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IN THIS ISSUE: A Message from the Secretary: We're Making Measurable Progress on COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults | COVID-19: DOH Accelerates Vaccine Strategy and Issues Guidance for Fully Vaccinated PAians | What's New: Penn State Harrisburg Smart-Home Symposium, Financial Capability Month in PA, PCoA Social Isolation Symposium Recorded Sessions, Important Dates for Primary Voters, and more! | Applause Please: Mystery Boxes Are a Hit with Seniors, Retirements, Promotions and Awards | Spotlight: SHARE Housing Match a Success | Virtual Events: Virtual Family Council April Dates and Topics, Medicare Public Meetings Offered, "Know Your Rights" SeniorLAW Center Session | Update On: Legislation | Contact Us | Follow PDA on Facebook
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We're Making Measurable Progress on COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults
The change of season is providing a sense of optimism for older Pennsylvanians. Families and friends are now able to exchange hugs and interact with loved ones and restrictions on visits in long-term care facilities are being relaxed after more than a year but with continued safety guidance in place. Senior Community Centers are slowly reopening their doors with many still working on contingency plans to welcome back older adults.
The Department of Health (DOH) recently announced it is ramping up its timetable for more Pennsylvanians to receive vaccinations. However, we will continue focusing on our mission to get older adults their vaccines, including groups such as homebound seniors. While Pennsylvania still has much work to do, we are seeing a lot of activity and progress on the local level. At the end of March, I joined Acting Secretary of Health Allison Beam and other state and local officials in York County to announce an amended order to partner vaccine providers with the 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to help ensure appointments for older adults, especially those without computer access.
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The AAAs have reported a lot of positive results on these efforts. Local providers have quickly reached out to them to offer help, take referrals and schedule older adults on a AAA’s waitlist for vaccinations. These arrangements are helping AAAs in their ability to offer direct appointment assistance and help clear their waiting lists of older adults who had called their AAA because they didn’t have access to a computer and needed assistance. These are precisely the seniors we need to reach and support.
Last week, I joined directors from the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, Lancaster County Office on Aging, Pike County Area Agency on Aging and Union-Snyder Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for a media briefing to discuss their experiences. Examples of their progress include:
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Lancaster AAA had a waiting list of 825 older adults seeking a vaccination but did not have access to the internet. Following the DOH order, local hospitals, medical facilities and pharmacies contacted the AAA to help. Within a week, these partnerships cleared the list and continue to help get appointments for older adults who need them. Lancaster AAA currently has 30 homebound residents on a waiting list and is working to get them vaccinated.
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Luzerne and Wyoming AAA had a waiting list of up to 2000 seniors. A local pharmacy reached out to the AAA and immediately provided appointments. The pharmacy also gave the AAA access to scheduling software to assist seniors with filling those slots. A collaboration with the local health department also helped to provide vaccinations. As a result of these partnerships, the call volume decreased from more than 100 calls a day to around 20.
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Pike AAA has collaborated with an area hospital to establish vaccine clinics. The AAA has helped more than 1,000 older adults without computers or internet to schedule appointments. It has also worked with its transportation department to provide rides to local clinics. The AAA now has a waiting list of less than 50 older adults seeking vaccinations.
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Union-Snyder AAA has a highly engaged vaccine task force comprised of local officials and volunteers to assist seniors get on a list for vaccine appointments. Local providers have seen an increase in vaccine supplies and appointments available. At any given time, the AAA had more than 100 older adults waiting to receive a vaccine, but volunteers quickly connected with the seniors and scheduled appointments.
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In addition to work being done by the AAAs, the PACE Program has helped AAAs reduce their vaccine waiting lists through its collaboration with Walmart by pre-enrolling thousands of older adults in vaccine clinics in community locations across Pennsylvania.
As the vaccination effort continues and more vaccines become available, we’re going to have to address the challenge of vaccine hesitancy.
