Seniors in Dauphin County are at risk of reduced services. In last year’s Sequestration, the agency on aging lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in Federal funds. Now, there’s more uncertainty with the Government shut down.
For 100 year old, Ellen Pleasent, a little care goes a long way. She says the Dauphin County Agency on Aging fulfills her life because the transportation service picks her up in the morning and takes her where she needs to go.
But Ellen may need to find a new ride. The department operates on a budget that’s been reduced by $381,000. Plus, the current instability in Washington D.C. concerns county leaders.
In preparation of the next fiscal year, Agency Director, Bob Burns and county commissioners engage those who are directly impacted by service cuts.
Commissioner George Hartwick says, “Seniors are our most important residents in this community and we have some very vulnerable seniors. Without the support of the agency, they might not have the independence or choice to stay within their own home or actually live a meaningful way.”
From transportation to meals on wheels, forums aim at providing a prospering aging department.