Ensuring self-determination for older adults
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO
When the social worker at Mann Older Adult Center learned that Ms. P. didn’t have enough money for winter clothing, she was referred to Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Emergency Fund and received $100 for winter shoes and warm clothing.
“I’m very appreciative for the assistance given to me by PCA,” said Ms. P. She is one of many who have shared their stories to inform others of the many ways PCA has supported older adults and people with disabilities for over 50 years.
Our goal is to create person-centered care plans, developed with each consumer and their caregivers, tailored to meet specific needs, honor choice, and provide the least restrictive and consumer-preferred method for delivering care. All older adults have the right to self-determination, a right that should not be taken lightly by advocates and stakeholders.
One in five Philadelphians is over 60 – one of the largest populations of older adults in poverty among the 10 major U.S. cities. Every day, these neighbors make fantastic contributions to our communities and rely on services that help them live safely, independently and with dignity. At PCA, we take this responsibility seriously – to protect older adults, advocate for their rights and benefits, and serve people with the greatest social and economic needs.
For over 50 years, PCA has been a lifeline for older Philadelphians, providing nutritious meals, in-home support, protective services, and opportunities to stay engaged and give back. We have more than 30 programs that support approximately 140,000 older adults and people with disabilities in Philadelphia each year.
Issues around aging can be daunting, especially for people facing health challenges, financial insecurity, or social isolation. That’s why PCA provides no-cost or low-cost services that improve lives:
- Home-Delivered Meals & Senior Nutrition: PCA delivers 1.3 million meals annually to older adults who might otherwise go hungry. We operate and support 28 meal sites and senior community centers, where 14,000 Philadelphians gather daily for a meal, social activities, volunteer opportunities, gardening, and health and wellness programs.
- Care at Home: For older adults who want to remain in their homes and communities as they age, we help make that possible. PCA assesses for and arranges in-home care services, helping with daily tasks, like bathing, cooking and mobility assistance, so older adults can continue living safely in familiar settings.
- Protective Services: Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are urgent issues. PCA investigated over 10,000 reports of need in the last fiscal year, ensuring that vulnerable older adults received protection and intervention when needed.
- Home Repairs & Modifications: Unsafe housing is one of the biggest barriers to older adults’ independence and a cause of vacancy in communities. PCA helps install grab bars, tub seats, intercom systems, stair railings, and other modifications for improved accessibility at home – safety improvements that support independent living.
- Information & Referral Services: Aging comes with complex challenges, and navigating available resources can be overwhelming. PCA’s helpline receives about 100,000 inquiries every year, connecting people with programs for their needs or to support their friends and loved ones, running a heat line to help people in summertime and educating people about the best Medicare plans for their unique needs.
Everything we do is driven by our goal to empower older Philadelphians to achieve their maximum level of health, independence and productivity. We are proud of the work we do and want to support older Philadelphians to contribute their wisdom and talents to our communities. We know that the needs of our aging population continue to grow — along with the challenges they face.
Even with all that we do, gaps remain. Funding for aging services hasn’t kept pace with demand, leaving critical programs under strain. Inflation, home care worker shortages, rising housing costs and increasing food insecurity are making it harder for older adults to flourish.
We are grateful to Governor Shapiro for his proposed budget to strengthen support to older adults and to Secretary Kavulich for his visionary leadership and courage to make necessary changes to antiquated policies and practices. We are asking for the legislature’s help with getting the 2025 budget to the finish line and to consider needed changes to strengthen the Older Adults Protective Services Act.
PCA doesn’t just work with older adults and their families – we’re also their advocates. We work alongside local, state and federal leaders to implement policies that ensure older adults continue to be at home in their communities. We need your help and involvement – to donate, advocate, volunteer and come work with us!
Philadelphia’s older adults built this city, and they deserve a future where they are supported, respected and able to age with dignity. PCA is proud to lead that effort, but we can’t do it alone. We need continued investments and policy actions to ensure our city remains a place where everyone — at every age — can thrive.
To learn more about our services or get involved in our advocacy efforts, visit pcaCares.org
