SERVICES - aGING INDIVIDUALS
Services By Speciality Area
AHRC New York City is dedicated to promoting a community where seniors with disabilities, primarily individuals who have transitioned from our adult programs, are valued and honored; where their physical, emotional and social needs are met; where they can sustain their independence and remain active; and where the contributions made in the past and in the future are recognized and celebrated.
Individuals served in their senior years have access to the supports they need to live safely and as independently as possible. Our programs and services are designed to meet the individual's needs and preferences, and provide them with assistance and support to access work and/or recreational and social activities of their choosing.
AHRC abides by the philosophy of Aging in Place -- aging comfortably in familiar surroundings with familiar people, engaging in familiar activities – believing this is preferable to relocation to more restrictive nursing home type options. That being said, as individuals age, modifications to residences, work settings, transportation, as well as adjustments in activities must be planned for and implemented. AHRC is attempting to make all of its facilities more accessible, and implement other accommodations in programs, services and supports for individuals who are aging.
Video: Aging at AHRC: Katie Greenblatt
Services and Supports for Aging Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Services Offered by AHRC New York City
Several specific programs, services and supports are currently available for individuals in their senior years, or those who are approaching their senior years and may need accommodations.
ADEPT – Assessment, Diagnosis, Evaluation, Planning & Treatment Team
The ADEPT Team, operating out of AHRC’s Department of Family and Clinical Services, was created to serve aging adults with developmental disabilities who are exhibiting sudden changes in behavior of geriatric symptoms that are diagnostically and therapeutically challenging, such as:
Memory loss,
Sleeplessness,
Incontinence,
Falling,
Agitation and
Depression.
The team’s approach to evaluation and treatment is individualized. The process will ascertain whether psychiatric diagnoses, medial issues, and/or dementia are effecting behavioral changes in the individual. Treatment will be available through AHRC or a provider of the individual’s choice.
Options for People Through Service (OPTS) for Seniors
OPTS for Seniors is a program in the Bronx for adults of retirement-age who have worked in AHRC supported employment programs, are independent and although they no longer wish to work, want to continue to live a productive life. Through arrangements with generic senior centers, participants in this service are offered a variety of social and recreational activities that are also offered to their peers without disabilities. These individuals are supported in planning their weekly schedule by the employees that assisted them when they were working in AHRC’s supported employment program.
Walter & Evelyn Redfield Center (Adult Day Services on William Street)
The Walter & Evelyn Redfield Center was originally developed to serve fifty-five aging individuals with developmental disabilities who had attended and worked at an AHRC Adult Center and wanted a different experience for their senior years. They wanted a program that would offer them less bustle and fewer people that the large number who participated in their former day center and they wanted more recreational activities in the community such as, pottery classes and theater visits, as well as activities at generic senior centers. The new center provides them with a more relaxed day than the very structured work week in which they participated for decades in their younger years..
Intermediate Care Facilities and Day Habilitation for Individuals Needing Full Time Nursing Oversight
For aging individuals who cannot reside in their current residential setting because they require full time nursing oversight the Bloomberg Apartments in Jamaica, Queens and the Dixon Goodman Apartments on 126th Street Apartments in Harlem the are each home to 24 individuals (a total of 48 in the two facilities) from the five boroughs. The residences are comprised of four separate units in each setting called “neighborhoods” that are each home to six individuals. Each unit has its own bedrooms, living room and dining area, with unique décor. Staff includes nurse practitioners and supervising registered nurses 24/7. Residents also have access to speech, physical and occupational therapies as needed, as well as a day habilitation program at the residence.
Additional services available to aging individuals are:
ACCESS Community Health Center
ACCESS Community Health Center, formerly known as AHRC Health Care Inc., is dedicated to serving the acute and chronic health care needs of all community members. ACCESS provides a wide range of health care services including Primary Care and Specialty Care. One of their specialties is health care and dental care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To find out more about the services provided by ACCESS Community Health Center or make an appointment go to www.accessCHC.org
Access provides health care to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Service sites located in the Bronx and Manhattan.
