By JEFF MEYERS
PLATTSBURGH — Doris Bolia will be celebrating her 100th birthday in October.
With a century of experience behind her, Bolia is still energized by an enthusiasm that helps her maintain a level of independence as she remains living at home with support from community agencies.
"I've been here a long time," she said of her apartment at the Robert Long Apartments in downtown Plattsburgh, noting that she first moved to the complex 30 years ago and is still able to move from room to room, fix meals and perform other functions of daily living.
But she admits that at 99 she is not able to do many of the things she used to, but with assistance from programs like Expanded In-Home Services (EISIP), she has never considered a need to move into a more structured long-term setting.
"It's a service that's available when you need a little help," she said of the Office for the Aging operated program. "It is a wonderful program. They do try hard to help you as much as they can."
EISIP serves people over 60 who are not eligible for Medicaid and need some assistance with daily living activities but do not need full-time nursing care.
"It is for people who are safe living in their homes," said Colleen Monty, coordinator for the program. "It helps people stay in their homes safely and avoid institutionalism."
The program provides clients with case management and non-medical in-home services such as housekeeping and personal care to elderly residents of the county.
A case manager visits potential clients and does an assessment to establish a plan with the client and family to determine what kinds of services are beneficial and how often an aide should visit with the person, Monty explained.
Cost for the program is determined by a sliding scale based on a client's income but helps meet the needs of those people who are just above the cut-off limit for Medicaid.
For Bolia, who worked as a beautician at Ostrander Beauty Shop in downtown Plattsburgh, the service has been a blessing.
"I've been very fortunate that my mind has stayed with me," she said. "Office for the Aging helps me with some of those other things I can't always do by myself."
