Office for the Aging describes new respite program, warns loss of receptionist reduces capacity

Susan, representing the Office for the Aging, told the committee the department discussed a part‑time volunteer coordinator (10 hours per week) in prior budget meetings but could not place it in ClearGov and it does not appear in the recommended budget. She said the department created a new respite program at its hub that runs one day a week, currently serving five to six older adults in a five‑hour session and staffed largely by volunteers. "We have 5 or 6 people in there right now, and we have a 5 hour program for them, just started," Susan said.

Susan also said the office added a caregiver coordinator/case manager position to route inquiries about respite and caregiver programs and to coordinate with Jewish Family Services, which serves as program manager for caregiver training. She said outreach (newsletter and public engagement) has boosted referrals but also increased call volume and workload.

On staffing, Susan told the committee the county executive’s office defunded the full‑time receptionist position and the department is covering reception with a temporary worker three days a week. She said the receptionist performed duties the rest of the staff cannot easily absorb and asked the legislature to note the gap; committee members asked county staff to provide a cost range to restore the position if desired.

The Office for the Aging said that aside from the reception post, it regards the proposed 2025 staffing and program mix as largely adequate for current workloads but warned that demand will grow with an aging population. The committee asked staff to check whether the volunteer‑coordinator request can be added or tracked in the budget documents and to provide follow‑up detail on the reception line.