When Bella Zaltzman starts her day helping provide Social Services for seniors in New York City, she usually has a list of new clients to contact. She’s either checking in, following up or answering questions for those new to UJCES’ programs.

Originally from Russia, Bella came to New York City speaking little English and having to dive right in to survive. Not only did she master the language, but she mastered her education, receiving a master’s degree in Social Work before joining UJCES. That was more than 25 years ago, so she’s well-connected to all social service resources for seniors in NYC. She’s also well acquainted with what it’s like to be new to the country, new to the city and new to the overwhelming number of agencies available. This makes her extremely helpful to clients, especially those of immigrant status who may have no one to rely on. 

“UJCES is all about taking a holistic view of our patients’ lives’, so whatever services they need to improve their quality of life, I’m there to help them figure that out. That’s my job,” she says modestly.

With the goal of empowering clients to overcome crisis, gracefully age in place, and maintain a dignified quality of life, UJCES provides case management that includes a comprehensive needs assessment followed by an extensive intervention plan.

The Pandemic Has Strengthened the Need of Social Services for Seniors

Today, Bella works with clients and their caregivers on everything from eviction prevention and immigration services to ensuring Holocaust survivors get the resources they need to stay in their homes.

Many times, she works with adult children of clients. If someone is too sick to talk or experiencing dementia, Bella relies on their children to provide the paperwork she needs to get assistance. 

“Some kids are involved only 50% of the time. They may not live in the city, or they’re just not involved in their parent’s lives.” Bella remembers having to take care of her own mother as she got older, so she can empathize with all they’re trying to manage. She educates them. “Once they understand the situation, they realize we’re in a partnership together for their parents.” She says many times they become more involved, following up with doctors or other contacts to help Bella get what she needs to resolve issues.

And those issues are wide-ranging. Navigating social services for seniors include but are not limited to the following: 

• SNAP Benefits and Food Assistance

• Affordable Housing, Landlord/tenant Issues, Section 8 Housing 

• Social Security and Disability Benefits

• Medicaid and Medicare Enrollment

• Legal Issues including creating a will, Power of Attorney, and housing issues

• Immigration issues, including assistance with applications for green cards, naturalization, and employment

Bella and her colleagues at UJCES have been working with seniors and their children for decades. They’ve been on the ground and in the shoes of those who live across all five boroughs. The pandemic has only strengthened their resolve to help seniors in every way they can to live the life they deserve – staying in their homes and in their communities.

If you know of someone who is over 62, lives in the city and may be having a hard time taking care of themselves at home, please send a message to info@ujces.org and one of our trained case managers will contact you to discuss your situation and determine the best resources available.