PCA is planning for the future of aging
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO
At Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), we help older adults stay connected to the community and remain safely in their homes. We are steadfast about protecting older adults, advocating for their rights and benefits, and serving people with the greatest social and economic needs.
Building upon an incredible 50-year legacy of service to older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities, PCA is focused on planning to meet the future needs of this diverse older adult population.
In my 25 years of working in aging services, there has been a steep, steady increase in the total number of older adults, as well as in the number of people who are living longer and require additional services to maintain their maximum independence in the community. At the same time, organizations that have social missions are struggling to find the resources and funding to keep pace with the growing needs of the individuals they serve.
At PCA, there is a focus on prioritizing programs that improve outcomes for older Philadelphians. We are continually re-evaluating how to strengthen these programs and make sure that the limited resources go to the right places.
To help guide our work in the future, PCA recently released its State of the Agency Report for fiscal year 2024-25 and drafted its four-year Area Plan for Aging Services (2024-2028). PCA’s key topic areas and new priorities for the next four years will be:
- Continue to target the Older Americans Act core programs to those in greatest economic and social need to support aging in place and decrease the risk of institutionalization.
- Maintain relationships and improve services based on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Continue to address equity issues impacting consumer’s social determinants of health and access to resources, with special attention to those experiencing the greatest social and economic needs.
- Explore innovative techniques to expand access to home- and community-based services.
- Strengthen caregiver services.
PCA has a tremendous history and deep roots in the community. Now, we are looking at ways to better support older adults. Over the next few years, the field of aging services will embrace technology more. This includes innovating to utilize resources wisely, while finding ways to serve more people. We are looking for ways to streamline the work we do to make it more effective and efficient, so we can serve you better.
To read PCA’s State of the Agency Report, go to www.pcaCares.org/resources/publications.
