The Cambria County Area Agency on Aging is making some changes to your care of the next few months because of state funding being cut. Many of you using the agencies services should have received a letter alerting you of these changes earlier in December.

The letters were sent out last week saying "The personal care services you receive will be reduced by one visit each week for personal care and by one visit per month for homemaker services."

For example, this means your care worker, who usually comes by to clean your home twice a month or help with baths twice a week, will now only visit once a week or once a month. Cambria County Commissioner P.J. Stevens says the agency on aging was over budget by about a quarter of a million dollars this past year and the county was picking up the tab. However, Stevens also says, "They (you) have the right to appeal to make their (your) case worker aware of any extenuating circumstances. We cannot put a dollar value on the quality of life. Where there's a definite need, it will be met."

There is a form you can fill out if you want to appeal, giving you the opportunity to explain why you believe you need your services to remain as they are. You can get that from the Cambria County Area Agency on Aging in Johnstown.

The address is:

Cambria County Area Agency on Aging

Central Park Complex

110 Franklin Street, Suite 400

Johnstown, PA 15901-1831