Senior Center Without Walls marks second year

In a little over two years, the Sandel Senior Center’s Without Walls program has become remarkably successful for Rockville Centre’s older adults. It is specifically designed to bring important social work services out of the Sandel Center and into the community.

Regular visits to senior housing sites and other locations within the village allow Sandel social workers to meet privately with seniors where they live. They answer questions and make referrals. Seniors gain direct access to vital services that might be otherwise unavailable or overlooked.

“Within the Village of Rockville Centre there are many older adults who are homebound, or for other reasons, not connected to the Sandel Center,” said Chris O’Leary, deputy director of the village’s Department of Senior Services. “That’s why we made a conscious decision to bring the Sandel Center to them.”

Social Work Supervisor Wendy Weinstock administers the program along with Social Worker Rose Genovese, helping seniors navigate the often difficult process of obtaining benefits and entitlements. Both share rewarding experiences. In one case, they helped a homebound resident save over $300 a month on his supplemental Medicare insurance. That savings allowed him to continue to live in his home. Another resident hired a desperately-needed personal care aide with money saved in a similar way. More common are requests for help with finances, transportation, Meals on Wheels and grocery shopping.

Susan O’Connell is the manager of Halandia, an apartment complex in the village that houses 175 older adult residents. She finds Senior Center Without Walls to be a tremendous asset. “Low income housing support resources are limited,” she said. “Wendy and Rose set up an office in our community room once a month. Both are very professional, and are loved by the residents”

For more information about Senior Center Without Walls, or to schedule a meeting with social work staff, call the Rockville Centre Department of Senior Service Social Work office at (516) 536-1162.