Adept
The ADEPT Team, operating out of AHRC’s Department of Family and Clinical Services, was created to serve aging adults with developmental disabilities who are exhibiting sudden changes in behavior of geriatric symptoms that are diagnostically and therapeutically challenging, such as: Memory loss, Sleeplessness, Incontinence, Falling, Agitation and Depression. The team’s approach to evaluation and treatment is individualized. The process will ascertain whether psychiatric diagnoses, medial issues, and/or dementia are effecting behavioral changes in the individual. Treatment will be available through AHRC or a provider of the individual’s choice.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services
Prevention, Education, Information and Referral (PEIR)
The Prevention, Education, Information and Referral Program (PEIR) aims to increase community awareness of intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and co-existing alcohol and/or other drug abuse by individuals with these disabilities. For further information, please call 212-780-2658.
Treatment
AHRC New York City was a pioneer in the field or person-centered outpatient chemical dependency treatment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury.
Currently available at ACCESS Community Health Centers (formerly AHRC Health Care Inc.) a team of qualified professionals combine best practice cognitive strategies with a 12 Step Recovery program, making lasting recovery possible. Personalized and holistic treatment plans emphasize case coordination, harm reduction, relapse prevention, education and skill building in an intimate and supportive environment. The program integrates medical, mental health and rehabilitation services to meet the complex needs of individuals with disabilities. For information visit www.accessCHC.org
ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Provides care to adult individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
Service sites located in the Bronx and Manhattan.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Provides care to adult individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
Clincs located in the Bronx and Manhattan.. PEIR Program can be offered at a location other than the Clinics.
Article 16 Clinic
For aging individuals, the Article 16 clinic offers:
Evaluation and Testing
Psychological Testing makes it possible to determine the nature and extent of an individual’s developmental disability. Testing is often necessary to determine whether a person qualifies for services or for admission to a specific program.
Psychosocial Evaluations are performed in order to develop a better understanding of a person in context of his or her family and the social environment. It usually involves the professionals meeting with the individual and his or her family in order to obtain information about the individual’s development, family, medical and vocational history. This evaluation is required for determination of whether an individual qualifies for services.
Unless a borough is specified, these services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.
Mental Health Services
Individual, Group & Family Counseling
Individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and marital counseling are available to individuals with developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) their caretakers, and other family members, as are a variety of support groups.
Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting. AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.
Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools.
Unless a borough is specified, Mental Health Services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.
Other Therapies
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, nursing, nutrition and weight management counseling are available.
ADEPT – The Assessment Diagnosis Evaluaton Planning and Treatment Team
The ADEPT team consisting of a neuropsychologist, psychologist, social worker and physician provides comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations to aging individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of clarifying reasons for functional decline. The team provides trainings to the community, family members and providers about the aging processes of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Queens In-Home Parenting Program
The Queens in Home Parenting programs serves parents who are intellectually and developmentally disabled. Services are provided in the home and include case management, advocacy, linkage and referral.
Available to parents with developmental disabilities in Queens.
Family Reimbursement, the Francesca Nicosia Fund
The Nicosia Family Reimbursement Fund makes the possibility of purchasing services and goods that are not funded through any other sources a reality. The goods and services have been deemed appropriate to meet the needs of the person being served
Family Reimbursement funds are limited and competitive but upon application may be available to families of individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
ISS – Individual Support Services
Individual Support Services (ISS) provide financial assistance to people with developmental disabilities in locating and leasing individualized living arrangements that are alternatives to traditional group living. Residential options include home sharing, independent living, and other leasing opportunities.
ARTICLE 16 CLINIC
Unless a borough is specified, services provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs.
Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the home.
CLINICAL SERVICES
Unless a borough is specified, services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.
Behavior Managment (Intensive Behavioral Services, Bronx In-Home Behavior Management)
Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting. AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.
Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools.
Chemical Dependency
Prevention, Education, Information and Referral (PEIR)
The Prevention, Education, Information and Referral Program (PEIR) aims to increase community awareness of intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and co-existing alcohol and/or other drug abuse by individuals with these disabilities. For further information, please call 212-780-2658.
Treatment
AHRC New York City was a pioneer in the field or person-centered outpatient chemical dependency treatment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury.
