Are you confused about what services are available for seniors? Do you have trouble talking to the doctor?

A free program, “Never Too Old to Be Well,” addresses these problems and offers much more. The materials include an 82-page booklet with tips on dealing with the 20 most common problems of the elderly and a DVD that provides a video guide to local eldercare services. For computer-savvy seniors, or their adult children, an interactive CD offers links to important Web sites. Plus, the CD contains more than 50 printable pamphlets and booklets dealing with everything from home-delivered meals to coping with cancer.

Cayuga County is rich with resources. The problem is that people don't always know where to call or how to start. Never Too Old provides an overview of the services offered in Cayuga County and also provides information about the best place to call for a range of eldercare services. The program can help baby boomers and well seniors to stay healthy, but also provides important information about how to improve the quality of your care if you are sick.

Never Too Old continues the work that we started through the Sharing Your Wishes program. Sharing Your Wishes encourages people to complete a health care proxy form by talking with their health care agents. Never Too Old encourages people to make plans for the needs of their mind, body or spirit with their wellness partner - who perhaps is the same person you've selected as your health care agent.

All of this is explained in 10 short videos that are on both the CD and the DVD. Topics include: “The Best Place to Call;” “Fun, Friendship and More;” “Choosing What's Best;” “Affording What's Best;” “Ask the BEST Questions;” “Conflict and Cooperation;” “Sharing Your Wishes,” and “Peace of Mind.”

The Never Too Old videos allow families to customize an eldercare workshop #- right in their living rooms - by choosing the topics that are important to them.

Seniors, their adult children or individuals planning for their retirement years are encouraged to begin with the “Never Too Old To Be Well CD.”

Barbara Bowen is the administrator of the Human Services Coalition, which is sponsoring this program with support from the Community Health Foundation of Central and Western New York, the Cayuga County Office for the Aging and NY Connects: Cayuga County Long Term Care Office

Want to know more?

To learn more or request

materials, contact Cayuga County Office for the Aging at 253-1226 or the NY Connects: Cayuga County Long Term Care Office at 253-1100