Enabling its residents to age in place with dignity and respect is a county goal. The Commission believes that it takes the many components of the community working together—seniors, caregivers, local government, non-profit and private sectors—to create an environment that allows for successful aging-in-place in Montgomery County. Through its annual budget priorities, the Commission seeks to assure sufficient funding for county services that support our seniors’ ability to age in place.
Department of Health and Human Services
Nutrition Services - $307,100
The Commission recommended a $307,100 increase in the Senior Food Program budget to maintain the same level of service as in FY08 and to increase the number of home-delivered meals and meals for ethnic communities. The Commission wanted to ensure that seniors receive at least one hot meal each day and maintain social connectedness. The ethnic/cultural senior lunch programs are especially in need of funds to serve additional seniors. This activity is supportive of the aging in place concept.
Adult Day Centers Subsidy - $105,000
The Commission recommended an increase of $105,000 for the Adult Day Care Program, which provides family caregivers with financial support and respite from the care of their elderly family members. Implemented late in FY08, the program was successful. Information outreach about the program already is increasing demand for the services provided. This program helps to keep elders in the community and prevents caregiver burnout, a major cause of nursing home placement. The program is available to disabled adults as well as seniors.
Senior Mental Health - $550,000
In FY06, of the 7,179 individuals treated in the Montgomery County Public Mental Health System, only 91 were seniors (1.25%). The Commission recommended a budget increase for Senior Mental health to support a Geriatric Behavioral Health Treatment Team for services for our low-income senior residents. These seniors find it especially difficult to pay for and obtain treatment for mental health or substance abuse problems.
Assisted Living Subsidy Program - $284,330
The Commission recommended an additional $284,330 for assisted living subsidies for low-income seniors who live in group homes for the frail elderly and adult foster care homes for frail seniors and adults with disabilities. This would fund 31 seniors currently on the subsidy waiting list and would include support for a half-time Program Specialist II. While the subsidy is low, it helps maintain low-income family independence and in some instances keeps the senior from going on Medicaid and into a nursing home instead of remaining in the community.
Department of Recreation
Senior and Community Centers - $153,212
Funds were requested to provide one full-time career position at the Schweinhaut Senior Center, one full-time career position to manage the senior community center programs and the mini-trip program, and six part-time positions to increase the number of days each week that senior programs are available at Coffield, Fairland, and Leland Community Centers.
Seniors
