Protective Services for Adults (PSA)

Adult Protective Services is a system of care and services for those facing abuse and/or neglect. A protective services referral should be made if an individual meets the following criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Physical or mental impairment
• Cannot protect themselves from neglect, abuse or hazardous situations
• Are unable to provide for their most basic needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care
• Have no one willing or able to assist responsibly

Protective Services is available to all adults, without regard to income, and will provide services directly to the individual or arrange for assistance with community agencies in order to reduce the risk of harm. Adults have a right to make their own decisions and, therefore, may choose to accept or refuse PSA involvement. However, if a person is at risk and unable to understand the potential harm and consequences of their behavior, PSA will intervene on their behalf. A mental health assessment and court intervention are generally required for involuntary services. In these cases, PSA services can be court mandated in order to protect the individual.

Please call the Albany County NY Connects number at (518) 447-7177 to discuss the situation with qualified caseworkers. If appropriate, a PSA referral will be taken. If you have questions regarding PSA services you can email us at albanycountynyconnects@albanycountyny.gov.

Albany County Home Care Programs

The Albany NY Connects Unit will assess an individual’s level of need for home care services. Depending on the individual’s funding source, NY Connects will arrange for the delivery of appropriate supportive services that will enable the person to remain safely in the community. The NYS Department of Aging’s Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) is a home care program for individuals 60 years and older who are not receiving Medicaid and need home care services. EISEP is an income based program; depending on one’s income level they may or may not have a cost share for the home care service. EISEP services include assistance with light house cleaning, laundry, meal prep, shopping and personal care (bathing, dressing etc.)

Individuals receiving Medicaid are asked to call Albany NY Connects to speak with a caseworker who will verify the type of Medicaid the person has and direct them to an appropriate home care service agency. For individuals in certain Medicaid programs, NY Connects staff will conduct an assessment. Appropriate services will be arranged by NY Connects and maintained in the Adult Services Home Care Division.

Home Care Program Questions and Answers

Q. What does the assessment entail?

A. For Medicaid home care programs, a Registered Nurse and caseworker will conduct a home assessment and develop a plan of care based on the assessment. The Care Plan will list the activities with which the individual needs assistance.

If an individual is on Medicaid, the Albany County NY Connects caseworker will first verify the type of Medicaid the individual is receiving and, if warranted, refer that person to the Conflict Free Evaluation and Enrollment Center by calling 1 (855) 222-8350. If it has been determined that the services will be assessed and managed through Albany County, the individual must have a physician complete the Home Care medical assessment form. The physician must see the individual within 30 days of completing the medical form. Once the form is received by NY Connects, an appointment for a full home care assessment will be arranged.

Individuals who are over age 60 and are in need of home care services may qualify for reduced or no cost home care services through the NYS Department for Aging’s Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). This is for individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid due to income and resources. The EISEP program is administered through Albany County Department of Social Services NY Connects program. EISEP is a non-medical program, meaning a physician does not have to determine if the individual requires the services.

Q. Will home care affect any other benefit I maybe receiving through the Department of Social Services?

A. No. You will continue to receive all benefits for which you are eligible.

Q. Is there a time limit for receiving home care services?

A. No. Home care services are based on the individual’s physical needs and financial situation. If there are changes in income, physical condition or Medicaid status then home care services may be changed.

Q. How does an individual know if a person is eligible for home care assistance?

A. Contact Albany County NY Connects at (518) 447-7177 and staff will provide you with the information you need to know.

Call Albany County NY Connects for more information or to make a referral at ( 518) 447-7177 Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.