HEARING SCHEDULED FOR SENIOR SERVICES AREA PLAN UDATE
TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Office of Senior Services will host a public hearing on its 2008 Area Plan Contract
Update at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2. The hearing will be held in Room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building,
101 Hooper Ave., here.
"Ocean County is home to the state's largest senior population and it's imperative we provide these residents with programs
and services that enhance their quality of life," said Ocean County Freeholder Director John P. Kelly.
"The Ocean County Office of Senior Services is the focal point that older adults and their families can turn to for
information regarding these services and programs," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of the Office
of Senior Services. "The 2008 Area Plan Contract Update outlines Ocean County's plan for serving its older adults over
the age of 60."
Vicari noted that there are over 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.
He added that the 2008 Aging Services Plan includes 51 programs with 21 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 $5.2 million," according to Jane
Maloney, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
Freeholder Kelly 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 adults in preparing for
a healthy future," Kelly said. "Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information to help prepare for the
years ahead".
Vicari noted that there is 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 don't know where to access information about the programs.
He said that 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 addition to the Information and Assistance staff at the Office of Senior Services, located at 1027 Hooper Ave.,
here, Senior Services also has two full-time Senior Services representatives assigned to the County Connection at the Ocean
County Mall in Toms River Township 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, however, we want to be sure we are attentive to the needs of all of our
seniors and this meeting will provide the opportunity for Ocean County residents to comment on our 2008 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.
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