Schuyler County officials recognize June 15, 2025 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The Schuyler County Legislature, the County Department of Social Services and the Office for the Aging have each announced their support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, and was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2012.

County officials have noted that elder abuse is a global, social, health and human rights issue that affects millions of older persons around the world and deserves the attention of the international community.

“It is our collective responsibility to provide for safe and secure communities and living environments for our seniors, and to encourage reporting of any suspected abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to the Schuyler County Adult Protective Services, as well as law enforcement agencies, for investigation, and intervention,” states a resolution of the Schuyler County Legislature.

In order to promote awareness of elder abuse, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging asks all county residents to wear something purple on Sunday, June 15.

Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. Survivors suffer higher levels of psychological distress, are twice as likely to be hospitalized and face greater risk of an early death than other seniors.

A copy of the Schuyler County Legislature’s proclamation, “Declare June 15, 2025 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” appears below.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Resolution-Schuyler County, New York by Steven Getman

Schuyler County officials unveil consumer pamphlets and information as part of National Consumer Protection Week

Watkins Glen, NY—Schuyler County officials are joining government agencies nationwide to commemorate National Consumer Protection Week.

The Schuyler County legislature has proclaimed the week of March 3 through March 9 as National Consumer Protection Week to provide information of interest to county consumers. In addition, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging and Schuyler County Attorney will be providing tips and resources relating to consumer protection information to protect Schuyler County residents from falling prey to scams, fraud, and identity theft.

This annual event marks a time when government agencies work together to promote consumer rights and educate the public on how to spot, report, and avoid becoming a victim of consumer fraud.

“Scams and frauds, including identity theft and phishing are a massive problem in society today,” Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman said. “If consumers learn about the best practices to keep their finances secure, they have a less likelihood of becoming a statistic. Every year Americans lose billions of dollars in losses and hardship.”

According to Office for the Aging Director Tammy Waite, seniors are an especially vulnerable target for scammers.

“Almost anyone under the right circumstances can fall for a phony offer or promotion, however, older Americans are usually more susceptible than others,” Waite said. “Scammers use promises of large financial gains or sometimes even romantic relationships to lure victims in, only to manipulate them into giving their life savings away. They prey on our older citizens who are trusting, vulnerable and can sometimes unknowingly fall for a scam.”

The Federal Trade Commission received 5.2 million victim reports describing more than $8.8 billion in losses to fraud in 2022 compared to $6.1 billion in losses the year prior. In that same time frame, investment scam losses more than doubled from $1.8 billion in 2021 to $3.8 billion last year.

To help combat scams, during Consumer Protection Week the County will distribute free pamphlets with website links and consumer protection information. The materials will be available at the County Office for the Aging, in Montour Falls, and the County Attorney’s Office in Watkins Glen. Information is also online at the county attorney website.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging’s mission statement is to advocate for, educate and assist the senior and disabled populations of Schuyler County to live in the most independent and integrated setting through community collaboration providing for well-being/health, security, dignity, autonomy and choice through innovative home and community-based services. As director, Waite Supervises and conducts social, educational, recreational, and health programs for senior citizens under the direction of the New York State Office for the Aging and the federal Administration for Community Living.

As County Attorney, Getman is the chief legal advisor for county government and responsible for the prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the county, including civil adult protective cases.

A copy of the legislature’s resolution is available here:

RECOGNIZE NATIONAL CONSUMER... by Steven Getman

Schuyler County Office for the Aging Food Expo is November 13

Free/Reduced Fee Sporting Licenses for Senior Citizens Offered

A 2014 survey carried out by the Oulu Deaconess Institute found that hunters and fishers feel that their physical, social and mental well-being is enhanced by spending time outdoors. These activities benefit our economy, provide funding for conservation and wildlife management and directly connect us with life on our planet.

With this in mind, New York State offers free or reduced fee sporting license/privileges for a number of groups, including the following:

• Active-duty military members
• Military veterans with 40% or more service-related disability
• Juniors (15 and under)
• Persons with Disability
• Native American members of select tribes
• Full-time nonresident students attending a New York College/University
• Seniors (ages 70+)

The requirements vary by category. For senior citizens, 70 years and older who are New York State residents, they are eligible for the following:

• $5 each fishing, hunting and trapping licenses
• Free bowhunting and muzzeloading privileges ($5 base hunting license is required)

In order to qualify, the required documents/proof are:

• For hunting licenses/privileges or trapping license: an appropriate hunter education program certificate or previous license/privilege;
• Proof of NYS residency.

