National County Government Month Department Spotlight- Area Agency on Aging

Each April, the National Association of Counties (NACo) encourages counties across the country to participate in National County Government Month (NCGM) to raise public awareness about county roles and responsibilities. The theme of this year’s NCGM is “Counties RISE.” The theme is an acronym for and highlights Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency, and Empowerment, all county priorities undertaken with energy and passion for building stronger counties. While all departments provide excellent public service, this year, Pike County has chosen to highlight a few.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

The Area Agency on Aging provides a variety of programs and services to Pike County residents 60 years old and over. This NCGM, the AAA would like to highlight the Caregiver Support Program.

The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program provides resources and assistance to individuals who assume the primary responsibility for the provision of care. The program aims to alleviate the stresses associated with caregiving by focusing on the well-being of the care giver, providing access to respite care, addressing the need for formal and informal supports, and providing financial reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies. The program is administered through local Area Agencies on Aging.

The Pike Caregiver Support Program has the capacity to accept additional caregivers into the program. It currently assists four caregivers caring for older adults and five grandparents raising grandchildren. The office has the opportunity to help assist more families in need and is encouraging caregivers to apply. Please contact the AAA at (570) 775-5550 to learn more about program eligibility.