Rockland County Office for the Aging

06/14/2026

🌸💜 In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), our Office for the Aging display received a beautiful refresh thanks to Director Ward! The colorful flowers, fresh mulch, and cheerful pinwheels create a welcoming space while helping bring awareness to the importance of protecting and supporting older adults in our community.

Thank you, Director Ward, for helping make our WEAAD display both meaningful and beautiful! 💜🌼

06/12/2026

Congratulations to the Rockland County Office for the Aging staff members who graduated from the Rockland County LEAD Academy on June 4: Dana, Michele, Tammy, Mary Ellen, and Kerry.

The LEAD Academy (Leadership, Education, Administration, and Development), administered by the Rockland County Department of Personnel, provides participants with training and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork, and supervisory skills.

We are proud of our graduates for their dedication and commitment throughout the program and thank Director Cheryl Ward for supporting their participation. Congratulations on this well-earned achievement!

06/11/2026

Have you made your wishes known?

There is still time to register for our free educational workshop on advance directives, presented by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

Advance directives help ensure that your healthcare, financial, and personal wishes are clearly documented and understood. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a loved one prepare for the future, this workshop will provide valuable information and guidance.

Topics include:
• Power of Attorney
• Health Care Proxy
• Living Will

Representatives from Social Services and Consumer Protection will also be available to answer questions and provide information on available resources.

Monday, June 15, 2026
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rockland County Office for the Aging
50 Sanatorium Road, Building F, Pomona

This program is open to Rockland County residents age 60 and over. Space is still available, but registration is required.

To register, call 845-364-2100 and speak with a staff member.

06/11/2026

On May 26, Director Cheryl Ward and Program Specialist Mary Ellen Distefano joined Rockland County's 2026 Senior of the Year, Susan Flaks, in Albany for Older New Yorkers' Day, an annual celebration hosted by the New York State Office for the Aging to recognize older adults who make extraordinary contributions through volunteerism and community service.

A lifelong educator and longtime Rockland resident, Susan has dedicated herself to helping others throughout her life. She is especially recognized for her work with United Hospice, where she provides comfort and companionship to patients in their final days, offering kindness, dignity, and a reassuring presence to both patients and their families.

Susan's compassion, resilience, and commitment to service embody the spirit of Older New Yorkers' Day and serve as an inspiration to our entire community.

Congratulations, Susan, and thank you for all you do to make Rockland County a more caring and compassionate place.

06/11/2026

Rockland County's vacancy rate is just 5%—half the New York State average. For seniors on fixed incomes, that means fewer options, rising costs, and the real risk of being priced out. Affordable housing gives seniors the stability to stay connected and age in place. Investing in affordable housing ensures residents can continue to call Rockland home at every stage of life.

When everyone has a place they can call home, we all win.

Visit www.keeprocklandhome.com to learn more.

06/10/2026

What an amazing day at Haverstraw Bay Park!

A group of older adults from the Office for the Aging spent the morning exploring the park as part of Walk With Ease, a six‑week, evidence‑based program that helps build strength, boost stamina, and support overall wellness, all through simple, enjoyable walking.

Mike Dimola, from the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources led the group on a tour, sharing stories about the local environment, the park’s rich history, and fascinating stories that brought the landscape to life. The group had such a great time that they’re already asking when the next walking tour will be!

If you’ve never been to Haverstraw Bay Park, you’re missing out on one of our community’s true treasures.

06/09/2026

Your wishes matter. Make sure they're known.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the Rockland County Office for the Aging invites you to attend a free educational workshop on advance directives presented by Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. Representatives from Social Services and Consumer Protection will also be on hand.

Learn about:
• Power of Attorney
• Health Care Proxy
• Living Will

Understanding these important documents can help you make informed decisions, protect your interests, and ensure your wishes are clearly documented for the future.

Monday, June 15, 2026
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rockland County Office for the Aging
50 Sanatorium Road, Building F, Pomona

For Rockland County residents age 60 and over. Registration is required. Call 845-364-2100 and speak with a staff member to register.

06/08/2026

From National Center on Elder Abuse:
An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Working together across our networks, we can generate awareness and foster action to end elder abuse. Let’s work to keep everyone safe as we age.
https://ncea.usc.edu/weaad

An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Working together across our networks, we can generate awareness and foster action to end elder abuse. Let’s work to keep everyone safe as we age.

https://ncea.usc.edu/weaad

06/08/2026

Lifespan is a nonprofit in Rochester, NY providing information, guidance and services to older adults

06/08/2026

Center for Safety & Change will have visiting office hours at the Office for the Aging this Wednesday, June 10, from 11AM to 1PM.

The Center is a free and confidential resource for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes.

Walk-ins welcome. For information and to schedule an appointment, please call Center for Safety and Change at (845) 634-3391 or Rockland County Office for the Aging at (845) 364-2110.