kh #258 10/03/08
HEARING SCHEDULED FOR SENIOR SERVICES AREA PLAN UPDATE
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has scheduled a public hearing on its 2009 Area Plan
Contract Update for 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7. The hearing will be held in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration
Building, 101 Hooper Ave., here.
“The Ocean County Office of Senior Services is the focal point that older adults and their families can turn to for
information regarding services and programs,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior
Services. “The 2009 Area Plan Contract Update outlines Ocean County’s plan for serving its older adults over the age of
60.”
Vicari noted that 26 percent of the county population is 60-years or over and over 22,000 are 85-years or over according
to the 2006 census update.
“This range in the older adult population requires that we ensure that the necessary support services are there, not only
for the frail, disabled and isolated; but also, for those younger older adults to remain healthy, active, and independent
for as long as possible,” Vicari said.
He added that the 2009 Aging Services Plan includes 52 programs with 22 service providers throughout the county to deliver
community support, home support, nutrition support, caregiver support and access services.
“These programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling over $5.3 million,” said Jane
Maloney, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
Vicari added that many are familiar with Ocean County’s safety network of services for the frail/disabled elderly such as
home delivered meals and other home support services; however, the Office of Senior Services has an important role in
assisting the newly arrived older adult in preparing for a healthy future.
“Ocean County has developed a good system of outreach sites countywide; these sites provide for trained outreach staff to
link older persons with programs and services,” Vicari noted. “Good information is the cornerstone to raising awareness
on the programs and services we offer.”
He also added that there are a variety of state and federal programs; however, frequently, individuals have either no
knowledge of the program or don’t know where to even begin.
The major emphasis for the Office of Senior Services has been to get the word out to the county’s residents; and so far
this year they have offered 125 presentations to community residents.
“It is essential that people access the benefits they are entitled to in these harsh economic times and I have instructed
our Senior Services staff to increase their efforts to get the word out through all mediums,” Vicari said.
Maloney added that a major campaign to inform residents regarding the Economic Stimulus payment is nearing
completion and approaching the deadline of Oct. 15.
Over the past several years, the federal government has relied upon local agencies such as the Office of Senior
Services to assist older adults navigate the system; however federal funding does not adequately support this effort. The
department is now preparing for the Annual Part D enrollment period.
In addition to the Information and Assistance staff at the Office of Senior Services, One-Stop for Seniors, 1027 Hooper
Ave., here, Senior Services also has two (2) full-time Senior Services representatives assigned to the County Connection
at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River and the Mobile County Connection buses to assist older adults with questions
regarding programs and services.
“Ocean County is proud of its system of services; however, we want to be sure we are attentive to the needs of all of
our seniors. This is the second meeting the Office of Senior Services conducted regarding the 2009 plan; a public meeting
was held in Lakewood in May to gather feedback regarding older adult needs, and this meeting will provide the opportunity
for Ocean County residents to comment on our 2009 service plan,” Vicari said.
For additional information regarding the hearing, contact the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or
1-800-668-4899.
