Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Closed Courthouse Holidays

Mission of the Area Agency on Aging

The mission of the Cambria County Area Agency on Aging is to enhance the quality of life of older citizens of Cambria County by promoting their well-being, dignity, independence, and safety through compassionate sponsorship of social service programs for aging adults.

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR OVER ADULTS AGE 60 AND OVER 

·       Adult Day Care – Supervision and activities are provided in a state-licensed, non-residential facility for older adults who are unable to function independently. Managed by Home Nursing Agency, facilities are located in Johnstown and Ebensburg.

·       Assessments – Pre-admission assessments for consumers are completed as part of the process of enabling medical assistance payments for nursing home care, Senior Life and Social Security Supplement for personal care home.

·       Care Management – Comprehensive needs assessments, preparation of care plans, arranging and coordinating care needs, and follow-up are provided for consumers. Copays may apply depending on consumer income and state cost-share tables.

·       Congregate Meals – Nutritious hot lunches are served daily at senior activities centers and freely available to older adults. Donations are welcome but not necessary.

·       Domiciliary Care - A care program where older adults live in certified residences.

·       Family Caregiver Support Program - Assists caregivers of older adults by providing counseling and financial reimbursements of care giving expenses, supplies, and assistive devices.  Grandparents who care for grandchildren who live in their home may also be eligible for financial reimbursements.

·       Foster Grandparents Program – Foster grandparent volunteers at schools, headstarts, emergency shelters, day care centers, and hospitals. Volunteers receive stipends of $2.65 an hour, transportation reimbursements, and lunches.

·       Guardianship – The agency will serve as plenary guardian for the incapacitated and indigent who have no support system. By seeking legal guardianship, the agency can act as guardian of the consumer’s person and financial affairs.  The agency will also serve as representative payee.

·       Health Insurance Counseling -The APPRISE program provides one-on-one counseling and answers to questions about Medicare, Medicaid, PACE, and a variety of health insurance programs. The APPRISE counselor, Jim Crissey, is available to answer questions to help older Cambria County residents understand their health insurance options and make sound decisions about what is best for them.  His telephone number is 814-243-5086

·       Home Delivered Meals - Nutritious lunches, meeting one-third of USDA recommended dietary allowances, will be delivered through the work week to homebound older adults who are unable to prepare a meal and have no one to help them.

·       Home Security Program – Locks, deadbolts, door viewers, light timers and smoke detectors will be installed at minimal cost through Victim Services, Inc. on Ferndale Ave, Johnstown.

·       Home Support – Household chores including light housekeeping, assistance with laundry or shopping, heavy duty cleaning, handrails, grab bars, and environmental modifications for eligible elders.

·       Information & Assistance – A systematic approach to linking people in need to appropriate community and state resources by providing information about services, programs and facilities.

·       Nursing Home Transition – This program assists individuals who currently reside in nursing home to move to a residence. A Transition Counselor is available to assist with the transition process, including finding housing, furnishings, and developing care plans.

·       OBRA – Comprehensive assessments of mentally ill, mentally retarded, or individuals disabled by Cerebral Palsy , Muscular Dystrophy, or other disorders for placement in a nursing home.

·       Ombudsman – A trained ombudsman will investigate complaints or concerns about nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, domiciliary care homes, and in-home services. The program provides an advocacy force to protect the rights of older adults receiving long term care.

·       Protective Services - This unit offers protection for older adults who are abused, mistreated, financially exploited, neglected, or who may be a threat to themselves or others. Trained caseworkers investigate all reports of need and intervene to protect the vulnerable.  Call the agency at 539-5595 if you suspect elder abuse. After hours, call the Crisis Hotline at  814-535-8531

·       Personal Assistance Services – Personal care services, such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, ambulating, and companion services will be provided to physically disabled elders.

·       Personal Care – Personal care services assist older adults with bathing, dressing, feeding, and grooming within the approved care plan.

·       Senior Activities Centers – Social, recreational, education, and health promotion services are available at the senior activities centers located in Johnstown, Cresson, East Hills, Ebensburg, Forest Hills, Jackson Twp., Nanty Glo, Northern Cambria, Patton, Portage. Congregate meals are served daily and the centers serve as a base for rural transportation services, information on state programs for the elderly, and delivery points for home delivered meals. Activities such as bingo, arts, crafts, exercise, dancing are available during the week.

·       Transportation – Transportation or “shared-ride” services are provided in rural areas where public transportation is not available. Older adults age 60 and over can request transportation to appointments, shopping, or other recreational or social activities by calling the local senior activities center.