Rolando Flores details Area Agency on Aging services for seniors and disabled residents

The City of Pharr's recent CDC Board Meeting on May 22, 2025, highlighted critical support services for seniors and individuals with disabilities in the community. Rolando Flores, program supervisor for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, presented updates on the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), emphasizing their vital role in assisting residents.

In the past year, the AAA provided services to over 11,000 residents aged 60 and older across Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties, with 523 clients from Pharr. Key services include homemaker assistance, benefits counseling for Medicare and Medicaid, caregiver respite, transportation for medical appointments, health maintenance supplies, and residential repair services. The agency is requesting $30,000 to support 40 clients in Pharr, aiming to allocate funds for homemaker services and health maintenance.

Flores also detailed the ADRC, which caters to individuals under 60 and those with disabilities. This program offers similar services, including information and referral assistance, benefits counseling, housing navigation, and respite services for caregivers. The ADRC is also seeking $30,000 to assist 20 clients with homemaker services and health maintenance.

Both programs emphasize the importance of providing temporary support to clients, ensuring they have access to necessary services without strict income guidelines. The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment of the City of Pharr to enhance the quality of life for its vulnerable populations, with plans for continued funding and support in the coming year.