Aging Baby Boomers look to local programs for assistance

As Baby Boomers age, demand for more senior assistance will be needed

Written by TIM FISHER

In the next seven years, all 73 million Baby Boomers will be 65 or older (2020 census). That equals 35% of the entire adult population (18 and over) of the United States. Just think, over one-third of all adults will not only qualify for Social Security but they will be eligible for, and in many cases in need of, the services of their

Area Agency on Aging (AAA). In

Washington County, Maryland, that agency is the Washington County

Commission on Aging. If you live outside of Washington County, the good news is that through the Older

Americans Act, each State is required to provide local AAAs.

We know that the aging of our nation’s population will challenge federal entitlement programs, such as Social Security, Medicare and

Medicaid, but there is less awareness that this shift will also significantly increase demand for home and community-based services like those offered by local Area Agencies on

Aging. All AAAs strive to assess community needs, then develop and find funding for programs that respond to those needs. AAAs educate and provide direct assistance to seniors about available community resources for services and supports.

Just a few of these programs include home delivered meals, caregiver support, assisted living subsidy, senior care support services and much more. For example, the Washington County Commission on Aging has more than 50 social service programs specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors in Washington County.

As the Baby Boomer population dramatically rises, funding for the Nation’s AAAs is lagging. This means that waitlists for services are also dramatically increasing. In Washington County, there are currently over 300 senior residents waiting for services that, in some cases, may take anywhere from six months to years to provide due to staffing and funding needs. Funding for AAAs may come from a variety of sources but none is more needed than with the partnership of their local communities in the form of individuals and local businesses through donated time, talent and financial support directly to agencies, endowments and legacy giving programs.

For more information about services offered in Washington County, to make a donation, or to learn how to locate your Area Agency on Aging, please contact the Washington County Commission on Aging at 301790-0275 or visit our website at www. wccoaging.org

The Washington County Commission on Aging is proud to offer help and hope to our seniors.

The Washington County Commission on Aging has more than 50 social service programs specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors in Washington County.

Tim Fisher is the Chief Development Officer for the Washington County Commission on Aging.