SERVICES & PROGRAMS FOR OLDER ADULTS AGE 60 AND OVER

M. Veil Griffith, Ed.D., Administrator

 

 

Adult Day Care

 

Adult Day Care – Care and companionship are provided for older adults who need supervision or assistance during the day. State-licensed, non-residential facilities are located in Johnstown at Senior Life and in Ebensburg. Both Senior Life and Home Nursing provide this service. 

 

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)

 

Cambria County’s ADRC “Link” is a joint initiative of Core Partners and Collaborative Partners designed to streamline access to long-term care for the elderly and disabled. The Link Coordinator, along with the Area Agency on Aging and other agencies that provide long term care services, will provide information on how to access state and federal long term care supports, Options counseling, eligibility requirements, information, referral, and assistance with applications.

 

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. An APPRISE counselor 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.  This telephone number is 814-534-2658.

 

 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.

 

Waiver

 

Intensive in-home services are provided to nursing home eligible individuals who prefer to stay in their homes.  PDA Waiver services may include adult daily living services, community transition services, companion services, counseling services, environmental modifications, financial management services, home delivered meals, home health services, home support services, non-medical transportation services, personal emergency response system, respite services, specialized medical equipment and supplies, telecare, and the option of receiving services under the consumer model.  There is no cap on services that Aging Waiver participants receive, no cost sharing, and no contributions allowed.