Seniors asked to complete survey

The Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Senior Services is conducting a survey to identify the needs of senior citizens, age 60 and older, who live in the county.

Data collected from the survey will help the division identify and prioritize programs and services for future funding.

Examples of currently funded programs include information and assistance, transportation, legal services, home health services, care management, congregate nutrition programs and home-delivered meals.

Every three years, the Division of Senior Services develops an area plan that is submitted to the state Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services for approval. The plan is updated in the interim years.

The plan identifies and incorporates current senior citizen needs and trends along with the programs and services that will be funded to address them.

All seniors are encouraged and invited to complete a Needs Assessment Survey.

“It is critical to obtain feedback from seniors of all income levels, living situations as well as health status so that we can plan accordingly,” said Lorraine Hentz, deputy county administrator. “Efforts are being made to reach the homebound through service providers.”

Every senior is asked to complete the brief survey. If there is more than one senior in the household, each person should complete a survey. Only one survey per person should be submitted.

Caregivers may complete the survey for a loved one who is unable to complete the form. All information is confidential.

The Needs Assessment Survey will be available through senior clubs, senior housing sites and service provider agencies as well as the Division of Senior Services office.

It also may be downloaded from the Senior Services website at https://sussex.nj.us/NeedsAssessment and returned by fax to the Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0550.

Those who have access to a smart phone or computer may submit the survey online at https://forms.sussex.nj.us/f/NeedsAssessment

For information, a copy of the survey, or to obtain multiple copies of the survey to distribute to clubs, service agencies, churches, etc., contact the Sussex County Division of Senior Services, One Spring Street, Newton, by calling 973-579-0555, ext. 1382 or via email at seniorservices@sussex.nj.us