def #192 09/30/10

SENIOR AREA PLAN PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR OCT. 6

TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has scheduled a public hearing on its 2011 Area Plan Contract Update for 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6, in the third floor conference room of Building 2, Ocean County One-Stop Center, 1027 Hooper Ave., here.

"The Ocean 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 2011 Area Plan Contract Update outlines Ocean County's plan for addressing the current and future needs of our seniors."

The 2011 Aging Services Plan includes 52 programs with 22 service providers; and is expected to serve over 35,000 individuals with access, home support, community support, nutrition and caregiver services.

"These are key areas that help our seniors maintain their independence and their quality of life," Vicari said. "We encourage our residents to participate in this upcoming meeting," Vicari said.

A copy of the 2011 Area Plan Contract Update 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.

Vicari noted that through Aug. 31, 2010, almost 29,000 individuals have been served by senior programs in Ocean County.

Jane Maloney, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, added that through Aug. 31 almost 168,000 home delivered meals and over 45,000 congregate meals were served. The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling over $5.3 million.

Vicari stated that many are familiar with Ocean 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 older adult in preparing for a healthy future.

"Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information and programs to promote healthy aging," he said. "Whether it is one of the four HealthEASE activities or educational programs to help people prepare for the numerous aspects of Medicare, we try to meet the many needs of our older adult population."

He noted that there is continued emphasis on the accessibility of services within the aging services plan. "Ocean County has developed a good system of outreach sites countywide," Vicari said. "These sites provide for trained outreach staff to link older persons with programs; the services are there, people just need help connecting."

A major emphasis for the Office of Senior Services is to get the word out to the county's residents.

"So far this year, the Office of Senior Services has provided 115 presentations to residents in communities throughout Ocean County," Vicari said. "Providing good information is essential when outreaching the people who will benefit most from our programs and services. Older adults can get help from Ocean County. It’s important we let them know how to access it."

The Oct. 6 meeting is the second one conducted by the Office of Senior Services on the 2011 Area Plan Contract Update. A public meeting was held in Brant Beach in June to gather feedback regarding the needs of older adults.