Residents can learn about numerous services and resources offered by Burlington County and other government agencies, obtain free medical screenings and enjoy a free lunch during the upcoming Burlington County Senior Expo.
The annual expo is returning for its 22nd year at the Masonic Village Fellowship Center in Burlington Township on Thursday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is organized by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Office on Aging to give seniors and other local residents access to information and resources during a fun afternoon event.
Expected to participate in this year’s expo include various state and county agencies, social services and health providers, representatives from New Jersey Superior Court, and other groups, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Brain Injury Alliance and Friends of Parkson’s Disease.
Residents can take a tour of the Masonic Home’s campus and facilities and enjoy a county sponsored free lunch available to the first 500 senior citizens who attend.
The Burlington County Sheriff’s Office Community Services Unit will be on site to make senior identification cards for residents who need one. The cards can be used as a secondary form of photo identification and lists important information such as emergency contacts, allergies and illnesses, living will and organ donor information.
The Community Services Unit will also make veteran’s identification cards for attendees who qualify. These cards can serve as proof of a veteran’s military status when seeking discounts or benefits from stores, restaurants and other businesses. Veterans seeking an ID card should bring their DD214 discharge papers and a primary photo identification, such as a driver’s license.
In addition to making ID cards, the Sheriff’s Community Services Unit will be collecting non-activated cell phones and chargers for the office’s 911 Cell Phone Program. Collected phones will be reprogrammed to call 911 and will be distributed for free to seniors to have as an emergency resource inside and outside their homes.
The Sheriff’s Office will also have information about their free home security and safety inspections for seniors and residents with disabilities. During these inspections, a specialist evaluates a resident’s home and makes recommendations for various safety or security improvements or modifications. Specialists can provide and install some security items at no charge, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, door and window locks, emergency lights and door viewers (peepholes). Residents can register for inspections by calling (609) 265-5796.
