November 20, 2007

Seniors Invited to Council on Aging Meeting

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging invites seniors and caregivers to a special listening session Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, 1 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Development Council Senior Center.

Charlie Rehbein, chief of the Aging Services Bureau for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, said time for a listening session has been set aside during the regularly scheduled council meeting to hear ideas, concerns or issues regarding senior services.

The council spends a great deal of time tackling the issues associated with an ever-aging population that will continue to put a strain on services over the next 25 to 30 years.

But, Tuesday’s listening session will be geared more to the issues of today. “While we need to plan for the future, we also need to consider the needs of our current elderly population and that is what this listening session is about,” Rehbein said.

Specifically, the council would like to hear comments from the public about provided services including the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, congregate meals, senior transportation, Meals on Wheels and in-home services for the elderly. “This listening session is an opportunity for people to discuss their service needs as well as other concerns they may have with council members,” said Charles Aagenes, director of Area IV Agency on Aging.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging serves as the official advisory body to the Governor and the state aging coordinator. The group is made up of 11 Montana citizens who advocate for aging issues.

For more information, please contact Aagenes at 447-1680 or Rehbein at 444-7788.

Page last updated: 11/20/2007