By Jason Kavulich
Pennsylvania is home to more than 13 million people according to the 2020 Census, with more than 2.5 million of those residents being aged 65 and older. The growth rate of the Commonwealth's older adult population is more than 20 times higher than the growth rate of its entire population. As the population ages, we expect many will remain here to live out their golden years. According to U.S. News & World Report, that seems to be a good thing.
The company recently released its ranking of the 150 best places to retire in the U.SOpens In A New Window. and seven of the top 10 are in Pennsylvania. Harrisburg took top honors, followed by Reading, Lancaster, Scranton, Allentown, York, and Pittsburgh. The company looked at six areas as part of its ranking results: affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, job market, and health care quality.
As a lifelong Scrantonian and proud Pennsylvanian, I'm boastful of Scranton's #4 ranking, and not at all surprised by our state's showing. Scranton and its surrounding communities, that I know so well, represent what I see as I travel across our amazing Commonwealth: welcoming communities that take an interest in the health, safety and well-being of their neighbors working with committed civic leaders to make sure we have the programs, supports, and services we need for older adults to live with dignity, independence and above all else, age in place.
One of many critical factors that sets us apart is the Pennsylvania Lottery -- the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs for older adults. That money translates into supports offered through the Commonwealth's 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which coordinate services on the local level including home-delivered meals, 500 Senior Centers, in-home services, protective services, and more. The Lottery proceeds also support the PACE program, a national model which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of providing low-cost prescriptions to over 1.6 million qualified older Pennsylvanians.
Another popular Lottery-funded program serving older adults for decades is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PTRR). Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, this program provides older adults rebates on property taxes and rent paid in a previous year.
Starting in January 2024, this popular program will see some much overdue updates thanks to Governor Josh Shapiro. In his inaugural budget, he delivered the largest targeted tax break for older Pennsylvanians in nearly two decades. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program expansion will raise the maximum amount of the rebates, increase income limit eligibility, and tie the income caps to the cost-of-living moving forward.
The Governor's budget also invested an additional $1 million in Senior Community Center grants to create a non-competitive grant program. This will allow more centers to receive grants to continue creating safe spaces for seniors to stay connected, improve their physical and emotional health, continue on the path of lifelong learning and share a meal with a neighbor. The budget allocated an additional $5 million to the Help at Home (OPTIONS) program which aids eligible adults to continue living in their homes. This funding will assist in removing more than 1,200 older adults from existing waitlists..
In addition to those investments for seniors, Governor Shapiro signed an executive order in May to direct the Department to develop a Master Plan for Older Adults. This plan is a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians.
The Department and our stakeholder partners are currently reviewing input on the plan from thousands of Pennsylvanians and will accept input until the end of the year. If anyone plans on aging in this Commonwealth, I invite them to provide feedback. Everyone can learn the various ways they can have their voices heard by visiting the Master Plan webpage on the department's website. The Master Plan will be published before the Governor's second budget address in February 2024, and it will chart a brighter future for aging in Pennsylvania.
It's clear why Pennsylvania dominates U.S. News and World's list: not only do we have a growing population of older adults, but Pennsylvania has also taken critical steps to allow them to remain in their homes and to be active in their communities.. The health, well-being and quality of life for older Pennsylvanians are clear priorities for the Shapiro Administration, the Commonwealth, and the Department. For any older adult who may be seeking services and supports in their community, I encourage them to visit the Department of Aging's website or contact their local AAA. We are here to help achieve that brighter future for all.
Jason Kavulich is the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!
