Schuylkill senior services shifts funds to programming

Schuylkill’s senior citizens will benefit from an increase of $284,932 to be directed to program funding.

During a meeting Wednesday, on the advice of Director of Finance Paul Buber, the Schuylkill County Commissioners approved an inter-department transfer from the Office of Senior Services operational costs into services.

It’s not all good news — the money is available because when officials developed a budget for Senior Services last year, money was set aside to pay employees. However, some of those positions have not been filled.

“We were able to redirect funding to Consumer Services from positions budgeted, but not yet filled,” said Senior Services Director DeAnna Orlowsky. “The funding has been redirected to programming for Consumer Services in the OPTIONS Program (Personal Care and In-Home Meal Services) and Protective Services Program for legal, psychological assessment/consult, personal care, in-home meals and overnight stays.”

Pennsylvania’s OPTIONS Program provides aging state residents with care services in their homes such as personal care, home health and home delivered meals. Assistance is also provided to family caring for a loved one at home such as adult day care, respite care and transportation assistance.

The OPTIONS Program begins with a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s health and physical abilities. The assessment determines their care needs and presents different funding options based on their financial situation.