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Communications and outreach efforts are under development to help tackle vaccine hesitancy. Two sub-committees of the Vaccine Task Force one on Aging and the other on Racial Equity have been working on providing input and developing recommendations to support this effort while considering the disparities in hesitancy among frontline healthcare workers, minority and underserved populations. We’re identifying some of the primary reasons for hesitancy, working with our partners to identify trusted messengers and evaluating appropriate channels to reach these groups. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy will require time, commitment and meeting people where they live.
I want to thank all of the Area Agencies on Aging for all of their continued hard work, along with the many vaccine providers who have offered their partnership and support to serve older adults. With April designated as National Volunteers Month, I would also like to thank all of the aging stakeholders and volunteers, who are supporting our department and the AAA network, and have given their time and energy to assist with these efforts. The work that all of you do is sincerely appreciated.
Sincerely,
Robert Torres
Secretary of Aging
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Department of Health Accelerates Vaccine Strategy, Issues Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Pennsylvanians
The Department of Health (DOH) in conjunction with the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force announced it is expanding the vaccination timetable for Pennsylvanians eligible beyond Phase 1A.
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Now: Law enforcement, fire fighters, grocery store workers, food and agriculture workers, residents in Phase 1B
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April 12: Residents in Phase 1C
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April 19: All residents
Learn more about who is eligible in each phase by visiting the Department of Health’s website.
DOH has also amended its existing Universal Face Covering order to align with recommended guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for fully vaccinated people.
According to the CDC, Pennsylvanians who are now fully vaccinated may be able to do the following activities:
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Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing;
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Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing; and
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Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic.
However, it is important that fully vaccinated people continue to take precautions in public like wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing; avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings; get tested if they experience COVID-19 symptoms; follow guidance issued by employers; and follow travel requirements and recommendations.
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Pennsylvania’s aging population is growing rapidly, and it’s important to help older adults remain in their homes for as long as possible.
As part of its Smart Home Research Initiative, Penn State Harrisburg will host a virtual symposium titled, “The Future of Aging: Smart Home Technology, Healthcare, Research, and Practice” from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 9.
Secretary Torres will serve as the keynote speaker. There will be guest speakers, research presentations and panel discussions to share interests in advancing innovations that improve the quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Learn more about the symposium on Penn State Harrisburg’s website. The deadline to register is April 6.
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April is Financial Capability Month in PA
Governor Wolf issued a proclamation declaring April as Financial Capability Month in Pennsylvania. It coincides with a national designation to raise awareness about the importance of financial education in the U.S. and the serious consequences associated with a lack of understanding about personal finances.
The Department of Aging continues its collaborations with state and local officials, stakeholders, and the aging network to protect the finances of older adults and safeguard them from becoming victims of financial abuse and exploitation.
PDA has convened an interdisciplinary task force of state agencies, aging, legal, financial, law enforcement and healthcare stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss the issue of financial exploitation and focus on a multi-disciplinary approach to its prevention. The task force is expected to wrap up its work this month and announce its list of recommendations needed to further protect seniors.
The formation of a task force was one of the five recommendations of PDA’s Financial Exploitation Study, released in September 2020.
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PA Council on Aging Hosts Pennsylvania’s First-Ever Social Isolation Symposium
 Continuing its work on the growing issue of social isolation among older adults, the Pennsylvania Council on Aging (PCoA) hosted a Social Isolation Symposium to present information and resources virtually to individuals who work with older adults, including caregivers, health care staff, stakeholders and the public. Titled “Directions for Connections,” this first-of-its-kind event in Pennsylvania featured nationally known speakers focusing on the impact of social isolation, and how to get older adults engaged to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.
The two-day event drew close to 700 attendees to participate in more than a dozen workshop sessions or select those of particular interest. Session topics included how to prevent social isolation among LGBTQ older adults; supporting seniors to stay healthy during a pandemic; using partnerships and collaborations to reduce social isolation; staying social in a socially distanced world; and getting seniors online.
