Erie County offers a wide range of programs and services for older adults. And today seniors, their family members, caregivers or anyone interested, can weigh in on the offerings or learn more about what's available.
The first of two public hearings on the unmet needs of older adults and the programs available for them is being held, Wednesday, by Erie County's Department of Senior Services. Commissioner David Shenk says, it's an opportunity for residents to speak to him or other staff directly and voice concerns or suggest new ideas. Shenk says, it's also an opportunity to learn about all the services available for seniors - including transportation, home meal delivery, and congregate dining - which reduces social isolation.
"And we have exercise programs that Mr. Fitness comes around and gets out in the community on. At the congregate sites we also have our dieticians come out - they work with meal planning and teach seniors the best way to prepare meals. And there's a lot of good things that we do in Senior Services and it's always a great opportunity when we have to showcase what we do so that way we can gain more customers. And then as the population changes we like to know what they're interested in." Shenk said the event is also an opportunity to let him know what the department is doing right.
The public hearing is from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Town of Concord Senior Center, 40 Commerce Dr., Springville. It's open to all county residents.
"When people walk in they will have the ability to sign up. And the people that sign up will get to talk first and then we'll open the floor to people that didn't sign up and there's no time limit," Shenk said.
Senior Services will be holding a second public hearing at the Schiller Park Senior Center, 20057 Genesee St., Buffalo, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., November 1.
