The Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission and Allegany County Area Agency on Aging operates four “full-service” Senior Centers located throughout the county. The four Seniors Centers are located in areas with a relatively high density of elderly adults. All Senior Centers are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Each Senior Center offers a noon time meal for a donation to those participants 60 years or older and their spouses regardless of their age. Activities and outings are planned at each Senior Center based on the participants’ wants and needs. Home delivered meals are served via each Senior Center to those elderly persons who cannot attend the Senior Center and meet the basic meal requirements (home bound, not able to cook or shop and without anyone able to prepare meals for them.)
Social interaction at the Senior Centers allow the older adult to mix and mingle with peers while participating in stimulating activities designed to assist them in maintaining their independence. Activities range from weekly card and bingo games to community fund raisers, volunteer opportunities, fitness programs, shopping trips and cultural events. Continuing education opportunities are available in such areas as line and square dancing, quilting, painting and computer literacy. Day trips to places of interest are offered on a regular basis.
Health education and direct health screenings are held at each Senior Center. Community professionals offer presentations on various topics such as prescription medication safety, cancer, cholesterol, osteoporosis and nutrition. Nutrition education programs range from low-fat cooking instructions and taste testing to nutrition bingo. Direct health sessions and health screenings including eye exams and hearing tests are held regularly and blood pressure monitoring is offered in each center at least once a month. Each Senior Center has exercise equipment available for the seniors’ use at any time during the day. Walking programs are conducted both inside and out.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling is available at all Senior Centers. Trained staff are ready to assist the senior in choosing the type of health insurance that best fits their need. Assistance in understanding and medical claims and billing statements is also available.
WOULD A HOME DELIVERED MEAL HELP YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW?
Are you aged 60 or older, homebound and unable to shop for food or prepare your meals? If so, contact your local HRDC Senior Center to see if you qualify for a hot, nutritious meal delivered to your home. Older Marylander’s can qualify for this program as a result of either temporary situation, such as recent hospital discharge, or due to frailty or permanent disability. Home delivered meals make it possible for home bound seniors to maintain adequate nutrition. The senior nutrition program, authorized under Title III of the Older Americans Act, provides grants to area agencies on aging to support congregate and home delivered programs for persons 60 years and older. Participants are encouraged to make voluntary donation towards the cost of the meal. Donations are voluntary and anonymous. These donations help the program be able to provide more meals. The HRDC Senior Centers also provide a congregate meals and activities. To visit a center for delicious, home-cooked meal or to get more information on home delivered meals, please contact one of the four HRDC Senior Centers.
