Every day our office receives calls from individuals who say they did not realize that we existed, or they ask us, “what exactly what do you do?”
The Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. (ACOFA) provides services for individuals over 60 years of age throughout Adams County. Some of the services that our agency can provide include help with bathing and dressing, adult daycare services, and home delivered meals.
In addition to in-home services, we have five Senior Centers located in York Springs, Littlestown, McSherrystown, Fairfield, and Upper Adams. The Senior Centers are a great outlet for someone looking to make friends in their area, join in scheduled activities, and to share a meal. The centers are managed by an energetic group of people who are dedicated and passionate to ensure that each participant has a good time.
ACOFA also offers numerous in-house services that you may not be familiar with. One such service is our Tax preparation program. Every year, ACOFA hosts a fabulous group of knowledgeable volunteers who will prepare and file federal, state, and local tax returns for adults 60 and over with low to moderate levels of income. We are currently scheduling appointments for Tuesday & Wednesday mornings beginning Feb. 3rd through April 8th. Appointments are limited and are filling up quickly. Please call our office at 717-334-9296 if you are interested in scheduling an appointment.
Other services that are offered include Medicare counseling, help preparing the property/tax rebate form, bi-annual memory screening and a monthly Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group.
The Caregiver Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 3:00PM. Anyone caring for a person who is living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s is welcome to attend. For more information on the support group, please call our office and ask for Megan Young.
Why should you be aware of these services if you are under the age of 60? Maybe you know of someone who is caring for an individual and could use a break or you have been noticing that your parents could use some additional help. If this is the case, please call our office and make a referral. Our intake worker, Lisa Baumgardner, will be happy to assist you.
If you have concerns for an individual 60 or over that involves possible financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, or even self-neglect, we have a protective service worker on call 24/7. Please call our office at 717-334-9296 to make a report of possible abuse or any concerns that may be affecting an individual’s physical or mental well-being.
If you are interested in learning more about our programs, please reach out to us. Our knowledgeable staff are also available to participate in speaking engagements to share more information as to what ACOFA has to offer. Andy Winebrenner is our Community Services Director. He oversees our volunteers, senior centers and the PA Medi program. Patty Plempel is our In-Home Services Director. Patty and our four Care Managers do their best to assist individuals in our community with meals, bathing or respite.
To learn more about our services, upcoming events and fundraising, please visit our website at ACOFA.org. or visit us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Our social media consultant, Sam Jarvis, does an amazing job keeping all our sites up to date.
As I finish writing this article on Groundhog’s Day, it looks like Punxsutawney saw his shadow this morning. That means we could see six more weeks of winter. With that in mind, check on that older neighbor, friend or relative who you may have not seen recently. And remember that ACOFA offers many services to assist those individuals!
Lynn Deardorff is the Executive Director at the Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. She can be reached at ldeardorff@acofa.org