In-Home Services

Programs are available to help older individuals remain independent in their homes when they are experiencing difficulty with activities of everyday life. To qualify for the  programs listed below an in-home assessment is required.

Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly (EISEP)

EISEP is a long-term care program for frail older people who need assistance to be able to remain in their own homes. Our staff conducts an assessment and and works with you to create a plan for services.  Consumer-directed services are also available for clients who wish to hire and supervise their own personal care aides. The cost of the home care service is shared between the client and the Office for Aging and is based on the client's need and ability to pay for the service.  Support from the client's Case Manager is ongoing.

You are eligible for these services if you are:

  • A Broome County resident age 60 and older
  • Experiencing difficulty dressing, bathing, eating, preparing meals, shopping, or doing laundry and housework
  • Not eligible for, or receiving, Medicaid, and
  • Unable to get the help that is needed

Please be aware that there can be a wait time for services due to staff shortages at home care agencies. 

Personal Care/Housekeeper Chore Aides

Personal Care/Housekeeper Chore Aides come and assist you with everyday household chores such as bathing and dressing, vacuum cleaning, laundry, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, dusting.

Home Health Care Agencies

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

A PERS provides 24 hours a day access to a dispatcher. Older adults can wear the PERS units around their neck or wrist. Typically, a PERS user provides a list of three emergency contacts and in the event of an emergency, the dispatcher will try to contact one of the people listed as an emergency contact. If no one is available, help will automatically be sent to the home. PERS units can sometimes be included in a client's care plan and paid for by EISEP. 

For more information about PERS units along with a list of providers, please download our PERS Unit handout.

Shopper Service

Shopper Service can provide non-emergency, ongoing support with weekly or bi-weekly grocery shopping and limited errands (i.e. bank, post office, pharmacy).

How it works:

Shopper Service is provided by volunteers through a contract with Faith in Action (Broome County Council of Churches).

  • The shopper arrives at your home, reviews your grocery order form, and collects your money, check or food stamps.
  • When the shopping is completed, groceries, change and a receipt are returned to you.
  • The shopper will also assist you with putting your groceries away, if needed.

To be eligible for Shopper Service, you must be:

  • Age 60 and older
  • Physically unable to shop as ordered by a physician, or as determined through an assessment by our staff
  • Lacking regular help with shopping 
  • Not already eligible through Medicaid coverage.

For information, contact the Information and Assistance Line at 607.778.2411.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) [ More Information ]

Home Delivered Meal Program

We will deliver a hot lunch and a cold supper meal, that together provide two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance of nutrients, to your home Monday through Friday if you meet the eligibility requirements.

You may be eligible for this service if you are:

  • 60 years and over, and
  • Unable to prepare your meals because of accident, illness or frailty.

Program Features

  • Limited special diets are available.
  • The suggested contribution is $8.00 per day. Contributions are an important part of the budget and enable us to continue the service. You will not be denied service if you are unable to pay.
  • Service from the Office for Aging Meals on Wheels Program is available in:
    • The City of Binghamton
    • The Towns of:
    • Barker
    • Binghamton
    • Chenango
    • Colesville
    • Conklin
    • Fenton
    • Kirkwood
    • Lisle
    • Nanticoke
    • Triangle
    • Windsor
  • Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, Inc., 607.754.7856, serves:
    • Endicott
    • Maine
    • Endwell
    • Vestal
    • Johnson City

Over 200 volunteers deliver meals to the homebound every week. Would you like to get involved? Your help is important!

For more information about any of these programs, call 607.778.2411.