Senior programs renewed by Ocean freeholder board

Ocean County's seniors can continue to count on support from the Ocean County Board of Freehold-ers for such important programs as health screenings and education to caregiver support services.

Three dozen contracts for senior programs were recently approved by the freeholders, according to a press release from the county.

"Ocean County takes great pride in its senior population," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, chairman of Senior Services. "We, as a board, make every effort to do all we can do to make sure they have a great life here in Ocean County."

The 36 contracts total more than $2.24 million in federal, state and county money and will fund programs administered by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services through local service providers.

The contracts are part of a series of contracts expected to total about $5 million to be awarded to service providers in 2007, said D. Jane Maloney, director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.

The first group of contracts was awarded last month by the freeholders for both home-delivered, congregate meals and social support services for the elderly in 2007.

Maloney said the food services contracts are typically awarded first so there is no interruption in the delivery of meals.

Among the programs funded in 2007 are: educational and recreation services, health screenings, mental health programs, transportation and caregiver support.

In 2006, through 21 service providers, more than 36,000 individuals received approximately 550,000 units of services, according to the press release. Services provided include home support to the older frailer elderly and community support to the younger older adult so they can continue an active and independent life.

Vicari noted that in addition to the many services provided by the Office of Senior Services, keeping the population informed through outreach programs will continue into the new year.

"Whether it is regarding property tax rebates, prescription assistance, updates on Medicare, we will provide the necessary information and assistance," Vicari said.

He said that in 2006, the Office of Senior Services conducted a campaign to inform county Medicare enrollees about the new prescription drug program. Senior Services staff traveled the county making community presentations; helping at enrollment activities, appearing on television and recording radio shows in the outreach effort.

"The Board of Freeholders recognized that helping Medicare enrollees with Part D was the main emphasis for Senior Services in 2006 and the entire Office of Senior Services network really met the challenge," Vicari said. "Ocean County is uniquely positioned to provide the access to necessary information and assistance for older adults and their caregivers. Helping them make wise and educated decisions is key."

Maloney noted that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) recognized Ocean County's effort; Ocean was the only county in the state to have the Medicare bus come four times.

"It's my hope that those people who were assisted with Part D will reach out to the Office of Senior Services network in the future if they require any service," Maloney said.

Ocean County serves its more than 150,000 senior citizens with the state's first "One-Stop Center." Located at 1027 Hooper Ave., Toms River, the One-Stop-Center offers senior services, veteran services, consumer affairs and numerous social services under one roof. The One-Stop-Center can be reached at (800) 668-4899 or (732) 929-2091.

Information on senior programs is also available at the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall, Toms River, a county government service outlet operated by the Board of Freeholders, and the mobile County Connection, a mobile county government information service.