Services

THE LONG-TERM LIVING IN PA website has information available on topics such as transportation, employment, senior centers, and services for people with disabilities, as well as programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other commonwealth agencies that will provide listings of home health agencies, hospice, adult day services, personal care homes and nursing facilities. Simply click on the name of the service or program.  Learn More.  You can also contact local organizations, such as the ELKS or Kiwanis Clubs, etc., as well as local charities and churches to determine if they offer programs and services. 

MEALS -  Information on obtaining assistance with meals, either through a home-delivered meal program or meals served at a senior or community center can be found by clicking here.  Learn More

TRANSPORTATION - A concern for many people, both the care/support-recever and the care/support-giver is transportation.There are several transportation programs available in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has several programs that provide transportation services to individuals of all ages.  In addition, there is a Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) that provides transportation to medical services for Medical Assistance consumers of any age who do not have other transportation available to them. Learn More.

There are other avenues to explore when your loved one requires assistance with transportation. You may be able to obtain transportation through a local charity or community service group. Local private ambulance services usually have wheelchair accessible vans as well as vehicles that can carry a litter. Costs of these services will vary by county; some may charge a flat rate, others a set charge plus mileage. You can locate services in your area by looking in the yellow pages of the local telephone book to obtain names and numbers of local ambulance providers.

PERSONAL CARE - If you have determined that you are going to use your own resources to obtain support, a personal care agency may be your choice. Personal care agencies provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and other aspects of daily living, as well as homemaking services such as dusting, vacuuming, meal preparation and errands. A listing of personal care agencies by area is provided in this link. Learn More.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES – Shower Chairs, Insulin Syringes, Ventilator Equipment, Wheelchairs, Walkers, Seat Lift Recliners, Hospital Beds, Toileting Aids, Ostomy Supplies, Vitamins, Disposable Undergarments and other incontinence Care -- Having the right equipment and supplies is essential to provide adequate support and service to remain independent at home. The link to ABLEDATA, a project of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the US Department of Education, will provide a detailed description of various types of supplies and equipment as well as a link to the manufacturer for further information.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY - can be any device that is used to improve or enhance the ability of an individual with disabilities. Assistive technology devices range from the simple walker, grabber or wheelchair to stairway seat lifts, seat lift chairs, outside lifts (when ramping is impractical) and vehicle lifts. Sometimes overlooked technology can be in the form of low vision aids or amplified telephones to toilet safety frames. The following websites offer helpful advice and guidance when you are considering assistive technology.  PATF (Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation) offers low cost loans to assist older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities with purchasing the devices; PIAT (Pennsylvania Institute on Assistive Technology). The mission of PIAT is to enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities through access to or acquisition of assistive technology. PIAT has extensive lending libraries of the devices that will enable you to determine if the technology is right for you.

SERVICE COORDINATION - Services to help you assist and advocate for your loved one are available through Certified Elder Care Managers or Geriatric Care Managers. They will provide assessment, care planning and coordination of services for your loved one. Learn More.

ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT - Centers for Independent Living provide peer support for people with disabilities of all ages. They also provide training to empower people with disabilities to advocate on their own behalf.