BERGEN COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES AWARDED $466,000 STATE GRANT, BRING COST-SAVING PROGRAMS TO MORE RESIDENTS

“Senior Save Navigator” Grant Will Allow County to Aid Low-Income Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities in Saving Money on Prescription Drug Costs, Medicare Premiums, and More.(HACKENSACK, N.J.) – On Thursday, July 12, the Bergen County Division of Senior Services was awarded a $466,000 “Senior Save Navigator” grant by the New Jersey Department of Human Services to enable the Division to enroll low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities in cost-saving programs and services.

The $466,000 grant was a portion of $5.1 million in grants awarded by the New Jersey Department of Human Services to 11 institutions across the state. Awarded institutions will serve as “Senior Save Navigators”, raising public awareness around the NJSave Application, assisting in the application process, and enrolling more eligible residents in the programs and services available through NJSave.

NJSave is a one-stop-shop online application that connects low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities to affordable health programs, savings and assistance programs, and other benefits.

With older adults making up more than 20% of the population of Bergen County, the Division of Senior Services has prioritized creating “age-friendly” communities through streamlined access to resources and by addressing the diverse needs of its residents. Last month, the County of Bergen established the Age-Friendly Task Force—the first task force of its kind in the State that advises County government on ways to maintain that senior residents have access to the services and resources necessary to comfortably age in place.

As a Senior Serve Navigator, the Bergen County Division of Senior Services will assist in the NJSave application process, identify and utilize innovative practices for targeted community outreach and program enrollment, expand relationships with non-governmental organizations to help reach and enroll older adults and individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and promote increased enrollment in underserved communities.

“An important part of building age-friendly communities is raising awareness and connecting our seniors to the programs that will allow them to confidently and independently age in place,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III. “Thanks to the State’s generous Senior Save Navigator grant, we will be able to further expand access to these lifesaving resources and continue providing critical support to our residents.”

“This significant grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services underscores our commitment to supporting the well-being and independence of our senior residents and individuals with disabilities,” said Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Mary Amoroso. “By expanding access to cost-saving programs and vital services, we are ensuring that our older adults can live with dignity and security. The 'Senior Save Navigator' initiative will be instrumental in helping our community members navigate the complex landscape of benefits and support available to them.”

The Bergen County Division of Senior Services was established in 1966 under the Older Americans Act. It is the primary planning, coordinating, and funding agency for senior programs and services, promoting the well-being, health, and independence of Bergen County’s 220,000 older adults. As the lead agency for Bergen County’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), and designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA), the Division helps older adults, individuals with disabilities over the age of 18, and caregivers access the complex, long-term care, community-based, health and human services.