UPDATED Jan. 13 at12:15 a.m.
The $1 million special appropriation for senior adult programming was introduced Tuesday morning. A public hearing is set for Jan. 27 at 9:30 a.m.
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Reduced federal funding and a growing wait list of Montgomery County seniors needing assistance convinced Montgomery County legislators to call for a $1 million special appropriation to the operating budget.
The one-time targeted investment is expected to be introduced at Tuesday’s county council meeting.
If approved, $450,000 from the county’s reserve fund will be added to the county’s senior nutrition program. Another $300,000 will be used for home care services to reduce the waitlist of more than 300 residents. The remaining $250,000 will be used to relieve unpaid home health care providers.
Originally, $300,000 of the funds was to be allocated for Minority Heath Initiatives. But the bill’s sponsors – Councilmembers Laurie-Anne Sayles, Natali Fani-González, Kristen Mink and Sidney Katz – agreed the money was needed immediately to help those 60 years and older now since the federal government did not reauthorize the Older Americans Act.
Lead sponsor Sayles said the money was needed due to do “egregious cuts” by the federal government. They left the county’s Department of Health and Human Services with “overwhelming challenges.”
“Programs that allow seniors to age in place with dignity are being dismantled,” Sayles said during a Monday morning news conference. “Let me be clear. These federal cuts have real consequences. They force older adults to skip meals. They require caregivers to choose between work and a parent’s safety. They leave seniors one fall or one injury away from losing independence.”
Senior Statistics
The senior population in the county is growing by 28% as compared to a 7.6% growth in younger people. About 240,000 county residents are 60 years and older, said Linda Beregofsky, cochair of the county’s Commission on Aging.
Patrice McGhee, chief of Aging & Disability Services at Montgomery County Government, said there are 300 people on the county waiting list for home care of up to 140 hours per year.
The county’s applications for seniors eligible for nutritious meals currently is closed and has been for the longest time in county history, she said. And of the 600 families in the respite care program, 80 are waiting for services, according to McGhee.
County Executive Marc Elrich supported the funds transfer and said the additional levels are expected to be included in the next fiscal year.
Support for Our Aging Population
“We pride ourselves in prevention first investments” said Dr. James Bridgers, director of the county’s Health and Human Services Department. “We will get there together.”
“There is no shortage of issues in Montgomery County” that could use additional funds, Sayles said, adding that upcoming fiscal budget discussions will be challenging. “Aging in place is not a luxury. In Montgomery County, it is a promise that we keep,” she said.
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