Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson addressed seniors at the Holliday Village 55-plus community in Mount Laurel.
The Burlington County Commissioners are encouraging local seniors to take advantage of services and programs available to assist them and their families.
Burlington Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson delivered a rundown of many of the services the county offers on Feb. 18 at the township’s Holiday Village 55-plus community.
“Burlington County strives to make a difference for every resident,” said Hopson, liaison to the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the Office on Aging. “We do that in multiple ways and with several different offices and programs. One of the most important ways we assist seniors is by prioritizing affordability.
“We want residents to be able to afford to move here and to remain here when they retire.”
Hopson cited New Jersey Department of Community Affairs property tax data that showed the county had the lowest average county tax in the state from 2019 through 2023, when county taxes made up less than 15% of all residential property taxes, according to data from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
The 2024 data is expected to be released soon.
Hopson and Office on Aging Division head Bryan Barnes answered questions and shared information with Holiday Village residents about the programs designed specifically for them and for caregivers, including:
Burlington County Meals on Wheels
The Meals on Wheels program for seniors and disabled residents is open to any resident 60 and older who is homebound. Last year more than 120,000 meals were delivered. For more information, call (609) 702-7053.
Congregate Nutrition Sites
For any seniors who aren’t homebound, the county also offers lunches for those 60 and older at four nutrition sites, including the Bethel AME Church in Moorestown. Each location serves lunches at least four days a week; the schedule is available at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/476/Golden-Years-Luncheon-Club. Meal reservations are requested a week in advance and can be made by calling (609) 702-7053.
Home security and safey inspections
The county sheriff’s office runs this free program for seniors and disabled residents that offers experts who visit and evaluate a resident’s home and make recommendations for safety, security improvements or modifications. They will also install some security items at no charge, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, door and window locks, emergency lights and door viewers (peep holes). Seniors can register for the program by calling (609) 265-5796.
Property fraud alert
This free program is offered by the county clerk’s office and provides an early warning of potentially suspicious activity involving title property fraud. Residents who register are notified if any deed, lien or mortgage is recorded in the clerk’s office with their names. Residents can then follow up and confirm if the activity was legitimate. The service is free and optional. Sign up online at https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/NJBurlington or call (800) 728-3858.
County seniors can access more information about these and other services from the office on aging online at https://co.burlington.nj.us/434/Aging or by contacting the office at (609) 265-5069.
