A few years ago, my neighbor of eight years was in a serious accident and spent months in the hospital. When I visited her at the care home, she shared something that stayed with me: she was terrified about going back home. She could no longer move the way she used to, needed help with daily activities, and didn’t have close family nearby to support her.

Like many of us would, I stepped in as a neighbor. I offered to work from home and help her however I could. Looking back, I realize that while my intentions were good, it wasn’t a sustainable or safe solution—for her or for me. At the time, I simply didn’t know that professional home care services existed, or how to access them. If I had, I would have been able to guide her toward better support much sooner.

She eventually found the care she needed, but that experience opened my eyes to an important reality: many people in our community don’t know what help is available—or that they even qualify for it. That’s why this month, we want to highlight a trusted, community-based organization that has been doing this work for decades.

Meet CABS Health Network: Care That Lets You Stay Home

CABS Health Network has been serving New York City communities for more than 45 years, helping people remain safe, supported, and independent in their own homes. They are a recipient of the “Best in Home Care” accreditation for excellence in home care services and senior living from Assisted Living Magazine—but more importantly, they are deeply rooted in the communities they serve.

CABS focuses on more than just medical needs. Their approach is about dignity, stability, and quality of life, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals managing chronic conditions.

What Kind of Help Can CABS Provide?

Many people think home care only means medical care—but it’s often about everyday support that makes life manageable. Here are services CABS offers:

• Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) services, including help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and companionship.
• Care Management, which helps individuals navigate healthcare and community resources, develop a personalized care plan, and coordinate services—especially for those managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, mobility limitations, or cognitive decline.
• Social Care Network support, connecting individuals to essential resources such as food assistance, transportation, housing stability, and home safety needs.

These services are designed to help people recover after hospitalization, manage long-term conditions, and continue living safely at home rather than facing unnecessary institutional care. For more information and to sign up for the services.

 Who Can Receive These Services?

CABS long-term home care services are available to individuals who:

• Are enrolled in Medicaid or eligible for Medicaid-funded home care
• Are older adults, individuals with disabilities, or those recovering from illness or hospitalization
• Need help with daily activities to remain safely at home
• Live in New York City (all five boroughs)

Additional programs include:

• Health Home Care Management for adults 21+ with active Medicaid who have multiple chronic conditions or qualifying diagnoses such as HIV, Sickle Cell Anemia, or Serious Mental Illness.
• Social Care Network services for Medicaid recipients of all ages who may need help with rent or utility assistance, medically tailored meals, asthma remediation supplies, home accessibility modifications, or mold and pest remediation.

To check eligibility and apply for these services.

Getting Help Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

One of the biggest barriers people face is not knowing where to start. CABS works closely with hospitals, clinics, social workers, care managers, families, senior centers, housing programs, and faith-based organizations to make the referral process as smooth as possible.

Getting started is simple:

• Speak with CABS about eligibility and service needs
• Complete a referral (CABS can help with this step) 

Contact CABS Health Network

• Phone: 718-496-2453
• Website: www.cabshealthnetwork.org
• Email: slewis@cabshealthnetwork.org
• Referral page: https://cabshealthnetwork.org/contact-us/

CABS also provides easy-to-understand flyers and referral forms that can be shared at senior centers, health fairs, housing developments, clinics, hospitals, and community events. 

Why This Matters

If you or someone you know is struggling at home—after an illness, injury, or simply due to aging—help may already be available. You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you don’t have to rely only on neighbors or family who may already be stretched thin.

Sometimes, knowing who to call makes all the difference.