Honoring older Americans in May
By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA president & CEO
Older Americans Month in May honors older adults and celebrates their contributions to our communities and to our country. This year’s theme focuses on aging in place: How older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.
Honoring our nation’s older adults must be a year-round effort that includes ensuring programs are funded adequately so that people can have the resources necessary to age in place. As advocates for older adults, we must support making our communities more age-friendly now and in the future. Investments in infrastructure, accessible transportation and community amenities benefit everyone in the community – from infants to older adults.
By providing resources to support older adults and their caregivers, PCA and our collaborative partners in the aging-services network help people to remain independent and engaged in their communities. These resources include:
- Community outreach and wellness programs hosted by PCA’s Community Engagement Department that provide older adults with the motivation, information and tools necessary to support aging with dignity.
- A variety of long-term care services and supports are provided by PCA, including assessment, care management, home-delivered meals, personal care and caregiver support.
- PCA’s Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP), which provides minor home repairs and modifications, including stair railings and tub grab bars, that help older adults safely age in place.
For more information about PCA’s services, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040, or click here.
Spring has sprung
As the weather gets warmer, I encourage everyone to get outdoors for activity and socialization. Senior community centers are open. Now is the time to enjoy spending time with friends, while engaging in fun and stimulating activities. Just don’t forget to have a face mask handy, if needed.
For Mother’s Day, we give a special thank-you to all mothers, grandmothers and other special women in our lives for their efforts to raise families and improve our community. We also take time on Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives to defend our country.
