Area agency on aging seeks $20,000 county match to leverage federal and state grants for senior services

Michelle Bridal, CATCH-A-RIDE director at Lifetime Resources, asked commissioners on July 18 for $20,000 in county funds to match federal and state grant dollars that support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.

Bridal said Lifetime Resources is one of 15 area agencies on aging in the state and operates transportation (Catch-A-Ride), in-home services, home-delivered meals, respite for caregivers and congregate meal sites. She said the agency bills nonemergency medical transportation through Medicaid, Medicare and managed care brokers when insurance covers trips.

Bridal provided the county with an annual report and financials and said the Jefferson County budget for Lifetime Resources is approximately $1.6 million; the $20,000 request represents roughly 1% of that local budget. She said local support has declined in recent years, with United Way and city contributions reduced, and asked commissioners to consider the county match to help prevent longer-term, more costly institutional care.

Commissioners did not make an immediate decision at the July 18 meeting. Bridal offered to answer questions and said the agency would welcome follow-up.

Next steps: commissioners will review the funding request and the provided materials before deciding whether to approve a county match.