TOMS RIVER — Ocean County officials have approved nearly $449,000 in additional Older Americans Act funding to expand programs aimed at helping seniors remain safe, independent and connected to essential services.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners approved the midyear allocation of $448,987, along with additional county support, for programs administered by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
The money will help fund services ranging from meal programs and transportation to emergency assistance, home improvements, legal help and technology designed to improve safety for older residents.
Commissioner Robert Arace, liaison to the Office of Senior Services, said Ocean County is home to more than 200,000 seniors, a population that continues to increase. He said maintaining programs that allow older residents to remain independent and safely age in their communities is a county priority.
Commissioners approved the funding distribution during their Aug. 19 meeting.
The largest portion, $194,203, will support the Home Delivered Meals program. Another $137,215 will go toward a collection of services that includes emergency assistance, transportation, social visits, housekeeping, recreation, physical activity and respite care.
Officials also allocated $45,000 for congregate nutrition programs and $22,213 for home repairs.
Legal services will receive $20,000, while another $20,000 will support assistive technology, including personal emergency response systems and lock boxes. An additional $10,356 was designated for evidence-based physical activity programs.
Senior Services programs supported by the funding can also help residents facing food insecurity, past-due rent or temporary housing needs, as well as seniors who require accessibility modifications to their homes or transportation to medical and other appointments.
County officials estimate the additional funding will allow the Office of Senior Services to reach about 500 more residents.
Arace said directing resources toward transportation, food access, social isolation and accessible housing is part of the county’s effort to improve safety and quality of life for its aging population.
