Agency - Lancaster County Office of Aging

Lancaster County Office of Aging provides a variety of services to older persons and their families in the most appropriate and least restrictive manner. Available services address a wide spectrum of needs and are administered in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of those served.

Description:
General services provided by the agency include personal care services, referral to available resources through the agency's Information & Referral unit, employment programs for those 55 and over, and protective services.
The Volunteer Department provides home support services to clients as volunteers help with laundry, shopping, and minor home repairs. Volunteers also provide socialization by making home visits and regular phone calls. Office volunteers help agency staff with a variety of tasks including filing, shredding, data entry and more.
Specialized volunteer programs include the APPRISE Program which assists clients with health insurance and Medicare issues. Volunteer Ombudsmen interact with residents of personal care homes and nursing facilities, making them aware of their rights and reporting any concerns to staff ombudsmen.
Volunteer opportunities are available for both individuals and groups. Assignments can be on-going, one-time, or sporadic depending on the client's need and the volunteer's preference. A number of volunteers assist with two seasonal programs; a chicken BBQ delivery in mid-May, and a holiday program in December.
Volunteer opportunities require a minimal time commitment and offer great flexibility and a high level of satisfaction.

History:
Lancaster County Office of Aging was founded in 1974, and marks its 30th anniversary this year. The agency was formed in compliance to the Older Americans Act of 1965. Throughout the course of its three decades, the program has changed and evolved to better meet the government guidelines and the needs of older persons in Lancaster County and city.
The Volunteer Department has also evolved since its inception in 1977. Initially begun to meet the socialization needs of homebound seniors, the department expanded to provide help with laundry, shopping and cleaning when those services could no longer be included in the budget. Volunteers also provide limited assistance with transportation to medical and dental appointments, as well as helping with minor home repairs and maintenance.
Throughout the years, socialization has continued to be a primary part of a volunteer's role. The bene-ficial impact of a volunteer's smile is immeasurable. A volunteer's assistance can make the difference between an older person staying in his/her own home or needing to move to a facility of some kind.
The Volunteer Department seeks to meet client needs while insuring the assignment is fulfilling for the volunteer.

Contact person: Bev Via, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

150 N. Queen Street, Suite 415 Lancaster, PA 17603 (See a map)