Local help in Erie, Niagara, and Orleans2 min read
Local help for staying home: NY Connects and your county Office for the Aging
Free, public, and underused. What the county offices in Erie, Niagara, and Orleans can do for someone staying at home, and how to reach them.
Written and reviewed by Cardinal Care Advisors, Buffalo, New York. Published September 26, 2026.
For me as a caregiverAt home
Start with one call
NY Connects is New York's free front door for long-term care. A local counselor listens to the situation and points you to programs, including ones that are not Medicaid. Statewide number: 1-800-342-9871. It is answered by your county.
What county offices commonly offer
Programs vary by county and many have waitlists, so call early and ask what fits.
- Home-delivered meals and community meal sites.
- In-home help for people who do not qualify for Medicaid (EISEP), with a cost share based on income.
- Caregiver support: respite, support groups, and training.
- Rides to medical appointments and shopping.
- Free Medicare counseling (HIICAP) to compare plans and sort out bills.
- Help with heating costs, legal help for seniors, and personal emergency response systems in some counties.
Programs vary by county and many have waitlists, so call early and ask what fits.
The offices
Numbers as listed on the official county pages; if one has changed, tell your advisor and we will fix it.
- Erie County Department for the Aging: (716) 858-8526. 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo.
- Niagara County Office for the Aging: (716) 438-4020. 111 Main Street, Lockport.
- Orleans County Office for the Aging: (585) 589-3191. 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.
Outside our area
The federal Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116, finds the office for any county in the country.
Official sources
These open another website. We link only to government agencies and established nonprofits.
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General information for families in Western New York, written by Cardinal Care Advisors. Not medical or legal advice; a physician, an elder law attorney, or a licensed assessor decides the things that need deciding. Tell us if something here is wrong or out of date: hello@thecardinalgroup.org.