If you are helping an older family member or neighbor manage daily life — getting to doctor appointments, bathing, cooking, managing medications — you are a caregiver. And if you live in New York City, you do not have to do this alone.
New York City has built one of the strongest networks of elder care support in the country. Whether you need someone to come into the home a few hours a week, a safe place for your loved one to spend the day, a support group where other caregivers understand what you’re going through, or help navigating the maze of Medicaid home care programs — there is a program for that, and most are free or low-cost.
This guide walks you through the main programs available right now, who qualifies, and exactly how to get started.
NYC’s Caregiver Support Program: “You Care for Them, We Care for You”
In March 2026, the New York City Department for the Aging (NYC Aging, also called DFTA) launched a major citywide campaign with a simple message: caregivers deserve support too.
The campaign — titled “You Care for Them, We Care for You” — backs up that message with real money. The city has invested more than $9.3 million annually into caregiver support, including $6.2 million to expand the Caregiver Program and $3.1 million to strengthen Aging Connect, case management, and transportation services for caregivers.
That investment means roughly 3,000 more New Yorkers can now access caregiver support, bringing total program enrollment to more than 8,000 people across the city.
NYC Aging funds 12 community-based Caregiver Programs throughout the five boroughs. Each one offers a range of services including:
- Counseling — one-on-one and group sessions to manage caregiver stress
- Support groups — regular meetings with other caregivers facing similar challenges
- Training workshops — how to assist with mobility, medications, and daily care safely
- Respite care — temporary in-home help so you can take a break
- Benefits assistance — help applying for programs the older adult may be entitled to
To find the Caregiver Program closest to you, call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469). Aging Connect is NYC Aging’s central hotline — it connects you to any aging service in the city, in multiple languages.
In-Home Services: Help Where Your Loved One Lives
For many older New Yorkers, the goal is to stay home — not move to a facility. NYC Aging funds local case-management agencies across the city that can bring services right to the front door.
These agencies serve New Yorkers age 60 and older. A case manager will do a phone intake first, then come to the home to assess what kind of support is needed. Services can include:
- Home health aide visits
- Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Light housekeeping
- Escort to medical appointments
- Medication reminders
Case managers do not charge for their time. Depending on income, there may be a fee or a suggested contribution for some services. Many services are provided at no cost to those with limited income.
If the older adult is on Medicaid, additional options open up through state programs — including the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, described below.
• Age 60 or older
• NYC resident
• A demonstrated need for assistance with daily activities
• No income limit — services are available to all income levels, with fees varying by income
• Caregivers of qualifying older adults may access the Caregiver Program regardless of the caregiver’s own age
Social Adult Day Care: A Safe, Structured Day Program
Social Adult Day Care (SADC) programs provide a safe, supervised setting for older adults and adults with disabilities who need support during the day. They are especially helpful when a family caregiver works during the day or needs regular hours of relief.
A typical SADC program offers:
- Socialization and activities
- A hot meal and snacks
- Personal care and health monitoring
- Transportation assistance in many locations
NYC Aging maintains a list of SADC programs across all five boroughs. To find one near you or get a referral, call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 or dial 311 and say “adult day care.”
CDPAP: Let Your Loved One Choose Their Own Caregiver
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a New York State Medicaid program that lets the older adult — or their designated representative — hire and manage their own home care worker. That worker can be a friend, neighbor, or family member (not a spouse or, for anyone under 21, a parent).
CDPAP is a powerful option because it puts the older adult in control of who comes into their home and when.
Important 2026 update: As of January 1, 2026, all CDPAP services statewide are now coordinated through a single fiscal intermediary: Public Partnerships LLC (PPL). If your loved one was already enrolled in CDPAP, their services continue — eligibility has not changed. For new enrollments or questions about an existing CDPAP arrangement, contact PPL directly at 1-833-247-5346.