Currently available at ACCESS Community Health Centers (formerly AHRC Health Care Inc.) a team of qualified professionals combine best practice cognitive strategies with a 12 Step Recovery program, making lasting recovery possible. Personalized and holistic treatment plans emphasize case coordination, harm reduction, relapse prevention, education and skill building in an intimate and supportive environment. The program integrates medical, mental health and rehabilitation services to meet the complex needs of individuals with disabilities. For information visit www.accessCHC.org
Clinical Services
For aging individuals, the Article 16 clinic offers:
Evaluation and Testing
Psychological Testing makes it possible to determine the nature and extent of an individual’s developmental disability. Testing is often necessary to determine whether a person qualifies for services or for admission to a specific program.
Psychosocial Evaluations are performed in order to develop a better understanding of a person in context of his or her family and the social environment. It usually involves the professionals meeting with the individual and his or her family in order to obtain information about the individual’s development, family, medical and vocational history. This evaluation is required for determination of whether an individual qualifies for services.
Unless a borough is specified, these services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.
Mental Health Services
Individual, Group & Family Counseling
Individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and marital counseling are available to individuals with developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) their caretakers, and other family members, as are a variety of support groups.
Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting. AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.
Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools.
Unless a borough is specified, Mental Health Services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.
Other Therapies
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, nursing, nutrition and weight management counseling are available.
ADEPT – The Assessment Diagnosis Evaluaton Planning and Treatment Team
The ADEPT team consisting of a neuropsychologist, psychologist, social worker and physician provides comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations to aging individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of clarifying reasons for functional decline. The team provides trainings to the community, family members and providers about the aging processes of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Queens In-Home Parenting Program
The Queens in Home Parenting programs serves parents who are intellectually and developmentally disabled. Services are provided in the home and include case management, advocacy, linkage and referral.
Available to parents with developmental disabilities in Queens.
Family Reimbursement, the Francesca Nicosia Fund
The Nicosia Family Reimbursement Fund makes the possibility of purchasing services and goods that are not funded through any other sources a reality. The goods and services have been deemed appropriate to meet the needs of the person being served
Family Reimbursement funds are limited and competitive but upon application may be available to families of individuals with developmental disabilities residing in all five boroughs.
ISS – Individual Support Services
Individual Support Services (ISS) provide financial assistance to people with developmental disabilities in locating and leasing individualized living arrangements that are alternatives to traditional group living. Residential options include home sharing, independent living, and other leasing opportunities.
ARTICLE 16 CLINIC
Unless a borough is specified, services provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs.
Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the home.
CLINICAL SERVICES
Unless a borough is specified, services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.
Domestic Violence Prevention
The ESCAPE project is a collaborative effort between AHRC and the Center for Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities at Teachers College, Columbia University. The project focuses on the evaluation and dissemination of a systematic educational curriculum, the Effective Strategy Based Curriculum for Abuse Prevention and Empowerment (ESCAPE) to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to recognize abuse and remove themselves from an abusive situation.
Domestic Violence Prevention (Escape) provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 21 who reside in all five boroughs. Service sites located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx
Evaluation and Testing
Psychological Testing makes it possible to determine the nature and extent of an individual’s developmental disability. Testing is often necessary to determine whether a person qualifies for services or for admission to a specific program.
Psychosocial Evaluations are performed in order to develop a better understanding of a person in context of his or her family and the social environment. It usually involves the professionals meeting with the individual and his or her family in order to obtain information about the individual’s development, family, medical and vocational history. This evaluation is required for determination of whether an individual qualifies for services.
Unless a borough is specified, these services can be provided to individuals of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Clinics located in Manhattan and the Bronx. Specified services provided in the Bronx or Queens as noted.
Guardianship and Legal Services
Assistance with obtaining Guardianship for a family member with a developmental disability who is 18 years and older is available to individuals from all five boroughs, as is assistance with future care planning. Assistance with legal issues that may arise related to a family member with a developmental disability is also available on a limited basis.
Please see the attached AHRC Guardianship Brochure. Download Guardianship Brochure
Guardianship & Legal Services may be provided to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 years and older and their families from all five boroughs.
