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Public Comment Period Now Open for Aging Our Way PA

Erin Guay

On February 20, 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) released the draft plan of Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year plan to help improve services for and better meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s older adults. This effort began last year when Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order directing the Secretary of Aging to lead the development of a Master Plan for Older Adults. The Aging Our Way, PA draft plan is available for public comment until March 20, 2024.

Aging Our Way, PA is the draft of the plan that was developed after a robust community engagement process, data analysis, and recommendations from a Steering Committee. PDA and local Area Agencies on Aging held more than two hundred listening sessions with more than 20,000 people from across PA participating. Older adults, caregivers, advocates, and other stakeholders provided input and feedback.

The plan identifies five priorities with numerous recommended strategies and tactics within each priority area aimed at improving services and achieving change to help people remain independent and age with dignity and self-determination. The five priority areas are: (1) Unlocking Access, (2) Aging in Community, (3) Gateways to Independence, (4) Caregiver Supports, and (5) Education and Navigation. The following are examples of strategies and tactics identified which each priority area: 

  1. Unlocking Access: Addressing behavioral health barriers à Increase access to behavioral health providers for long-term care recipients of nursing facility services, home care, and assisted living.
     
  2. Aging in Community:  Identifying and supporting programs that help older adults live in the community à Provide financial support to fund smart home and smart wearable technology for people who do not qualify for CHC or OPTIONS.
     
  3. Gateways to Community: Using alternatives to public transportation to reduce gaps in access à Advocate to increase the availability of paratransit and accessible rideshare vehicles.
     
  4. Caregiver Supports: Supporting caregiver and care partners à Explore the establishment of a tax-free savings account for caregivers.\
     
  5. Education and Navigation: Raising awareness of existing opportunities à Utilize community spaces, such as Senior Community Centers and libraries, to provide information to connect older adults and individuals with disabilities to services and supports.

 

The Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the public comment period is available here.  Comments can be submitted using an online comments form; by email to agingplan@pa.gov; or by mail to Aging Our Way, PA, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Those interested in learning more about Aging Our Way, PA should visit the PA Department of Aging website here.  Once comments are received and reviewed, Aging Our Way, PA will be revised and released for publication.