|
2008 Senior Festival of the Arts Brochure & Entry From
The Berks County Office of Aging (also known as the
Area Agency on Aging) is the department of county government responsible for
planning, developing and coordinating services to the 70,000-plus Berks
County residents age 60 and older and for certain long-term care services for
adults under age 60. Follow the links for more information on the Office of
Aging and Senior
Centers.
 Serving the Community
The Office of Aging serves the
community in a number of ways that are not always visible or well-known. The
agency and its 24-member Advisory Council constantly review pending
legislation and regulations and advocate with state lawmakers for the best
interests of our older population. Our staff develops and provides training
to the business community on aging issues, enabling them to better serve the
older customer. Throughout the year, the Office of Aging sponsors community
workshops and seminars to help people deal with issues such as caregiving and
long-term care insurance. The Office of Aging works closely with agencies and
organizations throughout the community to ensure the best possible service
system to meet the needs of older adults and their families.
Information Available at the Office
When you visit the office, you will
find a variety of informative brochures, pamphlets and booklets on every
subject affecting older Americans from nursing homes and long-term care
insurance to senior centers and nutrition advice. Many of these materials are
free for the asking. In addition, you will find applications for the PACE
program and property tax/rent rebates.
Perhaps the largest and most visible
role for the Office of Aging is as a provider of information and referral
services. Our staff of specialists fields hundreds of calls and questions
weekly on virtually every subject of concern to Berks County
Seniors.
Questions of a general nature can
usually be answered immediately, but sometimes the expertise of a care
manager or assessor is needed. A care manager will listen, ask questions,
provide information, make referrals to arrange services and will follow-up
the situation. This is very helpful if you have a problem but don't know what
services are available or how to get them.
Programs and Services Provided
The Office of Aging coordinates a wide
range of services and programs throughout the community. These
community-based programs include access and advocacy services like
specialized transportation, non-criminal legal services, employment
counseling and older worker programs, health information and screening
programs through the PrimeTime Health series and Senior Centers.
Although some programs and services are
provided directly through the Office of Aging, most are sub-contracted out
with other community and social service agencies throughout Berks County.
Senior Centers in Berks
Senior Centers located throughout
Reading and Berks County provide an assortment of social, recreational and
educational activities and volunteer opportunities.Centers are operated under
contracts with Berks County Senior Citizens Council, Boyertown Area
Multi-Service, Inc., and the Spanish Speaking Council of Reading and Berks.
All centers serve nutritious noontime
meals on weekdays (meal reservations must be made in advance).Senior centers
also serve as the base where meals are packaged and sent out with volunteer
drivers for the Meals on Wheels program.
TV and Radio Programs About Us
We are featured throughout the month on
radio and TV.
Fees
Since much of the funding comes from
the state lottery, we can provide services at a lesser cost, and sometimes,
at no cost. For services which involve a fee, the fee is usually on a sliding
fee scale, based on a person's ability to pay. Of course, contributions are
always accepted, helping to provide more services to more people at a lower
cost.
Location
Located on the eighth floor of the
County Services Center at 633 Court Street in Reading, the Office of Aging
provides a full range of services and supports to meet the needs of older
people and their families.
Contact Us
Berks County
Office Of Aging
County Services
Center
633 Court Street
Reading, PA
19601-4303
 610-478-6500
Fax: (610) 478-6886
E-mail Us!  aging@countyofberks.com
|
