The Burlington County Commissioners are encouraging local seniors to take advantage of the many 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 Tuesday evening at the Holiday Village 55+ community in Mount Laurel. During her visit she also spoke about the Commissioners’ record of keeping Burlington County affordable.
“Burlington County strives to make a difference for every resident. We do that in multiple ways and with several different offices and programs,” said Hopson, the liaison to the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the Office on Aging. “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.”
She cited New Jersey Department of Community Affairs property tax data that showed Burlington County had the lowest average county tax in New Jersey from 2019 through 2023. During those years, county taxes made up less than 15% of all residential property taxes, according to the DCA data.
The 2024 data is expected to be released soon.
Joining Hopson at Holiday Village was Office on Aging Division Head Bryan Barnes. Together they answered residents’ questions and shared information about several programs designed specifically for local seniors and caregivers, including:
Burlington County Meals on Wheels
The Burlington County Office on Aging runs both the County’s Meals on Wheels program for homebound seniors and disabled residents and the County’s Congregate Nutrition Sites program.
The Meals on Wheels program is open to any resident who is 60 or older and homebound. Last year more than 120,000 meals were delivered through the program. For more information, call 609-702-7053.
Congregate Nutrition Sites
For seniors who aren’t homebound, the County also offers lunches to seniors 60 or older at the four congregate nutrition sites: Carslake Community Center, 207 Crosswicks Street in Bordentown City; First Baptist Church of Beverly, 405 Broad Street in Beverly; Samuel Miller Building, 256 Clifton Avenue in Mount Holly; and the Bethel AME Church, 512 North Church Street in Moorestown.
Each of these locations serves lunches at least four days a week. The schedule for each site is available at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/476/Golden-Years-Luncheon-Club . The sites also offer participating seniors opportunities to meet and socialize with fellow residents, County staff and volunteers.
Any senior is welcome to attend. Meal reservations are requested a week in advance and can be made by calling 609-702-7053.
Home Security and Safey Inspections
The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office runs this free program for seniors and disabled residents. Experts from their office will visit and evaluate the resident’s home and make recommendations for safety or security improvements or modifications. The specialists 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 Burlington County Clerk’s Office and provides an early warning of potentially suspicious activity involving title property fraud. Residents who register with the program are notified if any deed, lien or mortgage is recorded in the Burlington County Clerk’s Office with their name. Residents can then follow-up and confirm if the activity was legitimate. The service is free and optional. Residents can sign up online at https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/NJBurlington or by calling 1-800-728-3858.
Other services
Burlington County offers numerous other services for seniors, ranging from free pet adoptions for senior citizens from the Burlington County Animal Shelter, free Burlington County Parks classes like chair yoga, country line dancing, nature walks, history courses and art exhibits.
The County also provides vouchers to income-eligible seniors for fresh produce at participating local farmers markets, as well as some other services for qualifying families such as light housekeeping assistance, caregiver respite and in-home health aide services.
Burlington County residents can also access more information about these and other services seniors may be eligible to receive from the Burlington County Office on Aging online at https://co.burlington.nj.us/434/Aging or by contacting the Burlington County Office on Aging at 609-265-5069.
“Burlington County is a premier destination for residents of all ages and the services we provide seniors help them live active and healthy lives here,” said Hopson. “The Office on Aging is a fantastic resource and we encourage local residents and their caregivers to reach out to them to learn more about these programs.”