Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers

  • Area Agencies on Aging
    Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging are a great source of information for issues and concerns affecting older people and their caregivers. Specific services at each agency vary throughout the state, but each agency offers a wide array of programs to help seniors get the help and information they need.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Nursing Home Care
    The state Health Department offers useful information about long-term care in Pennsylvania nursing homes including a facility finder, inspection information, and how to resolve a problem with a nursing home.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Long Term Living
    Pennsylvania is home to approximately 1,600 licensed personal care homes (also currently known as assisted living residences) that serve more than 51,000 residents, including the elderly and disabled individuals who require assistance with day to day life but who do not need hospitalization or nursing home care. The state Department of Public Welfare’s Long Term Living Office offers useful information about personal care homes, a facility finder, frequently asked questions, and how to resolve an issue with a personal care home.
  • American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
    With more than 39 million members, AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and older. AARP is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as they age through information, advocacy and service.
  • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
    More than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, there are services to help victims and families cope and obtain the resources needed to care for a loved one. Visit the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support and the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s.
  • Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services
    These services are administered through county Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MH/MR) program offices. Most actual mental retardation services are delivered by local provider agencies under contract with county MH/MR offices.
  • Medicaid Requirements for Long-Term Care in PA
    Trying to pay for long-term care can be a challenge. Navigating the complex system of eligibility requirements can be frustrating. You can get help by calling the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Helpline at 1-800- 692-7462 for assistance with Medicaid eligibility determinations. Before you call, learn more about eligibility requirements here:
  • Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
    The ombudsman is the chief advocate for the elderly in Pennsylvania, helping to resolve issues made by or on behalf of older individuals who are consumers of long-term care. The ombudsman is available by calling 717-783-7247.
  • PA Homecare Association
    Get connected to homecare resources through the Pennsylvania Homecare Association. The PA Homecare Association is a membership organization for the commonwealth’s homecare industry, including visiting nurse associations, home health agencies, hospices and private duty agencies.
  • SeniorClix: Resources for Older Adults and Their Caregivers
    A free information and resource pool for older adults, their families, and the senior service network.
  • Social Security Administration
    The Social Security Administration’s Web site contains information about Social Security benefits (including disability benefits), Medicaid, Medicare, taking care of someone who is unable to manage their money, and other useful information.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Insurance
    The state Department of Insurance offers information about approved long-term care insurance policies in Pennsylvania. Long-term care insurance can be a great way to protect your assets and achieve peace of mind about the future — but it’s not right for everyone. Do your research.