The County Executive’s Corner: 50 Years of Dedicated Service to Older Adults

I am incredibly proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rockland County’s Office for the Aging (RCOFA), a department that has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of our older adults for half a century. This milestone gives us an opportunity to reflect on the tremendous impact RCOFA has had on our senior community.

At the heart of these services is NY Connects, our front-facing team assisting residents aged 60 and older in navigating long-term care services and supports. Whether it’s connecting individuals to necessary programs or guiding them through Medicare and other insurance options through the Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP), this team is an essential resource.

Once a need is identified, the OFA Assessment Team steps in to determine the level of support required through the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). This program enables seniors to remain safely in their homes by providing case management, non-medical personal care, social adult day services, home-delivered meals, and personal emergency response systems. The team also provides much-needed relief to caregivers of older adults.

One of our most vital programs, Home-Delivered Meals (HDM), ensures that older adults receive nutritious meals tailored to their needs. Through partnerships with four food providers, we offer not just meal choices but also nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian to support high-risk individuals.

Transportation can be a challenge for many seniors, but thanks to The Independence Project and GoGoGrandparent, RCOFA provides reliable rides to medical appointments, helping older adults maintain their health and independence.

The impact of these programs is remarkable. Each year, RCOFA delivers over 1,700 meals to caregivers, provides more than 700 rides, and offers over 1,500 hours of respite care to families in need.

Beyond essential services, RCOFA is committed to enhancing the overall well-being of our seniors through Health and Wellness Programs offered at various locations across the county, including our newly built OFA office in Pomona. Thanks to the outstanding work of our Facilities Department, this space allows us to expand our physical, recreational, and educational programs like never before.

For those looking to re-enter the workforce, the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) provides job training and employment opportunities for residents aged 55 and older.

As we celebrate 50 years of unwavering dedication, we recognize that RCOFA is more than just a department—it is a lifeline, a support system, and a champion for our older residents. 

Here’s to 50 years of service—and many more to come! 

Interested in learning more about our services? Give our OFA a call at (845) 364-2110.