FREE Senior Forums In Delaware County

COUNTY COUNCIL AND COSA HOST

 TWO SENIOR CITIZEN RESOUCE FORUMS

Panel will discuss senior safety, consumer affairs, veteran’s services and more

            Delaware County Council, in ongoing efforts to assist residents during today’s economic downturn, will hold two free Senior Citizen Resource Forums in October.

The Senior Forums will take place 1-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center, Drexel Hill, and 1-3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17 at the Concordville Inn, Concord. Both events are open to all senior citizens, their families and caregivers.

            The forums, organized by the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), will feature a panel of representatives from various county programs who will detail what resources and supports are available to senior citizens.

            “Our goal is to provide senior citizens with the tools they need to navigate today’s challenging economic climate, and to inform them about the many services and programs that are available to them through county government,” said County Council Chairman Jack Whelan.

            “Studies indicate that during a recession, those hardest hit are senior citizens on fixed incomes. Not only do their resources get stretched, but there is an increase in the number of predators who will offer them get-rich fixes that are fraudulent. That’s why it’s important that we educate our seniors and help them find solutions to maintain their quality of life, during all economic conditions,” Councilman Whelan said.

            At each Forum, representatives from the following county agencies will participate in a panel presentation. After the panel presentation, the representatives will be available to speak with individuals.

·        COSA: Seniors can turn to COSA for information on a wide variety of assistance and counseling services including health insurance counseling, crime victim services, legal services, volunteer opportunities, nursing home eligibility and community-based services and in-home supports.

·        District Attorney’s Office, Senior Exploitation Unit: This unit educates seniors about crimes such as identity theft, fiduciary theft, credit care theft or misuse, and financial or physical abuse. During challenging economic times, seniors are more likely to fall victim to exploitation.

·        Consumer Affairs: This is the watchdog for all consumers regarding major purchases and transactions, particularly in the area of home repairs, credit issues and tenant/landlord agreements. More than 50 percent of the complaints filed with Consumer Affairs are by senior citizens who are often more vulnerable to consumer fraud. The Consumer Affairs staff can help seniors do research before a transaction, and they can mediate problems when they arise, to ensure each consumer gets what they are paying for.

·        Veterans Affairs: This department helps veterans and their families apply for certain benefits from the state and federal governments for which they are eligible. These benefits include federal pensions for veterans or their widows and real estate tax exemptions for veterans with 100 percent service-related disabilities. Veterans can also get assistance to gain admission to the Veterans Administration hospitals or treatment programs. Applications for burial and headstone allotments are also processed through Veterans Affairs.

·        Treasurer’s Tax Claim Bureau: The duty of the Tax Claim Bureau is to collect delinquent taxes for school districts, municipalities and the county. Representatives can help seniors understand the collection process and the on-account payment agreements that are offered to people with financial hardships.

Representatives will also be available from Community Action Agency, the Consumer Credit Counseling Service and Social Security. Representatives can also help with the open enrollment for Medicare which begins earlier this year, on October 15.

County Council invites seniors and their family members to attend the Senior Citizen Resource Forums to learn about the many services that can enable seniors to maintain their independence and quality of life in Delaware County.

            “Today’s recession can be particularly hard on seniors who are living on a fixed income. We want to ensure that they are able to remain in their own homes and communities with appropriate supports,” said Council Chair Whelan.

FOR INFORMATION: Both events are free. To register contact Barbara Nicolardi at (610) 490-1524 or send an e-mail to nicolardib@co.delaware.pa.us.