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From telephone reassurance services to assistance in paying for household utilities, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners approved 24 contracts to provide services for the County's growing senior population during its Jan. 21 Board meeting.
"Ocean County is committed to making sure our seniors are supported, respected, and able to age with dignity," said Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. "These contracts reflect our responsibility to meet people where they are and ensure that essential services are available to older adults across every corner of the county."
The 24 Area Plan contracts provide more than $8 million in funding for 51 programs designed to serve older adults and their caregivers throughout Ocean County. Collectively, the contracts are expected to deliver more than 560,000 units of service to over 30,000 older adults and caregivers countywide.
Services funded through the contracts are projected to include approximately 92,000 home-delivered meals, more than 21,000 transportation rides, and over 2,000 hours of home repair services, all aimed at helping older adults remain safe and independent in their homes.
"With more than $8 million invested through these Area Plan contracts, we are delivering real, measurable help; from meals and transportation to home repairs and caregiver support," said Arace.
Additional services funded through the contracts include social support programs; congregate and home-delivered meal services, including weekend and holiday meals; caregiver support services through the National Family Caregiver Support Program; adult protective services; transportation assistance; residential maintenance and home repair services; legal assistance; safe housing and transportation programs; and evidence-based health promotion and chronic disease management programs. The contracts also expand telephone reassurance services and evidence-based programs focused on wellness, physical health, and overall quality of life.
"These programs are about independence, health, and quality of life," said Arace. "Whether it's a wellness check, a hot meal, transportation to an appointment, or help maintaining a safe home, Ocean County is focused on giving our seniors the resources they need to remain active, connected, and secure in their communities."
The contracts are part of Ocean County's ongoing efforts to support its growing senior population and help older adults safely age in place.
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