Among the featured speakers were Patrick Arbore, Ed.D, founder and director of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief Related Services (CESP), who discussed loneliness and social isolation and the urban minority elderly; Dr. Barry Jacobs, a noted clinical psychologist and family therapist, who spoke about engaging, supporting and empowering family caregivers; and Im Ja Choi, founder and CEO of Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi), who gave a presentation on how the center has been virtually connecting with Asian Pacific American older adults.
Sessions were recorded and are available on demand by clicking the button below.
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Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Podcast Discusses Kinship Caregiver Support Services
 Troy Dunston, Caregiver Support Program Coordinator with the Department of Aging, recently participated in a podcast to discuss services that are available to kinship caregivers who are 55 and older.
You can listen to the podcast here.
PDA continues to advocate for legislation that would strengthen caregiver support programs in the commonwealth.
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 Important Dates for the Pennsylvania Primary Election
Pennsylvania’s Primary Election is Tuesday, May 18. Older adults who voted by mail-in ballot in November should have already received an application to obtain a mail-in ballot for the May primary. If they did receive it, but would now like to vote in-person, they can either cancel the mail-in ballot or just not fill out the application and vote at the polls.
Polling locations should be following the social distancing and disinfecting guidelines in effect during the pandemic. The Department of State is providing counties with supplies such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and other cleaning sanitizers, as well as tape to mark the floor for distance markers.
Here are some dates to remember leading up to May 18:
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May 3 is now the last day to register to vote, and can be done online.
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May 11 is the last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot.
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May 18 is the last day mail-in and civilian absentee ballots can be received. The cut-off time is 8 p.m.
Visit Votes.pa for more general information about voting and upcoming elections.
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APPRISE Helpline Services Are Now Centralized
As of April 1, Blair Senior Services (BSS) has assumed operation of the APPRISE Helpline to centralize services.
Since 1995, close to one million calls have been answered by volunteers and staff at 11 local Area Agencies on Aging: Allegheny County AAA, Berks County Office of Aging, Blair Senior Services, Centre County Office of Aging, Clearfield County AAA, Inc., Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging, Jefferson County AAA, Lackawanna County AAA, Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, and Westmoreland County AAA.
The Department of Aging would like to thank the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who, with their time and talent, assisted Pennsylvania’s Medicare beneficiaries through the APPRISE Helpline and provided timely and trusted information regarding their Medicare benefits.
The department looks forward to a successful partnership with BSS.
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Don’t Forget All 10 Digits When Calling in the 814 Area Code
As of April 3, anyone living in the 814 area code must now include the area code when making a call.
The mandatory 10-digit dialing (area code plus 7-digit phone number) marks the next step toward the arrival of the 582 overlay area code. The 582 area code will be assigned to new phone numbers once the available supply of numbers in the current 814 area code is exhausted.
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Pennsylvania Extends Deadline to File Personal Income Taxes
The Department of Revenue has announced taxpayers now have until May 17 to file their 2020 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns. The change coincides with the IRS announcing it would extend the federal income tax filing deadline to May 17.
The IRS extended the deadline to help taxpayers navigate the usual circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Pennsylvania law, the deadline for filing PA income tax returns is tied to the deadline set at the federal level.
Older adults can file their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns through the Department of Revenue’s free filing system, mypath.pa.gov.
Seniors also can apply for their 2020 Property Tax/Rent Rebate using the MyPATH system.
For more information and to file either 2020 income taxes or to apply for a rebate, visit the Department of Revenue’s website.
Older adults who need assistance with their taxes may get free help from the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.
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Happy Retirement to Louis Colbert
Louis Colbert, senior vice president of operations at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), is retiring in May after serving 15 years at PCA and more than 40 years as an advocate for the aging community.
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Louis Colbert, senior vice president of operations at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).
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Through his work at PCA, Louis created and fortified partnerships with many community-based organizations and led the formation of the Philadelphia Chapter of Defeat Malnutrition Today and the opening of PCA’s Firehouse Active Adult Center in west Philadelphia.
Louis has served on statewide committees and chaired the American Society on Aging’s (ASA) board of directors. In 2020, he received a lifetime achievement award from ASA for his contributions. Louis also co-created the Center on Ethnic and Minority Aging, a nonprofit that provided a different cultural perspective on training and learning in the regional aging network and represented Philadelphia at the 2015 White House Conference on Aging.
