Upon the request of the supervisor of general assistance, the township board may enter into contractual agreements with the operators of nursing homes, retirement homes, or other facilities for the care of the elderly for the purchase of care for elderly public assistance recipients. All agreements shall be written and shall provide for the rendition of services to the eligible residents of the township. For the purpose of purchasing care for the elderly, the township board may expend, upon recommendation of the supervisor of general assistance, its funds and any funds made available to it by other governments for general township purposes.