The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has approved 24 contracts to provide a range of services for the county’s senior population in 2026. The decision was made at the board meeting held on January 21.
“Ocean County is committed to making sure our seniors are supported, respected, and able to age with dignity,” said Commissioner Robert Arace, who acts as liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. “These contracts reflect our responsibility to meet people where they are and ensure that essential services are available to older adults across every corner of the county.”
According to county officials, these Area Plan contracts will supply more than $8 million in funding for 51 programs aimed at supporting older adults and their caregivers throughout Ocean County. The services are expected to reach over 30,000 individuals and deliver more than 560,000 units of service.
Programs funded by these contracts will include about 92,000 home-delivered meals, over 21,000 transportation rides, and upwards of 2,000 hours dedicated to home repair services. These efforts focus on helping seniors maintain safety and independence within their homes.
“With more than $8 million invested through these Area Plan contracts, we are delivering real, measurable help; from meals and transportation to home repairs and caregiver support,” Arace said.
Additional funded initiatives cover social support programs; congregate and home-delivered meal options—including weekend and holiday meals—caregiver support under the National Family Caregiver Support Program; adult protective services; residential maintenance; legal assistance; safe housing initiatives; transportation programs; as well as health promotion and chronic disease management activities based on evidence-based practices. Telephone reassurance services and wellness-focused programs are also being expanded.
“These programs are about independence, health, and quality of life,” Arace added. “Whether it’s a wellness check, a hot meal, transportation to an appointment, or help maintaining a safe home, Ocean County is focused on giving our seniors the resources they need to remain active, connected, and secure in their communities.”
The Board of Commissioners oversees these efforts as part of its ongoing work supporting the region’s aging residents. The Board is led by Director John P. Kelly along with Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi and Commissioners Virginia E. Haines, Robert S. Arace, and Jennifer Bacchione. According to the official website (https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/), Ocean County delivers community resources such as senior assistance programs designed to improve well-being for all residents across New Jersey (https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/). Other offerings include recreational activities, consumer support initiatives, health efforts and transport solutions managed by this local government entity (https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/).
The new contracts reflect ongoing priorities set by county leadership as it continues serving its growing senior population (https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/).
