In accordance with direction from the Federal Older Americans Act and the Administration on Community Living, the Lancaster County Office of Aging is in the process of seeking approval for the agency’s next Four-Year Area Plan (October 1, 2020- September 31, 2024). This strategic plan will guide the agency and ensure older adult service needs are aligned with the agency’s limited funding resources. During the summer months public comment was sought and resulted in input from over 600 individuals. This information was used to identify needs and set priorities. The areas most commonly identified as priorities for the coming 4 years were:
1. Expand agency’s visibility in the community
2. Prioritize outreach to underserved populations
3. Increase informational resources and services for caregivers
4. Establish “best practices” to combat loneliness and social isolation in the senior population
5. Expand health and wellness programming, especially in rural areas, and
6. Identify strategies to address food insecurity among older persons. These suggestions are the basis for the development of the plan which consist of 38 specific actions.
The 2016 to 2020 Lancaster County Office of Aging Four-Year Area Plan can be viewed in its entirety on the agency’s website under “events and notices”.