Senior citizens are the fastest-growing segment of the population, and the American Red Cross in Greater New York is committed to providing assistance to this special group.

The Red Cross In-Touch Program
More than one million people over the age of 60 live in New York City, and they require services that are tailored to their particular needs. The Red Cross In-Touch Program provides emergency assistance at the touch of a button. Senior citizens who are injured or experiencing a medical emergency can be immediately put in contact with trained Red Cross personnel by pressing a button on a pendant hanging from their neck or wrist. This peace of mind was provided to 2,097 seniors last year. Seniors recovering from surgery or illness can obtain escort, housekeeping and personal care services. Seniors on the brink of eviction, or who have to be relocated because of abuse, are eligible for temporary housing or a financial grant of up to one month's rent. Last year, we served 4,216 with emergency homecare and arranged for emergency housing for 87 senior citizens.

Senior Crime Victims Program
Each year, an estimated 40,000 senior citizens in New York City become crime victims. In many cases, victims suffer debilitating injuries that leave them unable to care for themselves. They may also lose money meant for groceries or bills, or medication for a serious health condition. Most also lose that sense of safety and well-being that before were taken for granted. To tackle this social issue, our new Senior Crime Victims Program was launched. The main advantage of this Red Cross program is that seniors can reach us 24 hours a day -- we are the only such service that operates during the nighttime and weekend hours in New York City.

Once a senior crime victim has been referred to the Red Cross, staff members will visit and provide a wide range of necessary services. Every client is eligible for emergency cash grants, replacement of medications, temporary housing, security assistance such as replacing locks or window bars, short-term housekeeping and referrals to outside agencies. Last year, 121 seniors took advantage of this innovative service.

The Telephone Reassurance Club
Many senior citizens we come in contact with may not need such emergency services. Some are simply lonely because they are homebound and miss regular contact with other people. Some are afraid of suffering alone or dying should they have a medical emergency. There is no need to worry -- the Red Cross has the services they need.

The Telephone Reassurance Club
Is a group of volunteers who call homebound senior citizens weekly throughout New York City, provides regular human contact for 408 of our clients, checking up on them and helping to brighten their lives.