Single Largest Investment for Older Adult Programs Included in 2013-14 Budget

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today praised Governor Tom Corbett and the legislature for the additional $50 million that has been included in the 2013-14 budget for programs that will benefit older Pennsylvanians. 

This unprecedented increase will enable older Pennsylvanians to remain living in their homes and communities and have access to long-term care services. This comes at a time when there is more demand for services due to the rising number of older adults living in Pennsylvania.

"The additional $50 million is the single largest investment for older adult programs since the Department of Aging was created," Duke said. "It could not come at a better time to help provide older Pennsylvanians with resources to stay in their homes by funding programs such as in-home personal care services and home-delivered meals.'' 

A portion of the $50 million will provide additional support to Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to help meet the growing demand for services, as well as fund grants for senior centers improvements and other programs that benefit seniors.

"Our older population is increasing, and by 2030, one in four Pennsylvanians will be 60 or older," Duke said. "We are seeing more people in need for services and, unfortunately, experiencing waiting lists for some programs. This additional funding will be directed to help reduce the waiting lists and provide assistance for those most in need."

In addition to the $498 million investment from the Pennsylvania Lottery in the Department of Aging's budget, the following programs will see an increase of:

• $20 million for the OPTIONS Program which provides care management, home-delivered meals, protective services and in-home services for individuals age 60 and older;
• $5 million for AAAs; Pennsylvania's 52 AAAs cover all 67 counties and serve as the local agency for the Department of Aging services;
• $2 million in new funds for senior community center modernization; and
• $2 million for attendant care services that provides in-home personal care services to help people living with disabilities.

Additionally, the following funding will be retained in the budget:

• $12 million for caregiver support services;
• $10 million for pre-admission assessment for long-term care determinations; and
• $227 million for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly and the PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, better known as PACE and PACENET programs.

Over $1 billion is invested annually in programs and services for older adults through the support of the Pennsylvania Lottery.

For more information on the Department of Aging and the 2013-14 budget, visit www.aging.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1550

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging

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