TOMS RIVER – Ocean County seniors now have an easy way to find the programs and services that are available to them. This will be a benefit to their caregivers as well.
The recently updated 2020 Resource Directory is being distributed by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and it includes information on a host of programs and services geared to assist seniors living in Ocean County.
This directory provides at a glance senior services programs, and contact information as well as a service index.
Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services stressed the importance of the directory for seniors saying, “our mission is to lead the way in advancing the well-being of older adults.”
“The Office of Senior Services serves as a focal point that older adults and their families can turn to for information and assistance regarding programs and services,” he added.
Among the services included within the resource directory are the PAAD Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled; educational programs such as adult education classes at Ocean County Vocational Technical schools and Ocean County College, Toms River; employment assistance such as the National Council on Aging (NCOA) Senior Employment Program; health services such as the Ocean County Health Department among others; counseling such as the Senior Guidance Program; hospital locations; insurance in regards to Medicare; senior, community and recreation centers found in Ocean County; and transportation such as Ocean Ride.
Vicari said, “the resource directory can be accessed online, or mailed to anyone requesting it.”
The goals of the Office of Senior Services include improving access to services, promoting healthy aging, fostering greater independence for frail older adults, supporting family caregivers, and advocating for older adults at the federal, state and local level.
Department administers a comprehensive system of community based services including transportation, options counseling and care management; community support such as education, recreation, physical and mental health screenings, physical fitness, legal assistance; home support such as friendly visitor, residential maintenance, certified home health aides; nutrition support such as congregate meals and home delivered meals; and caregiver support such as respite, caregiver counseling, caregiver support groups and in-home education and support.
“Ocean County is home to the largest senior population in the state. With more than 173,000 seniors calling Ocean County home, it is a priority of the Board of Freeholders to provide programs and services that will help them remain independent so they can enjoy a good quality of life here,” the Freeholder Director added.
To obtain a copy of the Senior Services Resource Directory, send an email to gaddiego@co.ocean.nj.us or call the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091.
