SUNBURY — Resources for older adults are hardly at a minimum in Northumberland County, thanks to the efforts of Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging administrator Karen Leonovich and her staff.
Leonovich describes the agency as an “information and referral source” for older adults who have questions regarding anything life may throw their way, including need for in-home services, housing and legal information.
“We are a warehouse of information,” Leonovich said. “Older adults can call us and we can provide referral information as needed.”
In addition to having close relationships with volunteers and various nonprofits in the area, the agency also offers an array of services of its own including bathing assistance for those who need it, Medicare counseling through the state’s PA MEDI program, care management, and protective services, which handles approximately 700 investigations into elder abuse per year. The Area Agency on Aging also operates the county’s home-delivered meals program, better known by most residents as “Meals on Wheels.”
Leonovich, who oversees a workforce of about 40 employees at the agency, said her department is also responsible for operating the county’s seven adult community centers — Coal Region (aka Shamokin), Sunbury, Herndon, Northumberland, Milton, Kulpmont and Mount Carmel.
The centers had been closed temporarily during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since reopening, the centers have introduced new and exciting activities and programs, including health and wellness education, to welcome back ongoing and new members.
The centers also host virtual programming for anyone in the local communities. The centers provide a daily nutritionally balanced meal, hot or lighter fare, and participants can enjoy fellowship while dining.
Anyone interested in learning more about scheduled programs and activities or ordering a congregate meal can contact one of the seven adult community centers for additional information.
The department serves about 1,000 older adults through its in-home services programs, and about 500 older adults per year attend one of the adult community centers in the county.
The Area Agency on Aging recently merged with the county’s Veterans’ Affairs Department. The Veterans Affairs staff provide veterans and their dependents, regardless of age, direct assistance to identify, determine eligibility and assist in the preparation of applications for county, state and federal veterans benefits and programs. The staff are accredited veterans service officers (VSOs) and never charge veterans for their assistance. Approximately 6,500 veterans reside in Northumberland County.
Leonovich concluded by reminding older adults that if they are in a situation where they are unsure about how to proceed to call the Area Agency on Aging.
“We’re here to help navigate the systems because the systems are not always easy to follow. We will point you in the right direction,” she said.
The Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging & Veterans Affairs is located at 322 N. Second St., Sunbury, and can be reached at 570-495-2395 or www.ncaging.org.
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