Burlington County Commissioners Authorize $1.67 Million to Continue Senior Services

MOUNT HOLLY – The Burlington County Commissioners approved continuing nearly a dozen different services that assist Burlington County seniors and their caregivers.

The Commissioners voted last month to approve one-year options on the contracts for each of the services, which range from housekeeping and homecare to legal services and physical fitness classes. More than $1.67 million is expected to be expended as part of the approved contracts for the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the County Office on Aging.

Nearly 2,500 senior residents were aided by these County services during the first three quarters of last year (January 1 through Sept. 30).

“Burlington County strives to make a difference for every resident, including our seniors,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Whether it’s transportation to a nutrition site or providing caregiver support or a visit from a home health aide, these services are proven difference-makers for numerous senior citizens who call Burlington County home. We’re thrilled to continue them.”

The following service providers were awarded contracts for senior services:

• Resources for Independent Living: $50,000 to provide light housekeeping services and caregiver respite for seniors;
• The Tender Inc.: $78,200 to provide social daycare support for seniors;
• Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey: $132,874 to operate a caregiver respite program;
• Resources for Independent Living: $40,000 for case management assistance for seniors;
• Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey: $167,000 for in-home health aide services;
• South Jersey Legal Services: $39,900 to provide legal advice and services to seniors;
• Burlington County Sheriff’s Office: $15,179 for residential maintenance and security inspections
• Burlington County Department of Human Services: $998,683 to manage senior nutrition services
• The Tender Inc.: $77,850 for senior daycare services as a respite for caregivers;
• Senior Citizen United Community Services: $52,500 for transportation for seniors to and from the County’s congregate nutrition sites;
• Greater Philadelphia YMCA: $18,400 to operate a physical fitness program for seniors.

Funding for the contracted services is provided by the federal Older Americans Act. The law was first passed in 1965 to support a wide variety of community social services for seniors. It was last reauthorized in 2020.

Seniors can learn more about these and other services that might assist them by accessing the Burlington County Office on Aging’s Directory of Services. The 120-page directory provides a comprehensive rundown of services and programs for Burlington County’s seniors, disabled residents and their caregivers. It can be accessed online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/434/Aging or by contacting the Burlington County Office on Aging at 609-265-5069.

“Burlington County is a premier destination for residents of all ages and the services we provide to seniors help them remain here and live active and healthy lives,” Hopson said. “The Office on Aging directory is a fantastic resource. We encourage all local seniors and caregivers to access it either online or by requesting a hard copy.”