Older Adults
One of the biggest challenges facing families today is finding the services to enable their loved ones to stay healthy, vital and connected to their communities as they age.
Here at Family Services of Westchester, we help seniors and their families meet this challenge by providing a continuum of care that supports seniors and meets their special needs.
Our broad spectrum of services and professional staff of social workers, MDs, RNs and other health care providers includes:
Gatekeeper
FSW’s program takes a client-centered, preventive approach to helping older adults age with dignity. Both programs aim to enhance the quality of life for older adults, while helping them to live independently in the community for as long as possible.
Gatekeeper assists and engages older adults, 55+, who live independently and may be at risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety and would benefit from case management services. Gatekeepers are individuals who come into contact with older adults in the course of their everyday jobs or normal activities. The Gatekeeper program coordinator provides presentations and trainings to Gatekeepers to teach them to recognize the signs, symptoms and “red flags” of possible mental illness in older adults.
Contact and Referral Information:
Nicole Brunale, LMSW
(914) 708-9841
nbrunale@fsw.org
Livable Communities Connection
Livable Communities are networks of people who share an interest in issues related to quality of life and aging for older adults such as mobility options, housing, safety and security and community centers.
Councils from various regions of Westchester County meet quarterly and educational forums are held throughout the year.
Sites:
North East/North Central
Contact Information:
Debra Casill
dcasill@fsw.org
Elder Abuse Prevention
FSW’s Elder Abuse and Victim Assistance Program works with Westchester County adults, ages 50 and over who have been victims of elder abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, financial or neglect) or are at risk of abuse but are not in immediate crisis. Victims of other crimes are also eligible to receive referral-based services.
The program provides family interventions, peer support, information and referrals. FSW collaborates with both abuse survivors and the community to be proactive in fostering safety through home and offsite visits, case management and referrals, supportive counseling, safety planning, Victim Assistance Application help when needed, outreach and training to community members, and a support group for Mount Vernon elder abuse survivors.
Contact Information:
Nicolle Brunale, LMSW, Program Coordinator
(914) 668-9124, Ext. 28
nbrunale@fsw.org
Ride Connect of Westchester
Beginning January 1, 2026, RideConnect will be transitioning to TRA Group, a nonprofit organization that shares our commitment to serving older adults and individuals with disabilities. This change will help ensure that the transportation our communities rely on continues smoothly and can grow in the years ahead.
To learn more about TRA, you can visit their website at my-tra.org, or call them at (914) 764-3533.
