The Office for the Aging is a department of the Division of Health and Family Services, under the supervision of Commissioner Judith Maier.

The Office for the Aging oversees mostly non-mandated but largely state-funded programs for the benefit of qualifying senior citizens. James Lyttle is the Director.

The total appropriation for the department is $1,533,534. State revenue provides $942,438. The county share is $591,096.

There are 12 full-time employees and 12 part-time. The total payroll is $520,821. Mostly, the office relies on volunteers for staff. There are 325 active volunteers. Collectively, they served over 70,000 man-hours last year.

The mission of the Office for the Aging is "to provide the elderly and their caregivers with information, assistance and referral to programs and services which will assist the elderly to live as independently as possible in their own homes." The office offers seniors assistance with daily activities such as shopping, banking, and bill-paying.

For example, Tula Brown is a senior volunteer who assists other seniors in dealing with health insurance issues and the resolution of disputes with health insurance providers. Ms. Brown has extensive experience in this field and is putting her retired skills to exceptional use helping others.

The office also serves as a resource for program information. There are federal programs designed to financially assist qualifying seniors to obtain grants for housing maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, through the Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Office for the Aging provides caregiver resources.

Although these programs are a wonderful asset to seniors, there are two programs run by this department that I found most interesting.

One is the "Meals on Wheels" program that delivers meals to seniors who have difficulty getting out. Most of the volunteer man-hours go into this program. As important as providing the meals, the service has the additional benefit of providing socialization. For some seniors, especially in the winter, the volunteer is the only person checking in on the client.

Actually, the whole process of senior food preparation and delivery in the county is amazing. This endeavor is the result of a cooperative effort between three departments and numerous volunteers.

All food is prepared and packaged at the Adult Care Center. County transportation picks up the food and distributes it to 14 congregate sites, such as senior centers, several times a week. For those who can't get to the congregate site, Meals on Wheels volunteers pick up the packages and deliver them throughout their designated community.

Another program that allows seniors an opportunity to socialize, provide a meaningful service to the community and help their neighbors is through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

This program places able-bodied, active, experienced people with time to share into government and non-profit organizations, such as schools and hospitals, to help others in their communities.

The Office for the Aging is located in the County Government Center in Monticello.

For anyone seeking services or wishing to volunteer, call 794-3000, extension 5000.