Home Health Care
AHRC Home Care Services Inc., an affiliate of AHRC New York City, can offer eligible persons with and without disabilities, home health care services which include: home health or personal care aides, nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapies, respiratory therapy and social work services.
Home Health Care is available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages and to individuals without disabilitie from all five boroughs. Services are provided in the home.
In-Home Residential Habilitation
With the assistance of a Service Coordinator, families determine the actual services they need to help them at home. For instance, an individual with a developmental disability may be assisted in becoming more independent with daily living skills such as dressing or preparing meals. The frequency of service provision is dependent upon the need and the availability of in-home opportunities. Families may be eligible to receive from 4-8 hours a week to 20 hours a week, depending on availability.
In-Home Residential Habilitation is available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. Services are provided in the home.
individualized Services and Supports
AHRC is devoted to expanding the array of individualized supports available to AHRC individuals and their families. Person Centered Planning, the cornerstone of this approach, is utilized by staff to create desirable lifestyle changes, experiences and new possibilities for the people served by AHRC throughout the organization.
Individualized service design and delivery is based on the principles of person-centered-planning, ensures that services and supports are customized and designed around the interest and needs of the person who will be supported.
Individualized supports are created around the person rather then the program. They are defined as an array of supports, services and resources that are person-centered, based on the distinctive interests and needs of the person, afford the person as much control over their supports as possible, and are adaptable as the person’s life changes. Person-Centered-Planning is now identified as the starting point for new development, and it is the core component of individualized supports.
Advancing a culture of person-centered service and individualized support at AHRC New York City is different from replicating a service model or implementing a new program. The possibilities for support are as different from one another as the circumstances of the individuals involved, the changing opportunities in a person’ communities, and the changing policies of the service system.
AHRC New York City’s commitment to person-centered-planning and individualized supports is reflected in the vision of the senior executive team and emerging practice throughout the agency.
- AHRC created a Department of Individualized Supports responsible for both: creating new programs based on a vision, and working with others to change existing programs and forge the development of a community of person-centered practice.
- Using person centered design this department is focusing on small groups of who want something different. This focus on person centered practice has seeded systemic change at AHRC New York City.
- Some of the innovative projects that have received funding thus far are: HomeBuilders-NYC (individualized and self directed housing), Building Futures (Middle/High School curriculum and practice for transition based on person centered design and implementation), college programs at The College of Staten Island and Kingsborough Community College (for students graduating high school with an IEP who want to go to college) and an after-school program and weekend cultural exploration, for students from Brooklyn with ASD.
Individualized Services and supports are available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. Services are provided in all five boroughs in any variety of settings and locations.
For more information on these opportunities, fill out an online referral form or call our Referral and Information Center.
AHRC Referral and Information Center
83 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
212-780-4491, 4493
online referral
Information and Referral
For families of individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals and professionals referring individuals -- individuals with developmental disabilities who have not been involved in AHRC services before or those currently receiving AHRC services who are interested in additional services -- AHRC’s Referral and Information Center will make referrals to AHRC programs, services, and supports. If needed services are not available at AHRC, the unit will refer individuals to services provided outside the organization.
For more information, contact:
AHRC Referral and Information Center
83 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
212-780-4491, 4493
online referral
Legal Services
Assistance with obtaining Guardianship for a family member with a developmental disability who is 18 years and older is available to individuals from all five boroughs, as is assistance with future care planning. Assistance with legal issues that may arise related to a family member with a developmental disability is also available on a limited basis.
Please see the attached AHRC Guardianship Brochure. Download Guardianship Brochure
Guardianship & Legal Services may be provided to individuals with developmental disabilities 18 years and older and their families from all five boroughs.
Medicaid Service Coordination
An MSC or Medicaid Service Coordinator helps link individuals and their families with the services and supports they want and need. In addition they provide advocacy, resources and information to help solve problems and improve quality of life. If you are looking for assistance in transferring your Medicaid Service Coordination provider, please contact us at 212-780-4491 or 93 or email referrals@ahrcnyc.org. Eligible families may choose an AHRC service coordinator who will assist them in navigating the system, write and maintain a written plan describing all services that are needed and in place, and advocate for an individual.