To qualify for CDPAP, the older adult must:
- Be enrolled in New York State Medicaid
- Have a medical need for home care services (assessed via a UAS-NY Community Health Assessment)
- Be able to self-direct their care, or have a designated representative who can make decisions on their behalf
If you are not sure whether your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, Aging Connect can help with that assessment and referral too.
If You Suspect Elder Abuse: Resources and Next Steps
Elder abuse is more common than most people realize. It can take many forms: financial exploitation, physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, or isolation. Many victims are afraid to report it, or are not sure who to call.
NYC Aging’s Crime Prevention and Support Services (C-PASS) Program serves older adults affected by crimes including financial scams, robbery, harassment, and physical assault. C-PASS staff work directly with NYPD precincts and help victims document what happened, navigate the legal process, and access compensation through the New York State Office of Victim Services.
NYC Aging also funds community-based Elder Justice programs in each borough that offer case assistance, crisis intervention, safety planning, and counseling.
The 2026 awareness theme is: “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.” The focus this year is on action, not just awareness.
How to report elder abuse or get help:
- Aging Connect: 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469)
- Adult Protective Services (APS): 718-557-1399 — DSS OneNumber for APS referrals
- 311: Say “elder abuse” to be connected to the right agency
Reports can be made anonymously. APS investigates cases involving adults 18 and older who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
How to Get Started: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Call Aging Connect.
Dial 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or simply call 311 and say “aging services.” Aging Connect is available Monday through Friday, and staff speak multiple languages. Tell them what kind of help you need — they will identify the right program and connect you to the closest one.
Step 2: Ask about a home visit.
For in-home services and case management, a coordinator will schedule an in-home assessment. This is free and helps determine what services the older adult qualifies for.
Step 3: Apply for Medicaid if you haven’t already.
Many of the most comprehensive home care programs — including CDPAP — require Medicaid. Aging Connect can refer you to benefits counselors who help with enrollment at no cost. You can also use ACCESS NYC to screen for eligibility online.
Step 4: Ask for a Caregiver Program referral.
Even if the older adult is the primary focus, do not forget about yourself. Tell Aging Connect that you are a family caregiver. Ask to be connected to the nearest Caregiver Program for support groups, training, and respite care.
Step 5: Report concerns about abuse immediately.
Do not wait. Call 212-244-6469 or 311. APS can respond quickly when a person is at risk.
Related Resources on HelpNewYork
If your loved one needs help with rent costs, read our guide to SCRIE, DRIE, and the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption, which can freeze rent or reduce property taxes for qualifying older New Yorkers.
For meal delivery options, our guide to free home-delivered meals for New Yorkers 60+ covers Citymeals on Wheels and other DFTA-funded nutrition programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a caregiver support group near me in NYC?
Call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 or dial 311. They will connect you to one of NYC Aging’s 12 community-based Caregiver Programs, which all offer support groups. You can also use the Services Finder at nyc.gov/aging to search by neighborhood.
What is the difference between home health aide services and CDPAP?
A home health aide is typically assigned through a licensed home care agency and is a paid professional you do not personally choose. CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) lets the older adult or their representative hire and direct their own caregiver — which can be a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member (not a spouse). Both require Medicaid, but CDPAP gives the older adult much more control.
Is Social Adult Day Care covered by Medicaid?
Many Social Adult Day Care programs accept Medicaid. NYC Aging also subsidizes some SADC slots for low-income participants. Contact Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 to ask about programs with subsidized or sliding-scale fees near you.
My elderly neighbor seems to be in a bad situation. What should I do?
Call 311 and say “elder abuse” or call Adult Protective Services at 718-557-1399. You can report concerns anonymously. If you believe the person is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
I am caring for a parent with dementia. Does NYC have specific support for that?
Yes. NYC Aging’s Caregiver Program serves caregivers of people with all types of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Counselors and support group facilitators are experienced with the specific challenges of dementia caregiving. Call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469 to ask about dementia-specific resources in your borough.
