PCA programs support healthy aging across Philadelphia

Healthy aging is about more than avoiding illness. It means having access to the resources, knowledge and support to live independently with dignity. These resources can include a Medicare plan that’s right for you, help with tasks at home, community wellness programs or access to nutritious meals. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) offers programs to help older adults age healthy and happy.

Help with Medicare
For many older adults, understanding Medicare is one of the first steps toward maintaining good health. Yet Medicare can be complicated. Dozens of plans and options are available that vary in cost and coverage. Choosing the wrong plan can lead to gaps in care or unexpected expenses. PCA can help Medicare beneficiaries make informed choices. Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) offers free, one-on-one counseling about Medicare plans, enrollment and benefits.

“Choosing the right Medicare plan can have a direct impact on a person’s health and finances,” said Wanda Mitchell, PCA’s director of community engagement. “Our (PA MEDI) counselors walk people through the process step by step, making sure they understand their coverage and know about programs that can save them money. When people save on premiums or prescriptions, that is money they can put toward healthy food, housing or other essentials that support well-being.”

PA MEDI counselors also help eligible older adults apply for programs, such as Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Program. These programs can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Each year, PA MEDI helps thousands of Philadelphians find Medicare coverage that supports their health and finances.

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This is the time for all Medicare beneficiaries to review plans and coverage options for the next calendar year. To make an appointment to meet with a PA MEDI counselor, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

Aging in place
Even with insurance coverage, many older adults face another challenge. It is often difficult to stay independent while managing health needs at home. PCA offers long-term care services through the OPTIONS Program. These services connect older adults with tailored support so they can age in place. Services may include personal care assistance, transportation, home-delivered meals or adult day services.

“Healthy aging isn’t just about managing medical conditions. It is about creating the right environment for people to thrive,” said Shani Gilmore, PCA’s executive administrator of long-term care. “We work with each individual to build a care plan that supports their independence. For many families, having that support makes all the difference in whether someone can remain at home safely.”

Long-term care is a cornerstone of PCA’s work. OPTIONS participants can receive additional services from PCA. These include minor home repairs and modifications to prevent falls and respite services for caregivers. The program supports health in ways that extend far beyond the clinical setting.

Health and wellness
PCA-funded health and wellness programs empower older adults to adopt safe, healthy lifestyles. These programs reduce the risk of dependency and disability.

Through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Health and Wellness Program, PCA funds and provides evidence-based health promotion programs to older adults throughout the city on topics including:

• Exercise.
• Management of chronic diseases, such as arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Pain management.
• Falls prevention.

PCA also collaborates with other community health organizations to arrange health-related information, education, skill-building, screening and support for older adults. Programs are scheduled throughout the year and primarily take place at senior community centers. For information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

Food is medicine
Good nutrition is as vital to healthy aging as health care and support services. Many older adults live on fixed incomes and face barriers to accessing healthy food. PCA’s meal programs provide dietitian-approved meals that meet older adults’ nutritional needs. Meals are served at senior community centers across the city. There, participants can share lunch and conversation. For older adults who cannot shop or cook, meals are also delivered directly to their homes.

“Malnutrition can lead to serious health problems. But it is preventable,” said Lauren Jirinec, PCA assistant director of health and nutrition. “We are not just delivering food. We are delivering wellness, dignity and (in many cases) human connection. At congregate meal sites, people eat well. They also share time with friends, which is so important for mental health.”

The home-delivered meals program provides another important benefit: a safety net for those who may be isolated. Delivery drivers are a friendly face for PCA’s meal recipients. Drivers often perform an informal wellness check each time they drop off a meal. This is an extra layer of support. It helps identify potential concerns and connect individuals to additional services when needed.

PCA’s health programs – PA MEDI, long-term care, health and wellness, and meal programs – combine to offer an integrated approach to wellness. Each program addresses a different aspect of health. Combined, they help older Philadelphians remain healthy, independent and engaged in their communities.

“We know that health is about more than what happens in the doctor’s office,” Jirinec said. “It is about having the tools, resources and support to live the life you choose. That is what PCA strives to provide every day.”