CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. — Dorothy Potter, 84, takes part in a couple of Bible study groups and relies heavily on her faith. Together with her dog, Wags, she's been living independently in her home for two years.

"Do what I want to do, when I want to do it. Grateful to the Lord for providing me health that I'm able to live here by myself," she said.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 10,000 older adults receive help under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly program

  • There are just as many, if not more, on the wait list for services

  • The NYS Assembly recently held a hearing to evaluate the program and the funding allocated in the 2024-25 budget

Though she does suffer from back issues, arthritis and walks with a cane, she cannot vacuum, bend down to wipe the floor or lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Even her hands turn a darker shade of blue when she tries to change her sheets.

"It's very frustrating. I never thought the day would come when I couldn't clean my own home," she said.

In January 2023, she applied for assistance under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program for those not Medicaid eligible, but was put on a wait list.

"It's very frustrating not to be able to do for yourself. I had to depend on family members, calling them and say, can you bring my groceries in the house for me or can you stop by and run the vacuum for me?" said Potter.

Members of the state Assembly recently held a hearing to evaluate the program serving more than 10,000 older adults and received $10 million in the latest state budget. 

Dana Corwin, from Chautauqua County's Office for Aging Services, is reviewing that testimony, and while she appreciates the advocacy and any funding, the program still faces a number of shortfalls.

"It's a glum time. So we've got an increasing number of people needing the service, and we've got a decreasing number of people in the community working in this field of homecare," said Corwin.

That leaves more than 10,000 older adults still waiting.

"We've got to support our older adults. They're our history, and we need to be their future. Investments in aging services are vitally important to every community across New York state. And it's vitally important to the economic security of our state," said Corwin.

After almost two years on the wait list, Potter now gets the services she needs.

"That's a big relief. Knowing that I've got help, coming twice a week is wonderful," she said.

Anyone who is still on the wait list is encouraged to keep checking in with their local Office for Aging Services.