As the nation’s population ages, counties face increasing demand for comprehensive systems of care for older residents. Counties provide critical services to enhance the lives of older adults age 50 and over, from active adult programming and in-home services to hot meals and referral services. Often, aging services fall within the authority of county human services agencies and are supported by local funding streams and federal funding provided by the Older Americans Act. Aging services vary depending on local needs, but often include transportation, nutrition, support for caregivers, recreation, in-home assistance, disease prevention and more. During COVID-19, counties are exploring ways to continue core services and reduce the spread of the coronavirus to this high-risk population. They are also exploring ways to increase communication to older adults and their caregivers during times of isolation.

The health and safety of residents are paramount for counties. County human services staff are on the frontlines providing essential medical, nutrition and financial assistance and economic supports to children, families and older adults at a critical time in our country and helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.