By Adam Capotorto
Older Pennsylvanians are sometimes unaware of the resources available to them and those who may be caring for them. These older citizens are often eligible for a plethora of local and state resources but lack the knowledge on how to apply for them. In the following press release, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging gives information on how older residents and caregivers can be made aware of the services provided to them:
"Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Robert Torres has announced the release of the 2022 Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians, the commonwealth's premier guide for information and resources serving older adults on the state and local levels.
"Many older Pennsylvanians, their family members, or caregivers may be unaware of the supports available to them or how they could go about applying for them. This book is a compilation of state services to help them pinpoint the programs that are particular to their needs or interests," said Secretary Torres. "The Department of Aging is pleased to offer this year's free guide as a way to assist older Pennsylvanians so they can age in their home and community with appropriate services that may be needed."
Some of the topics included in the book are:
- Insurance
- Legal Services
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Protective Services
This year's book also features an expanded section on housing programs with details on Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) and Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO). It also provides information on the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight program, known as PA MEDI, which offers free and objective counseling on Medicare insurance.
"The information on SHARE and ECHO is important because there is a growing need for senior housing options and these two programs, which started as pilots, are expanding," said Secretary Torres. "We are also nearly a year into the rebranding of our Medicare counseling program, PA MEDI, so it's important that older adults are aware of what it stands for and how it's a trusted resource for them when they look to enroll in or change their Medicare coverage plans."
Individuals can obtain the 2022 Benefits and Rights book at their county Area Agency on Aging or the office of their state senator and representative. The book can also be viewed and downloaded online on the department's website."
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