Medicaid Service Coordination is offered to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs.
Non-Medicaid Case Management Services are also available for OPWDD eligible individuals who reside in Brooklyn and do not have Medicaid.
Medicaid Waiver
Working with his or her MSC, under the Home and Community Bases Services Medicaid Waiver AHRC can provide the following services:
Day Habilitation
Vocational Services
Supported Employment
Residential Habilitation
Environmental Modification
Adaptive Technology
Medicaid Waiver Services are offered to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs.
Medical Services
ACCESS Community Health Center, formerly known as AHRC Health Care Inc., is dedicated to serving the acute and chronic health care needs of all community members. ACCESS provides a wide range of health care services including Primary Care and Specialty Care. One of their specialties is health care and dental care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To find out more about the services provided by ACCESS Community Health Center or make an appointment go to www.accessCHC.org
Access provides health care to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages residing in all five boroughs. Service sites located in the Bronx and Manhattan.
Mental Health Services
Individual, Group & Family Counseling
Individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and marital counseling are available to individuals with developmental disabilities (children, adolescents, and adults) their caretakers, and other family members, as are a variety of support groups.
Intensive Behavioral Services
Intensive Behavioral Services is a program for individuals who live in the Bronx in non certified settings and who present with challenging behaviors which put them at risk for placement in a more restrictive setting. AHRC provides a team of psychologists who work with the individual and family to establish and carry out a behavior plan to resolve the challenging behaviors and enable the individual to remain in a least restrictive setting. Referrals to this program are made directly to the Bronx DDSO.
Bronx In-Home Behavior Management Team
Known as the “Crisis Team”, this program provides in home behavior management to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Bronx who live at home with their family. The team also provides access to emergency respite as well as referrals to, and/ or consultation with, various agencies, hospitals, and schools.
Recreational Services
Recreational Activitiesare available for all age groups and levels of support. These activities take place in the five boroughs of New York City on an ongoing basis and include age-appropriate recreation groups for children, and participation in theater, photography, arts and crafts, and sports, as well as planned vacations to resorts and tourist attractions for adults.
Available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages in all five boroughs at service sites throughout the city.
Residential Opportunities
AHRC currently provides a variety of residential options in group homes, supervised apartments, and independent settings for 369 individuals in 53 group homes, as well as 89 supported apartments. Although there is currently a long waiting list for residential placement, referrals are still being readily accepted and many new options are in development. AHRC operates IRA’s, Supervised Apartments, Independent Settings, and two residential settings for Individuals who are Medically Fragile and in need of 24/7 nursing care. Download the full Residential Services Brochure
Available to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 18 (with the exception of one home for adolescents with autism) from all five boroughs at service sites throughout the city.
Residential Habilitation
With the assistance of a Service Coordinator, families determine the actual services they need to help them at home. For instance, an individual with a developmental disability may be assisted in becoming more independent with daily living skills such as dressing or preparing meals. The frequency of service provision is dependent upon the need and the availability of in-home opportunities. Families may be eligible to receive from 4-8 hours a week to 20 hours a week, depending on availability.
In-Home Residential Habilitation is available to individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. Services are provided in the home.
TBI
TBI-CSS is not a traditional rehabilitation program. At TBI-CSS, rehabilitation services are provided through an array of life-long community-based services and supports tailored to meet the needs and interests of individuals with acquired brain injuries long after they have been discharged from traditional rehabilitation settings. It is an excellent service option post-discharge from a traditional rehabilitation setting or as a complement to those services.
The TBI-CSS program offers adults, over the age of eighteen with acquired brain injury, the opportunities to develop and maintain skills for work, home and leisure time, in a community based setting. Services at AHRC's TBI-CSS include structured day program, service coordination, clinical rehabilitation services, cognitive and functional skill building, educational/vocational preparation and support, and rehabilitation services.
Services are offered to adults of any age who have incurred Traumatic Brain Injuries prior to, and after the age of 21 and reside in any of the five boroughs. Service sites are located in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
AHRC SERVICES
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