;
- Strengthening NY Connects to make it easier for older adults, caregivers and families to find information and services;
- Expanding education, counseling, respite and dementia support for family caregivers;
- Strengthening home-delivered meals, group meals, nutrition education and wellness checks;
- Improving transportation connections to medical care, food, pharmacies and other essential services;
- Expanding health and wellness programs focused on fall prevention, physical activity, healthy aging and brain health;
- Increasing volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery, transportation, friendly visits, technology assistance and community events;
- Helping older adults safely navigate computers, phones, telehealth and online services;
- Supporting emergency preparedness for older adults and caregivers; and
- Improving access to services for individuals facing additional challenges due to low income, living alone, disability, rural location, food insecurity or social isolation.
OFAS continued to expand and strengthen services during 2026, including increasing home-delivered meal capacity, continuing Dining Out meal programs, expanding caregiver respite opportunities, increasing dementia and healthy aging education, expanding health and wellness programs and strengthening partnerships with hospitals to improve care following a hospital stay.
OFAS also continued programs such as Warm & Well at Home and Santa for Seniors, while increasing education and outreach on Medicare, insurance, scams, elder abuse and healthy aging.
Corwin says, "While we are proud of the progress we have made, there is always more work to do. Our goal is to make sure older adults have the information, resources and support they need to stay safely in their homes, remain connected and maintain their dignity and independence."
The Office for Aging Services provides services directly and through community partners, with available services depending on program requirements, individual needs and funding. Services include NY Connects information and assistance, help at home, meals and nutrition programs, caregiver support, health and wellness programs, Medicare counseling, transportation assistance, legal and housing referrals, and employment and volunteer opportunities.
The proposed 2027 total Office for Aging Services budget is $5.83 million, including approximately $4.04 million in federal and state funds, $913,336 in county funds and $875,000 in participant contributions.
Questions about the upcoming public hearing or aging services can be directed to NY Connects by calling (716) 753-4582.
Graphic by Chautauqua County Government