Eligible Schuyler County seniors can get their reduced-fee licenses at the Schuyler County Clerk’s Office, 105 Ninth Street, Watkins Glen, New York, as well as at several town offices and businesses throughout the county. A complete list of approved locations can be found at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Hunting and fishing in Schuyler County and New York State offer a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Purchasing a free or reduced fee license for these activities is an excellent way for seniors to support New York's wildlife management efforts and remain active in our great outdoors.

Schuyler County to hold falls prevention seminar

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging will be holding its 2022 Falls Prevention Seminar on Tuesday, September 20.

The event features 15-minute presentations to help you identify and reduce potential fall risks. It also showcases local businesses and organizations providing balance and blood pressure screenings, health and wellness class demonstrations and more. Lunch is also being provided.

The seminar will be held from 10 am - 2 pm at the county’s Human Services Complex, 323 Owego Street in Montour Falls.

Please RSVP by September 15 by calling 607-535-6834 or by email.

For more information, click here.

Schuyler County announces 2022 Life Planning Seminar

Schuyler County officials are sponsoring the 2022 Life Planning Seminar.

The seminar addresses advance care decisions for your quality of life. Topics include:

• Power of Attorney,
• Last Will and Testament,
• Health Care Proxy,
• Living Will,
• Rethinking our approach to dying,

The event will be held May 19, 2022 from 1:00- 5:00 pm at the Montour Falls Moose Lodge, 2096 County Rd 14, and is being conducted by the County Office for the Aging.

The event is free, but seating is limited. Reservations are required. To make reservations, call the Office for the Aging at 607-535-7108 prior to Friday, May 13, 2022.

Welcome to Medicare program available to Schuyler County residents

Schuyler County residents can learn about Medicare, and all its parts, to assist them in their initial enrollment decisions.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) National Technical Assistance Center, is hosting a national, online “Welcome to Medicare” for people getting ready to retire, new to Medicare, and/or their caregivers on June 23, 2021, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET.

There will be presentations, pre-recorded educational videos, materials available for download, and virtual exhibits.

To register, click here.

Schuyler County offers Medicare 101 classes

This class will be held virtually, in a Zoom classroom setting. For more information, or to register, please contact the Schuyler County Office for the Aging.

Schuyler County Presents: Planning for Peace of Mind

Schuyler County will present “Planning for Peace of Mind” on Saturday, October 6 at the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls, New York.

Informational table topics will include Medicare Plans, Powers of Attorney, Wills, Volunteering and Community Programs and Services.

Presentations will be given on the following topics:

• Power of Attorney in Detail Workshop;
• Elder Law Survival Guide, Elder Abuse;
• Top Five Things You Need to Know about Medicare Open Enrollment;
• The Probate Process.

The event runs from 9:00 am to Noon at the 323 Owego Street, Conference Room 120, Montour Falls, New York.

Free breakfast snacks with coffee will be provided.

RSVP is required. To register to attend or for more information, please call the Schuyler County Office for the Aging at 607.535.7108.

Schuyler County offers "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" program

Are you struggling to balance your daily life while caregiving for a loved one?

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging will host "Powerful Tools for Caregivers," a six-week educational powerful tools training provided by Lifespan, for family and friends who are caring for older adults suffering with long-term conditions. This program focuses on the needs of the caregiver. The classes will be held at the Schuyler County Human Services Complex, Conference Room 115, 323 Owego Street, Montour Falls, from 3:00pm-4:30pm on:

• Tuesday, September 25th
• Tuesday, October 2nd
• Tuesday, October 9th
• Tuesday, October 16th
• Tuesday, October 23rd
• Tuesday, October 30th

The class provides you, the caregiver, with the skills and confidence you need to better care for yourself while caring for others. Caregivers will develop a wealth of self-care tools to reduce personal stress, change negative self-talk, and communicate their needs to family members and healthcare providers. Caregivers will also develop skills to communicate more effectively in challenging situations, recognize the messages in their emotions, deal with difficult feelings, and make tough caregiving decisions.

Participants also receive a FREE copy of The Caregiver Helpbook, developed specifically for the class.

Registration is required. Please call Office for the Aging, 607-535-7108, for additional information or to reserve your spot in the classes.

Schuyler County residents can talk Medicare

On Wednesday, July 18, Schuyler County residents can find out answers to their Medicare questions.

"Let's talk Medicare" will be held at the Harvest Cafe Lounge, 224 East Main Street, Montour Falls, New York, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Come and have a cup of coffee and bring your Medicare questions. You will also be able to discuss programs that could save you money on your Medicare, such as Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help and EPIC.

The event is free, but RSVP is suggested. Please call the Schuyler County Office for the Aging at 607.535.7108 to register or for more information.