PCA breaks down barriers to care: Helping older adults navigate support services
There is help to navigate the maze of long-term care services, which can often be a daunting task. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) breaks down the barriers to accessing essential services through its expanded Person-Centered Counseling Program. This service offers in-person guidance to help older adults and adults with disabilities quickly and directly access the support they need to remain independent in the community.
The no-cost program provides one-on-one counseling to help participants understand their options, develop action plans, and connect with both public benefits and private resources. Through personalized sessions, PCA counselors work to assess individual needs, identify appropriate services and guide participants through the application process.
“So many people come to us feeling lost,” said Nolan Lawrence, director of the PCA Helpline. “They need help, but they do not know where to start. That’s where PCA comes in. Our role is to provide a clear path forward, ensuring individuals understand their options and feel supported throughout the process.”
Eligible participants include Philadelphia residents aged 60 and older, as well as adults aged 18 to 59 who are living with a disability. The program is geared toward those with at least two long-term care needs, such as transportation; home modifications; or daily activities, like bathing and meal preparation. PCA’s approach is designed to ensure that support is tailored to the unique circumstances of each participant.
“We’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be for older adults and their families to navigate these systems,” said Cary Gottlieb, customer care representative at PCA. “That’s why it’s so important that we offer in-person guidance. Sitting down with someone, answering their questions directly and walking them through the next steps can make all the difference.”
This initiative is part of PCA’s broader partnership with the Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources, a statewide network that connects older adults, adults living with disabilities and veterans to vital services. Through this collaboration, participants can access a variety of resources, including caregiver assistance, home repair programs, food and adaptive equipment.
“We work closely with our partners to make sure no one falls through the cracks,” Gottlieb said. “Aging can bring challenges, but we want people to know they don’t have to face them alone. There are resources available, and we’re here to help people access them.”
For many, the opportunity to receive in-person counseling offers more than just logistical help — it provides reassurance during what can often be an overwhelming time. PCA counselors follow up with individuals after initial meetings to ensure they are successfully connected with services and resources.
“We don’t just give people information and send them on their way,” Lawrence emphasized. “We make sure they understand their options and feel confident about the next steps. Then, we check in with them to ensure they’re getting the support they need.”
PCA counselors often witness the relief and gratitude of those who take part in the program. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the change in someone who came to us feeling frustrated or hopeless,” Gottlieb said. “By the time they leave, they have a plan in place and a sense of control over their future. That’s what this program is all about.”
PCA provides free in-person counseling services with no appointment necessary at its headquarters, located at 642 N. Broad St. in North Philadelphia. Walk-in hours are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon; and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals seeking support can visit during these times for guidance and assistance.
Anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to reach out by calling the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or the statewide PA Link Helpline at 1-800-753-8827.
