NEW YORK, NY November 22, 2008 —City agencies are trying to get used to the idea of cutting 2.5 percent from their next budget -- and 5 percent after that.

REPORTER: The Department for the Aging plans to save nearly $4 million by no longer funding some senior programs, like elder abuse prevention. But senior advocate Bobbie Sackman says that's the wrong place to start. Because more than any other group, seniors rely on being served by people they're comfortable with.

SACKMAN: People who understand what its like to be seventy and eighty - or older and be a victim of elder abuse. its not the same as a younger person there's a area of expertise here.

REPORTER: The Department for the Aging's Commissioner, Edwin Mendez-Santiago, says seniors in trouble will be served by other city programs that fight abuse and domestic violence. The agency plans to spend the bulk of its budget on what it calls "core services": including case management, home delivered meals and senior centers.