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Shaunise Spivey has been appointed to the role of chief operating officer and will succeed Louis.
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Shaunise Spivey has been appointed to the role of chief operating officer and will succeed Louis. During her tenure at PCA, she has played a role in creating grassroots programs for career advancement and leadership as well as contributing to initiatives to enhance the experience for those whom PCA serves.
Shaunise is a lifelong champion for diversity and inclusion and continues to promote culture competency agency-wide.
Congratulations, Shaunise and best of luck in your new role. Thank you, Louis, for your dedication and service to older Pennsylvanians.
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Mystery Boxes Are a Hit at Monroeville Senior Citizens Center
 While many senior centers remain closed or are offering limited programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, some have found creative ways to engage their members. Monroeville Senior Citizens Center in Allegheny County has a monthly Mystery Activity Box that’s bringing smiles to participant faces!
The center creates a different theme each month, and the boxes are filled with lots of fun activities. Older adults can pick up a box for five dollars with limited contact.
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LGBTQ Center Receives National Award
 Congratulations to the Persad Center in Allegheny County for receiving a SAGE Affiliate Award. The LGBTQ Center in Pittsburgh, which serves older LGBTQ adults, is one of 12 centers across the country to receive this funding award. The center will use it for racial justice training for its staff and volunteers.
Find them on the web at: www.persadcenter.org
Facebook:@PersadCenter
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What’s happening in your local aging network?
Is there a great initiative or virtual event happening in your local aging network? How about a good news event? Tell PDA about it! Email the details and any photos to agingcomms@pa.gov, and it may be featured in an upcoming edition of Inside Aging.
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Wayne County “Match” Celebrates Three Years of Sharing A Home
The Gindharts and Charles Streeter of Wayne County recently commemorated three years of being a “match” in the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) program, which has greatly helped prevent social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Gindharts admit they had doubts when they became involved with the SHARE program three years ago. There was some minor adjusting but they quickly resolved all issues, and Charlie became an adopted family member.
The Gindharts are both senior citizens in their seventies and said knowing that there is someone in the house available to help them has been comforting, especially during the pandemic. Charlie would look in on them while wearing a mask and social distancing, which makes the couple feel comfortable. When the three of them have dinner, they are always careful and try to distance themselves. The couple has gotten the vaccine and is looking forward to a more normal lifestyle.
To learn more about the SHARE program, visit the Department of Aging’s website.
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Virtual Family Council Announces March Meeting Dates
Volunteers who support the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman have announced the April meeting dates and topics for the Virtual Family Council. The meetings will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Tuesday, April 6, a three-part series on building an advocacy toolkit will conclude with a presentation from a representative with the Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP), a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to older adults who have trouble getting or keeping their healthcare coverage.
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Tuesday, April 20, as part of National Volunteers Week, the meeting will explore how to become an ombudsman volunteer. Members of the Ombudsman Volunteer Task Force will participate in a panel discussion and answer questions.
Anyone interested in joining the meetings can email jarotz@pa.gov and indicate “Virtual Family Council” in the subject line. They will receive an automatic email reply with instructions on how to connect and the link for the meetings.
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Getting Seniors Answers on Medicare Coverage
Representatives from Pennsy lvania APPRISE, Senior Medicare Patrol, and PA Health Law Project are hosting a series of Medicare Public Meetings throughout April.
Topics will include:
- Programs that help with Medicare costs
- Medicare coverage of COVID-19 vaccine & treatment
- Fraud prevention
There will be time to address questions during the meetings. These events are open to older Pennsylvanians on Medicare and their caregivers. Space is limited! Seniors can join by computer or phone.
The meetings will be held:
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The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is hosting and participating in a series of events to benefit older adults.
Spending Plans – A Road to Financial Success: This presentation focuses on the need for a spending plan to achieve financial goals. We discuss wants and needs; setting SMART goals; creating a spending plan; putting the plan into action; as well as periodically reviewing goals and spending plans in order to ensure that you can stay on track.
