National County Government Month Department Spotlight- Area Agency on Aging

The Pike County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) provides resources and services to Pike County residents 60 years old and over. The mission of this not-for-profit, senior service agency is to assist older adults to remain in their home, safely, and to promote their quality of life.  

The AAA provides a range of services such as home delivered meals, social and recreation opportunities at senior centers, and congregate dinning. Its staff is knowledgeable on aging related topics and has the resources to connect individuals with organizations.  

Senior Centers 
The AAA has 4 Senior Centers: Blooming Grove Center, Lackawaxen-Shohola Township Center, Eastern Pike Center at Matamoras, and the Bushkill Center for Active Adults.  

The Senior Centers provide opportunities for individuals to socialize, participate in group activities and share nutritious, heart-healthy meals. Weekly schedules include recreation and crafts, educational programs and speakers, outdoor activities, picnics, and other social events.  

Programs, Services and Resources 
The AAA provides many services throughout the year, such as, but not limited to: 

  • Blood Pressure Check 
  • Eyeglass Clinics 
  • Farmer's Market Nutrition Vouchers
  • Farmer's Market Produce Truck
  • Flu Shots
  • Options Counseling
  • Tax Season AARP Tax Preparation (February to April ONLY)  

Information & Assistance 
The AAA office staff can assist individuals with information and resources to help make choices on aging related topics such as aiding with senior benefit programs, Social Security, Medicare, eligibility for low-income senior programs including home and community services, along with: 

  • Home-delivered Meals 
  • Prescription Drug Programs 
  • Healthy Aging Programs 
  • Case Management
  • Senior Activities
  • Support Groups
  • Volunteering 

For a complete list of programs, services, and resources provided by the AAA, visit the Our Services and Resources pages on www.pikepa.org/aaa.

Home Delivered Meals 
The Pike County Home Delivered Meals program consists of multiple daily routes that service ALL of Pike County. The number of meals being delivered weekly has grown to approximately 1,000. These meals have made the difference in seniors’ health and wellness as well as their safety.  

“Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age,” says Robin S. Skibber, RD, LDN, Executive Director of Pike County Area Agency on Aging. “It not only makes economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.” 

AAA is always looking for Volunteers to help and get involved at Pike County Area Agency on Aging. The Volunteers are the heartbeat that helps keep this program alive. For more information on how you can volunteer, please contact 570-775-5550 or via email: rskibber@pikepa.org. 

Activities

Zoom Exercise
A “fan favorite” event is Zoom Exercise with Lana. Each Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Lana holds an exercise and line dancing class. Send your request to join by calling the AAA office at 570-775-5550 or by emailing kdantuono@pikepa.org. 

Age My Way 
Pike County Area on Aging is encouraging its seniors to participate in the “Age my Way” contest in honor of Older American’s month, May 1- May 31, 2022. 

The AAA is asking older adults to “show us how you ‘Age in Place’ with a picture, craft, letter, or hobby etc.”.  Winners will receive an interview with the local media, Facebook post and a gift card! There will be winners in categories including most community minded, most artistic, and most talented. 

Please return entries by May 13, 2022. Submissions can be delivered to the Pike County Area Agency on Aging or mailed to: 
Pike County Area Agency on Aging  
150 Pike County Blvd. 
Hawley, PA 18428 

Entries may also be emailed to Robin Soares at rsoares@pikepa.org or Gabriela Sympson at gsympson@pikepa.org.  

Senior center staff will also accept submissions. 

Newsletter
The AAA holds many activities and events each month. The best way to stay informed is by looking out for the AAA’s monthly newsletter. 

Each month the AAA puts out a newsletter on its webpage, www.pikepa.org/aaa. The newsletter is filled with information such as each senior center’s monthly calendar of events and meal schedule, upcoming programs, recipes, birthday shout-outs, and educational materials on aging related topics. The newsletter is a great resource to learn about what is going on, and to get involved! 

Elder Abuse Task Force
The Elder Abuse Task Force is a collection of individuals from the Pike County Area Agency on Aging, the District Attorney’s office, home care providers, and the medical and banking industries, convened in 2013 with the mission of protecting the older adult population in Pike County. 
 
The Task Force trains professionals such as bank staff, aging agency representatives, medical, legal, clergy, and tax personnel to identify and report cases of potential exploitation, fraud, neglect and abuse of older adults.  Education is also provided to family members, concerned citizens and the general public about elder abuse and how to recognize, prevent and report it. 
 
The Elder Abuse Task Force meets on the 3rd Monday of the month, at 10:00 a.m., at the Pike County Training Center. Meetings are open to the public. 

If you know or suspect Elder Abuse, call 1-800-233-8911. Reports are taken 24 hours a day.