Madison Senior Population Continuing to Grow and Grow

MADISON, CT - The senior population is expected to grow from 21 percent currently to 28 percent by the year 2030, according to Senior Services Director Austin Hall.

Hall recently updated officials on the town’s senior population.

Among the highlights were:

- The number of meals served in the senior center dining from has grown from 6,048 in 2015- 2016 to 10,221 in 2017-2018 and the number of Meals on Wheels meals served has grown from 6,485 in 2015-16 to 9191 in 2017-2018. The projection for 2018-19 is 11,000;

- Issues that need to receive consideration for the future growth of the senior population include housing needs, accessible food programs and transportation services;

- To accommodate the increase in demand for the meal service program at the Senior Center they will need an additional prep/server staff at a budget of $21,500 per year;

- To accommodate the increase in demand at the Center, they will need an additional part-time receptionist position at a budget of $10,000 per year;

- The issue of parking at the Senior Center will need to be addressed as the use of the facility increases;

- To accommodate the increased use of the building they will need additional custodial staff assistance;

- The Senior Center currently is expected to bring in $8,588 in revenue from rentals for 2017-2018 and this amount is expected to increase with the closing of the Scranton Library.

In response to a question, Hall explained that on the third Monday of the month individuals can call in to reserve their lunch for requested days for the month and generally the slots for meals for the month are filled that day. The Board members recommended that consideration be given to implementing a system that gives Madison residents priority to sign up for meals.