When supporting patients who wish to age comfortably at home, distinguishing between home health and in-home care can be key to effective patient support. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but each service addresses different needs in patient care. Lets clarify the distinction, as understanding these differences can help guide patients and families to the right kind of support for their circumstances.Home Health: Skilled Medical Care at HomeHome health involves medical care provided in the patient's home by licensed professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. It is typically prescribed by a physician and can include wound care, medication management, chronic illness monitoring, and rehabilitation therapies. Examples of home health services include: Wound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound Patient and caregiver education Intravenous or nutrition therapy Injections Monitoring serious illness and unstable health status Home health focuses on supporting patients in recovering from illness or surgery, managing medical conditions, and preventing hospital readmissionsall in the comfort of their homes.In-Home Care: Assistance for Daily LivingIn-home care, on the other hand, is non-medical support provided by trained caregivers to assist individuals with daily living activities. This type of care can be short-termsuch as during recovery from surgeryor long-term for older adults who need continued assistance. Examples of in-home care services include: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming Meal preparation Light housekeeping Companionship In-home care is especially beneficial for individuals who need support with daily activities but do not require medical intervention. The goal is to enhance quality of life by addressing personal and emotional needs while promoting independence.Choosing the Right Care for Your PatientsResearch suggests that some medical professionals may not always draw a clear line between home health and in-home care, yet understanding these distinctions can help patients receive the right type of support. Home health is ideal for those needing medical care at home, whereas in-home care focuses on enhancing day-to-day living for those who value independence but need extra help.Aging in Place with ComfortFor many seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions, aging at home is an important aspect of maintaining their quality of life. Advances in telemedicine and remote health monitoring have made it easier to integrate a mix of home health and in-home care services. This personalized approach not only offers a convenient care experience but also helps patients stay in control of their health journey.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers provides uplifting in-home care that helps seniors thrive. Our specially trained caregivers focus on developing genuine relationships with clients, keeping them physically and mentally engaged while ensuring they experience joy in their daily activities.If you know a patient or family that could benefit from Comfort Keepers services, they can reach out for a free consultation. Lets work together to help individuals age comfortably and confidently at home.
When the vibrant colors of autumn transition into the crispness of late fall, many people enjoy the change of scenery and cooler weather. However, this seasonal shift also brings about a common concern: dry skin. For seniors, maintaining healthy skin during this time can be particularly challenging. Dry skin can lead to itching, cracking, and discomfort, making it essential to take proactive steps to protect and nourish the skin during these colder months.The Causes of Dry Skin in Late FallThe combination of cold winds and dropping temperatures outside can strip your skin of its natural moisture. When you add indoor heating to the mix, it can create a perfect storm for dry skin. Furnaces and heaters, while keeping your home warm, also reduce the humidity in the air, leading to drier skin. Seniors are susceptible to these conditions, as aging skin is already less capable of retaining moisture. Understanding these factors can help you better prepare and counteract their effects.Tips for Keeping Skin MoisturizedTaking a few simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your skin moisturized and healthy throughout late fall.Use of MoisturizersChoosing the right moisturizer helps seniors. Look for products labeled as "fragrance-free" and "hypoallergenic" to minimize the risk of irritation. Creams and ointments, rather than lotions, are generally more effective for dry skin because they contain more oil and less water. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing, when the skin is still damp, to lock in moisture. Regular application, perhaps twice a day, can help maintain a healthy barrier against the elements.Staying HydratedDrinking enough water is one of the simplest ways to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon, which have high water content. Herbal teas and broths can also contribute to your hydration goals while offering warmth during chilly days.Protective ClothingWearing the right clothing is another layer of defense against dry skin. Jackets, coats, and gloves help shield your skin from cold winds and frigid temperatures. Consider layering your clothing as well; it allows you to stay warm and maintain a comfortable temperature without overheating, which can also dry out your skin.Additional Skin Care PracticesBeyond basic moisturizing and hydration, there are several other practices that can enhance skin health during late fall. Implement a gentle skin cleansing routine. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap, and avoid hot water, which can strip the skin of natural oils. opt for lukewarm water instead to cleanse without over-drying.Be Proactive with Senior Skin Health and MoreCaring for your skin during the late fall is an aspect of overall health, particularly for seniors. By understanding the causes of dry skin and implementing these tips, you can enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin as the seasons change. If you're in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, or Longmont, and need assistance with senior care services, contact Senior Helpers Greeley. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care that helps seniors lead a vibrant, healthy life. Don't let the changes of the seasons prevent you from feeling your best; take charge of your skin health today.