Ensuring support for older adults
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO
You may have heard that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently shared a major change. It plans to reorganize its structure, which includes breaking apart the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and moving its programs to other HHS agencies.
This is still a developing situation, and things may change quickly. We want to keep you informed because this may affect services that help older adults.
ACL is the federal agency that runs programs to help older adults and people with disabilities live safely at home and in the community. These programs help people avoid unneeded hospital stays or nursing home care. The services include home-delivered meals, transportation, in-home help and caregiver support. They are funded through the Older Americans Act (OAA) and delivered by local partners — including PCA.
PCA receives part of its funding from the federal government through the OAA. While this change is happening at the national level, PCA’s mission stays the same. We are committed to serving older Philadelphians and will keep standing up for the services they rely on. We will share updates as we learn more.
Flip the Script on Aging
Every May, PCA celebrates Older Americans Month. It’s our chance to highlight the many ways older adults can stay active, engaged, and inspired.
In this issue of Milestones, you’ll find ideas to help you explore new interests, stay connected and discover fresh purpose.
One of our favorite events is PCA’s Celebrate Arts & Aging program. This month, we’re showcasing original artwork by older adults at three locations across the city — and online. You’ll even see some featured pieces in this issue.
At PCA, we believe creativity doesn’t have an age limit. Celebrate Arts & Aging reminds us that self-expression is a lifelong journey — and that older adults are full of imagination, talent and stories worth sharing.
