Sullivan County office reports increased senior services use, brings two resolutions to the floor

Laura, Office for the Aging staff, told the Sullivan County Legislature on a monthly report that the county’s senior services saw higher usage in June and that outreach to distribute farmers‑market coupons is ongoing.

The Office for the Aging has distributed 616 of 2,000 farmers‑market coupons that must be claimed by Sept. 30 and used by November, Laura said. The coupons are available to residents age 60 and who meet income eligibility through self‑attestation. “They’re available until September 30 and have to be used by November,” Laura said. She asked legislators to refer constituents to the office for help signing up.

The office reported 14 home visits in June for assessments and follow‑up, and staff helped individuals complete 24 applications for programs including SNAP, Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program. Sullivan County volunteers logged 1,416 hours in June, which the report valued at $52,803. The county’s caregiver resource center will offer exercise programs for older adults, including Tai Chi for arthritis and falls prevention, the report said.

Nut graf: The report outlines ongoing senior services needs and outreach efforts and included two resolutions the office placed on the meeting agenda — one that seeks to clarify language related to the county’s volunteer station and another tied to program or administrative housekeeping.

Office for the Aging staff also described partnerships and programs meant to keep seniors in their homes, including a restoration or emergency home‑repair program run in partnership with RUPCO and a local partner described in the report. “There’s the restore program that provides emergency home repair assistance to income‑eligible seniors so they can remain safe and secure and independent in their own home,” Laura said.

During the meeting Laura moved resolution 14 to change language intended to clarify the volunteer station; the motion was seconded. The transcript does not record a complete vote tally or formal outcome for that specific motion.

Ending: The office asked legislators to publicize services and referrals; Laura said staff would continue outreach at senior centers and farmers markets.