- Senior Community Services (Delaware County) on Wednesday, April 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information contact John Federico at: JFederico@scs-delco.org.
Cybersecurity – Protecting Yourself Online: A program designed to help build cyber awareness and help you to keep your information safe and secure online. This presentation covers key topics like using secure websites, creating strong passwords, being aware of what you put on social media, and even tips for shopping online safely.
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New Horizon Senior Center (Montgomery County) on Tuesday, April 13 from noon to 1 p.m. For more information and to participate contact: Judy Ringold, Program Director at: judy.nhsc@gmail.com.
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In partnership with the APPRISE program, the following Butler County senior centers will host this presentation. Contact Brittany Gilfillan at: 724-282-3008.
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South End Senior Center on Thursday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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Chicora Senior Center on Monday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to noon
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Butler Senior Center on Tuesday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to noon
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Cranberry Senior Center on Friday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to noon
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Mt. Chestnut Senior Center on Monday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to noon
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Evans City Senior Center on Tuesday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to noon
ScamJam will be presented to residents of Normandy Farms Estates, Blue Bell Place, and Sunrise Living (Montgomery County) on Thursday, April 29 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will feature outreach staff and representatives from Whitpain Police Department and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office. Residents are encouraged to register with their respective retirement community.
For more information and to sign up for any of these events, visit the Department of Banking and Security’s event page.
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SeniorLAW Center Hosting Weekly “Know Your Rights” Sessions
SeniorLAW Center – an independent legal services agency in Philadelphia – is hosting weekly know your rights sessions on Facebook for older adults, their families, and support staff.
The sessions are being held live on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Topics include tenant rights, homeownership rights, grandparents raising grandchildren, guardianship and more.
If you are interested in attending, go onto the SeniorLAW Center’s Facebook page.
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Looking Back
Legislation
- H.B. 464 (Boback) – Updates the Caregiver Support Program. This is a legislative priority of PDA.
- H.B. 649 (Rapp) – Access to congregate care facilities for essential caregivers.
- S.B. 190 (Mensch) – Allowing essential family caregivers in facilities during disaster emergencies.
- S.B. 323 (J. Ward) – Extends to PACE/PACENET COLA moratorium to December 31, 2023. This is a legislative priority of PDA.
Hearings
- On Tuesday, March 2, the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee hosted a public hearing on COVID-19 vaccination distribution for older adults. Secretary Torres participated along with AARP, LeadingAge PA, and Pennsylvania Homecare Association.
- On Monday, March 10, the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held a public hearing on COVID-19 vaccination distribution for Long-Term Care in PA. Walgreens, CVS Health, Pennsylvania Health Care Association, and Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association participated.
- On Tuesday, March 16, the Senate Aging & Youth Committee hosted an informational hearing on the Department of Aging and its programs and services. Secretary Torres and PACE Director Tom Snedden participated.
Looking Ahead
Legislation
- The House will return to session on Monday, April 5. The Senate will return to session on Monday, April 19.
Hearings
- On Tuesday, April 6, the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee will host an informational hearing on programs and services available for older adults. Secretary Torres will participate along with the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging and Northampton County Area Agency on Aging.
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Thank You for Your Support
The department would like to thank the House Aging & Older Adult Services and Senate Aging & Youth Committees for advancing two of the department’s legislative priorities. The House Aging & Older Adults Services Committee unanimously reported H.B. 464 out of committee. House Bill 464, sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback, would amend the Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Act by removing the statutory Caregiver Support Program (CSP) monthly care plan cost cap and CSP home modification lifetime limit, allowing them to be set by the department and removing the $300 aggregate average requirement for all CSP cases. The Senate Aging & Youth Committee unanimously reported S.B. 323 from committee. Senate Bill 323, sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward, would extend the PACE/PACENET COLA moratorium to December 31, 2023 and would allow PACE/PACENET enrollees to remain eligible for the program if the maximum income limit is exceeded due solely to a Social Security COLA.
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