County services aid seniors
Ocean County's 2008 Aging Services Plan includes 51 programs with 21 service providers throughout the county that assist in the delivery of community support, home support, nutrition support, caregiver support and access services to the county's senior population.

"This Board of Freeholders wants to make sure older adults have the programs and services that will assist them in maintaining a good quality of life," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly. "Under the leadership of Freeholder Joe Vicari and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, we provide the best services and programs possible for our residents that help make up the greatest generation."

Following a recent public hearing, the Board of Freeholders is now poised to submit the 2008 Ocean Area Plan Update to the state Department of Health and Senior Services, according to a press release.

Vicari noted that there are more than 150,000 residents who are 60 years or over living in Ocean County and almost 19,000 who are 85 years or over according to the 2005 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 the younger older adult to remain healthy, active and independent for as long as possible," Vicari said.

Before presenting the plan, the Ocean County Office of Senior Services reviewed and identified the needs of the county's senior population as outlined in surveys from service providers, senior advisory committee members, a multi-cultural senior task force, the senior coordinating council and quality assurance cards.

"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," Vicari said. "In updating the 2008 Area Plan Contract it's essential that we talk to the people it affects the most."

The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling $5.2 million, according to Jane Maloney, director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.

Ocean County expects to receive about $2.4 million from the federal government and about $1.3 million from the state to deliver the services and programs. The balance of the funds comes from the county.

Vicari noted that there will be a continued emphasis on the access 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 and services."

He added that there are a variety of state and federal programs; however, frequently, individuals have either no knowledge of the program or do not know where to access information about the programs.

He said the 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 152 presentations to community residents that provide the information to assist those 60 and over in making choices for a healthier future," Vicari said. "In 2008, we also plan to promote healthy aging and foster greater independence for frail older adults."

Vicari said many people 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.

Next year, the county expects the number of congregate and home delivered meals will total more than 316,000, including 220,000 home delivered meals, according to the press release.

"The Office of Senior Services also has an important role in assisting the newly arrived older adults in preparing for a healthy future," Vicari said. "Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information to help prepare for the years ahead."

In addition to the information and assistance staff at the Office of Senior Services, located at 1027 Hooper Ave., Toms River, senior services also has two full-time senior services representatives assigned to the County Connection at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River and provides staff for the mobile County Connection bus to assist older adults with questions regarding programs and services.

"Ocean County is proud of its system of services," Vicari said. "Being home to the largest senior population in the state, it is imperative that we are attentive to the needs of all of our seniors."