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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, April 06, 2016

Dep't of Aging Listens to LV Seniors

Teresa Osborne
On April 5, at the Steelworkers' Hall in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne conducted the third of seven "listening" forums planned across the state to gather ideas for the 2016-20 State Plan on Aging. About 30 people attended this discussion, and the big surprise was about just how little older Pennsylvanians know about what services are available to them.

Established in 1979, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging advocates for the needs of 2.9 million state residents over the age of 60. through 52 Area Agencies on Aging. By the year 2020, that population is expected to reach nearly 3.5 million. Most of the Department of Aging's funding - 78% - comes from the state lottery. Its annual budget is $800 million, and includes a wide variety of programs, far more than the home-delivered meals.

The APPRISE program received high marks from local seniors. APPRISE uses trained volunteers and staff to help answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid and other health insurance benefits.

Aside from a high tax bill, the problem that bothers Lehigh Valley seniors the most is transportation to and from doctor's offices. Though transit and para transit is free, those who use public transportation are often late for doctors' visits. They are forced to reschedule, and then have to wait for an hour or more for a ride home. "Receptionists are well-trained to say No," complained one senior. A Bangor woman told about four-hour trips from Bangor to Allentown, and a para transit driver who left her stranded.

Senior Hotlines

Lehigh County Office of Aging - (610)-782-3034
Northampton County Area Agency on Aging - (800)-322-9269
Senior Abuse - (800)-490-8505
SeniorLaw Helpline - (877)-727-7529
Nursing Home Complaints - (800)-254-5164
Alzheimer's Helpline - (800)-272-3900
APPRISE - (800)-783-7067

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bernie
Thank you for writing about the unnamed van service that helps those with physical limitations get to a doctor appointment. This van "service" ha.

James S. Gregory said...

Where did you run to Bernie. JERRY AND I wanted to talk to you about the abuse of our mothers by family members. That's why we were there. Apparently Northampton County doesn't care, so we went higher. Too bad you ran and missed the story.

Bernie O'Hare said...

James Gregory, I left as the program was ending. If you wanted to reach me, I was right there. I sat right in the front row. As for your story, I don't really believe anything you say. Your reputation as a manipulator precedes you.

Over the weekend, you made a number of false accusations about me on Facebook, including the statement that I was posting on Lehigh Valley Live under an assortment of sock puppets. That is a lie. Had I spoken to you yesterday, I would have called you a liar. You made this false claim on your ill-fated radio show, too, claiming that I commented as "Clinton Oxford." That was a lie and you know it was a lie. Clinton Oxford was eventually arrested. Instead of considering the possibility that you were wrong or that Mezzacappa is an inveterate liar, you still make this claim. Let me be as clear as I can. I post only under my name. Doesn't matter whether it is here or at LVL, and I stopped posting there months ago. You need to (1) avoid Mezzacappa, (2) stay off social media and (3) stop bothering women. You are 63, not 23.

Jim Gregory said...

Honestly, Bernie, as I told the Bethlehem Press, I could care less what you think because you couldn't be objective if your life depended on it. You know nothing about me or my other case. Zero. Lina, who brought it told a friend she loved me and was praying for me.
So, I could give a damn what you think. Right now by not getting the story, as I told Dana and the Press, you did them a disservice and allowed my fm other to continue to suffer abuse. You failed, no surprise, to do your job. I spoke to Mehler a few minutes ago, and he was gracious as ever. They are monitoring the situation. The complaint originated with my nephew who told me of the significant abuse to my mother. John told me they were limited due to a law that needs to be changed. I wasn't aware of the restrictions. My bad.

But if you're going to remain a hate blogger , do the Press a favor and quit. Your buddy Zito gave my sister license to abuse and she is taking advantage of it. She brought her heroin addicted son into the house and he promptly stole thousands from my mom and destroyed her car. Then he fled. Thank you Judge Zito. So, if you are not a coward and want to do your job objectively, call Jerry since you're obviously afraid to see me. Told you. I'm a Christian. I don't need to beat you up. Your fate is already sealed...

Bernie O'Hare said...

Quite obviously, I am not afraid to see you. I was sitting in the front row and you could have approached me at any time. Like I told you, I have no fear of men who beat women, as you have done. Also, I would never write a word about anything you want covered bc you tell lies and manipulate. What you really want is to be able to get your hands on your mother's estate. You want to be in the limelight. I will deny that to you here.

Also, you can't seem to get this through your thick head, but I am not one of the women you are used to intimidating. You can't tell me who to call or with whom I must speak. Your complaints to the Bethlehem Press mean nothing to me.

Have a nice day, and ... God Bless.

Jim Gregory said...

Again, you assume I care about what you think. I could care less whether the Press keeps you or boots you. On them. What I do care about is the fact my mom is being abused. Aging says they are dealing with it. We will see.
Elderly abuse, thanks to weak laws and Zitos ignorance is occurring as we speak.

Bernie O'Hare said...

What you care about is your mother's money . You'd like to get your hands on it .

Bernie O'Hare said...

And it' Judge Zito.

Peter J.Cochran said...

This sounds like Mr. Gregory is calling you out,Bermie. Well he said he was there about his mother, and abuse by his relatives. I would would believe this statement .This man is not going to be 'oriented' as he was just released from prison.He may be talking about himself.

Anonymous said...

Jim, how is Eugenia doing?

Anonymous said...

anon 9:31 is a personal attack. You are OK with it?

Jim Gregory is right about you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I have no idea whether Peter intends a personal attack, but he signs his name, unlike cowards like you.

Peter J.Cochran said...

IT's not an attack Bernie, If it were, I would not publish it. I was in the INFANTRY 28 years. Went throw both the U.S.Marine Corps and U.S.Army Infantry Schools--Now having been an Army Scout and the training and all, I would never broadcast an attack.Shit just would happen, and nobody would know why. I try to be respectful to people that deserve it. I help old veterans and would not let a defenseless soul be taken advantaged of in my presents. Other wise,-- I'm just a citizen ,a guy that has no flash or fancy stuff.

Peter J.Cochran said...

In addition, many veterans are in this ageing process . WW11 folks are all 86 or above ,and they die off still at about 3800 a week . In WW11 we had about 146 million people here and 17.5 million people wore a uniform at some point during that war. IN contrast today less than 1 percent of the this country has an DOD ID card of 325,000,000 people. We at Post 9 American Legion provide military services constantly. We have already done 17 services here this year and we are not alone. Over one half of all Vietnam Veterans are dead already,by some accounts. So the others are ageing in place or in a home with care already.OR Norco Marine Corps League is also active in these issues. God Bless America.This subject was ageing and this is my statement. NOT anything else.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Peter, I believed you were warning me, nothing more. And you can attack whomevercyou want , including me, bc you accept responsibility.

Peter J.Cochran said...

Bernie, I would be the last guy to ever bring issue to you that was derogatory. I think your 'ADVERSARY ' is now just brushing up to lean into you shortly. Now, I'm not a professional psychologist, but over the years of serving warrants and dealing with 'missing people ' I sort of got a grip on what happens next. I predict that 'The Manslab ' WILL ramp up his fodder toward you --and you will need to EITHER shut him off -or -let him proceed. He will not be able to help himself in his progressively demeaning character toward you. Have the lights on .

Bernie O'Hare said...

They will be, peter, and I thank you for your sage advice. This is an area where i will defer to you.