Tuesday, October 2, 2012

OC Freeholders: Hearing To Be Held at Toms River Senior Center

10/1/2012

TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has scheduled a public hearing on its 2013-15 Area Plan Contract for noon, Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Ave., here.

"The County Office of Senior Services serves as the focal point where older adults and their families can turn to for information regarding services and programs," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior Services. "The 2013-15 Area Plan Contract outlines Ocean County's plan for addressing the current and future needs of our seniors."

The 2013 Aging Services Plan includes 50 programs with 22 service providers; and is expected to serve approximately 32,000 individuals with access, home support, community support, nutrition support and caregiver services.

"These are key areas that help our seniors maintain their independence and their quality of life," Vicari said.

A copy of the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract Summary is available by calling the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899 and will be posted on the Ocean County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us.

The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling over $5.3 million.

Vicari stated that many are familiar with the County's safety network of services for the frail/disabled elderly, however, he said, the Office of Senior Services also has an important role in assisting the newly arrived senior adult in preparing for a healthy future.

"Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information and programs to promote healthy aging from helping people prepare for the numerous aspects of Medicare to choosing a healthier lifestyle; we try to meet the many needs of our older adult population," he said.

So far this year, 80 community presentations have been conducted. Health EASE programs such as Take Control of Your Health, Move Today and Mind Body are conducted in locations throughout the county.

"We work in partnership with other County agencies," Vicari said. "We have a great relationship with the Ocean County Library and the Ocean County Health Department rolling out programs."

So far this year, Senior Services staff helped over 7,000 people and provided information to over 9,000 visitors to its website. Major issues addressed by Senior Services staff were: Prescriptions, Tax Programs, Medicare/Health Insurance, In Home Services and Consumer Issues.

Jane Maloney, Director of the Office of Senior Services noted that the Oct. 9 meeting is the second one conducted by the Office of Senior Services on the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract. A public meeting was held at the Brick Senior Center in April to gather feedback regarding the needs of older adults.

"We encourage our residents to participate in this upcoming meeting regarding Ocean's plan to address our senior's needs," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little.

1 comment:

  1. And while we build animal shelters, Bartlett and Gerry Little ignore human suffering by not getting the homeless this winter into human shelters instead of putting them on a bus to freeze in Atlantic City. Lakewood and Toms River homeless need help, not the bums rush to AC. Vote for Change. Either Stand for what is Right or settle for what is left. Scott Neuman / Candidate for Ocean County Freeholder http://www.scottneumanforfreeholder.com

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