http://www.westchesterlegislators.com/MediaCenter/2018/20180928_SrPublicHearing.jpg

Legislator David Tubiolo (Yonkers & Mount Vernon) with Mae Carpenter, Commissioner of the Department of Senior Programs & Services (DSPS) hosted the Annual Public Hearing & Speak Out regarding the senior community on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Westchester County Center.

Commissioner Carpenter unveiled the goals and objectives of the 2019 Area Plan on the proposed use of funds, from the Older Americans Act and the New York State Community Services for the Elderly Program. The final 2019 Area Plan, incorporating public input, will be submitted to the New York State Office for the Aging in December 2018 after approval by County Executive George Latimer.

The Area Plan helps prioritize and assist in allocating funding of developing or improving programs to help older persons secure equal opportunity to vital necessities, in order that they may live independently with dignity.  

Legislator Tubiolo said “the public hearing provides an opportunity for individuals to participate and give input, as well as learn, on the concerns and issues that affect our beloved senior community. Hearing directly from advocates, care-givers, family and seniors themselves is the best way for us to plan and prepare the final area plan for 2019. The more senior community involvement, the better we’ll be able to help our seniors.”

Issues and updates discussed were Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Caregiving, Disability, Education, Elder Abuse, Health & Wellness, Health Insurance, Housing, Hunger, Intergenerational, Legal Services, Livable Communities, Mental Health, Palliative Care, Technology, Transportation and Veterans.

The plan is available at the Department’s office located at 9 South First Avenue, 10th Floor, Mount Vernon, NY 10550; It was distributed at the public hearing. Written comments on the plan must be sent by Friday, October 12, to Rose Pasquale at the same address.

For information about the Department of Senior Programs & Services, call (914) 813-6300 or visit www.westchestergov.com/seniors.