TOMS RIVER, N.J. – A trip to the Motor Vehicle Commission, a health screening and questions about Medicare can easily turn into several errands. On Tuesday, the Toms River Senior Center brought those services together in one place for local seniors.
The center hosted representatives from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Ocean County Office of Senior Services, Ocean County Connection and Ocean County Health Department for a community outreach event, according to Laura Picurro, Toms River’s director of Health and Human Services and director of the Senior Center.
Residents could get help with everything from REAL ID and vehicle registration renewals to veterans services, Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP. Health workers were also on hand for blood pressure and glucose screenings.
From REAL ID Help to Health Screenings
The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission provided assistance with REAL ID, registration renewals, e-bike registration, title changes and handicap placards.
Health services included blood pressure and glucose screenings along with information about nutrition and proper tick removal.
For seniors who needed help navigating government programs, representatives provided assistance with veterans services, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and other programs.
Could seniors get help with REAL ID at the event?
Yes. REAL ID assistance was among the Motor Vehicle Commission services available at the Toms River Senior Center.
- Several state and Ocean County agencies brought services directly to local seniors.
- Assistance ranged from motor vehicle paperwork and passports to Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP.
- Seniors could also receive basic health screenings and take home health-related supplies.
The Ocean County Connection added another group of services. Staff assisted with passport applications and renewals, provided Ocean Ride information and helped residents find other community resources.
One Stop Instead of Several Trips
The idea was simple: bring agencies to the seniors instead of making seniors travel from office to office.
“Bringing these services directly to our Senior Center makes it easier for our seniors to access the programs, information and assistance they need — all in one convenient location,” Director Picurro said.
Also happening in Toms River: Phil Brilliant goes after young teenage boys in latest anti-Rodrick tirade.
Attendees also went home with complimentary health kits, insulated bags, tick-removal devices and other useful items.
What health services were available?
The outreach included blood pressure and glucose screenings as well as nutrition and tick-removal education.
For older residents, having several agencies in the same room can cut down on travel and make it easier to ask questions about programs that sometimes involve complicated applications or paperwork.
The event also gave residents a chance to learn about services they might not have known were available through the township, county or state.
What other senior programs were covered?
Residents could get assistance or information involving veterans services, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, Ocean Ride and other senior and community programs.
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick thanked Piccuro and the staff at the senior center for their commitment to bringing important services to Toms River’s senior population.
