Area Agency on Aging provides assistance to senior citizens

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Area Agency on Aging in Imperial County wants to hear from local seniors on what they need in the Imperial Valley. 

The agency provides services to seniors and those with a disability throughout Imperial County.

We joined a public hearing in El Centro and had the pleasure of having lunch with senior citizens from the valley.

The agency is having public hearings throughout February at the senior center to get input from locals.

One senior, Maria Camacho, attended the meeting and said she was provided good information and she will take advantage of the programs provided. 

"Mainly I participate in the adult center... home care and other programs that were advised and the first thing that I will do is seek legal assistance..dentist and the health care clinic," Camacho said.

The agency's mission is to protect, assist and advocate for individuals by coordinating community-based services to maintain their independence at home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior center gatherings were closed but the home delivery tripled. The agency delivered almost 900 meals a day. Now that the community meals are back in a group setting, the seniors are glad to be social again according to Madeline Dessert, Department Fiscal Manager of the Imperial County Area Agency on Aging. 

"I think they're all very happy and want their senior nutrition program to stay put as you can see. They love their music and they love their gathering and I think they're very excited to be back in person," Dessert said. 

The Area Agency on Aging also offers nutrition education, in-home care, legal assistance and transportation. 

The next meeting is taking place tomorrow at Holtville Gardens at 11 AM.