By Dana Corwin, Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services Director
Chautauqua County's Office for Aging Services is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with USAging and Ring, designed to empower older adults with innovative technology that enhances their safety and independence. Through this program, Chautauqua County residents aged 60 and older can access Ring a Video Doorbell or a Stick-Up Cam, provided free of charge, to help them age in place with greater peace of mind. This initiative is a perfect example of how we’re working to connect older adults and their caregivers with tools and information to enhance their quality of life.
This initiative stems from USAging’s national partnership with Ring, announced earlier this year which included the donation of 5,000 Ring devices to 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) nationwide. Chautauqua County's Office for Aging Services is among the recipients and will distribute 500 devices locally, along with a lifetime Ring Protect Basic subscription for each device. The program builds on Ring’s previous successful collaborations with AAAs in Florida and other states, showing how accessible technology can significantly improve older adults' sense of security. Recipients in Chautauqua County will benefit from Ring’s features like Two-Way Talk and Live View, allowing them to interact with visitors at their door from the comfort of their homes.
Chautauqua County is committed to leveraging technology to enhance the safety and well-being of our older residents, this partnership with USAging and Ring aligns with our mission to help seniors live independently and safely in their homes. We're excited to be part of this innovative program and provide this invaluable resource to those who need it most.
We all want to feel secure in our homes and there are many tools that can help. For many seniors and their caregivers, safety is a primary concern. These devices offer a simple yet effective solution, enabling them to feel more secure while maintaining their independence. This initiative is a game-changer for the families we serve.
“Ensuring the safety of our community members is a top priority, and this program is a testament to the power of partnerships in achieving that goal,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “These devices will not only help seniors feel more secure but will also support caregivers by providing an extra layer of protection.”
Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone emphasized the initiative’s broader impact on community safety. “Technology like Ring plays a critical role in promoting public safety and preventing crimes of opportunity. By equipping older adults with these devices, we’re helping them remain vigilant and secure in their homes.”
Here in Chautauqua County, the Office for Aging Services, wants everyone to know about the resources and programs available to them. NY Connects is our helpline that can inform, guide, and connect older adults and caregivers to services, programs, benefits, and opportunities like these.
USAging CEO Sandy Markwood highlighted the significance of this initiative on a national level, stating, “Ring is a technology that addresses critical needs of older adults by adding a layer of safety and allowing older adults to see who is at their door. This partnership between Ring and AAAs will easily get devices into the hands of older adults most in need and help them to age safely in their homes and community.”
“Since 2021, we’ve supported Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout the country and have learned how eager seniors are to use technology that is accessible, convenient, and helps increase peace of mind as they age independently at home,” said Karla Torres, Head of Community Engagement at Amazon Devices & Services. “We are proud to support 10 additional AAAs and provide Ring technology for seniors in each community. We look forward to collaborating and learning alongside AAAs and ensuring that Amazon technology continues to support the needs of all users.”
Eligible participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 60 years or older.
- Reside in Chautauqua County.
- Have access to Wi-Fi, a smartphone, and an email address.
Devices will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those interested in learning more about this program or applying should contact the NY Connects Helpline at 716-753-4582. For additional information, contact the Office for Aging Services at chqgov.com/office-aging. Remember to PLAN as you age- PLAN: Please Look At Now so you can be equipped to age well at home!
