Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians for Over 35 Years!
May 22, 2015
Message from the Secretary
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging in partnership with the Institute on Protective Services
at Temple University, and its Beasley School of Law are hosting three one-day continuing legal
education courses for attorneys in three different locations across the Commonwealth. The
course topic is: Collaboration Between Prosecutors and the Aging Services Network in
Protecting Older Pennsylvanians. The first session was held this past Wednesday in State
College. It was led by Ron Costen, PhD, Esquire, legal consultant, and covered a variety of
topics, including ethical issues, prosecutorial issues, and elder abuse. The next sessions are
scheduled for May 27th in Mars, PA and June 3rd in the Allentown, PA area. The sessions are
open only to district attorneys, assistant district attorneys, county detectives and area agency on
aging attorneys covering all 67 counties throughout the Commonwealth. Sessions are free of
charge, but advance registration is required. Lunch is provided. Attorney participants will
receive 6.5 Hours of Continuing Legal Education (5.5 substantive and 1 ethics); while law
enforcement will receive 6.5 hours of CLE credits as approved by MPOETC.
The Institute on Protective Services at Temple University was established by the Department of
Aging in order to provide educational opportunities and investigative consultation to the
Commonwealth's 52 local Area Agencies on Aging and local law enforcement. This
collaborative endeavor is critically important as we seek to address the issue of elder abuse in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Any state's response to elder abuse must focus on two
fundamental premises: to understand the scope and causes of the problem and develop
measures to prevent or remedy it, and to take steps to enact legislation that ensures the welfare
of older adults. Pennsylvania created its Older Adult Protective Services Act in 1987. At the
time, it created a voluntary, statewide system of reporting and investigating suspected abuse,
neglect, exploitation and abandonment of persons aged 60 and older. Over the years,
amendments have been made to improve the original act but the spirit of the Older Adult
Protective Services Act has remained. The act is victim oriented. It provides access to services
necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of older Pennsylvanians who lack the
capacity to protect themselves and who are imminent risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or
abandonment. Through the local Area Agencies on Aging processes are in place and steps are
taken to detect, prevent, reduce or eliminate the abuse. The act also requires that the aging
network facilitates the cooperation of law enforcement officials within the provision of protective
services, when necessary. This commitment to collaboration is important and necessary. I was
impressed by and grateful for the participation of our law enforcement partners during the first
session and trust that the next two sessions will be equally engaging as together we strive to
address the victimization of older adults and persons with disabilities, to break down walls that
have prevented effective responses to their victimization and to educate each other and the
public to recognize, report and prevent elder abuse. I once heard elder abuse referred to as "a
dark mark on our humanity," … and I believe our continued work with the Institute on Protective
Services at Temple University will shine a light broadening our capacity and brightening the
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opportunity for older Pennsylvanians to live the twilight of their years free from all forms of
abuse and neglect and with the dignity and respect they deserve. For more information about
the upcoming legal courses, visit the Institute on Protective Services website.
With the Memorial Day weekend upon us, please take the time to pause and remember the
courageous men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country.
Teresa Osborne
Secretary
Acting Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller Reminds Consumers of Preventive Care
Benefits Covered Under Affordable Care Act
Acting Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller reminded consumers earlier this week that most
health plans must cover various preventive care benefits at no cost to the consumer.
“Many health plans are required to provide preventive care services available at no extra cost to
consumers,” said Miller. “I want to ensure that Pennsylvanians know the benefits that are
available to them through their health plan so that they may make good use of these services to
protect themselves and their families.”
For the complete press release, click here.
Legislative Update
No legislative activity to report. The House and Senate are adjourned until 1:00 p.m. on
Monday, June 1, 2015.
Education and Outreach Office
PrimeTime Health
The PrimeTime Health program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention activities
for older Pennsylvanians with a special focus on health risk screening, nutrition, chronic
conditions, fall risk, exercise, and strengthening to prevent fall-related injury, monitoring
behavioral health, and managing medications. To view upcoming programs offered through your
local Area Agency on Aging, click here.
Jefferson County: A Day of Remembrance
The public is invited to bring a photo of a loved one and light a candle in their memory.
Location: Foundry, 45 West Main St., Reynoldsville, PA 15851
Date: Friday, May 22, 2015
Time: 11:30 a.m.
No cost. All are invited to make reservations for lunch for a donation
Lynn Guiser, Dietician, Speaking at Wayne Senior Centers
Lynn Guiser, MS, RD/LD, Dietitian, will be a new member to the Wayne AAA staff.
She has been revising menus to include new, creative, and healthier meal options and will be
meeting with each of our senior groups to talk about the new menus, as well as new Dietary
Guidelines.
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Please join us for lunch, by calling 570-253-4262 at least 2 days in advance. If you need
transportation please call 570-253-4280. All programs are 11:30 a.m. – noon on the following
dates:
July 16- Northern Wayne Senior Group (Crosstown Hwy, Lakewood)
July 22- Honesdale Senior Center (323 Tenth Street; 570-253-4262)
August 07- Hamlin Senior Center (Rt. 590, Township Building; 570-689-3766)
August 19- Hawley Senior Center (Bingham Park; 570-226-4209)
Prime Time Health Wayne County Senior Center: Prescription Drug Safety. Charlotte
Myers, Certified Prevention Specialist of Wayne County Drug & Alcohol Commission will speak
about how medications and alcohol can affect you in adverse ways, medication safety and local
programs for properly discarding medications.
Additionally, the Wayne County District Attorney Janine Edwards will also be speaking and will
have detectives available at each of the center locations so bring in expired medications.
All programs will be from 11:15 a.m. to noon. The detectives will be available from 10:30 a.m. to
noon Please call 570-253-4262 at least 2 days in advance to register for lunch, or please call
570-253-4280 for transportation.
Locations for presentations are:
June 10, 2015
June 11, 2015
June 17, 2015
June 18, 2015
Hawley Senior Center (Bingham Park; 570-226-4209)
Hamlin Senior Center (Rt. 590, Township Building; 570-689-3766)
Honesdale Senior Center (323 Tenth Street; 570-253-4262)
Northern Wayne Senior Group (Crosstown Hwy, Lakewood)
Wayne Area Agency on Aging offers speaker on Rheumatology
Dr. Mark Cruciani will present at the following centers on rheumatology, which is a specialty that
focuses on joint, muscle and bone disorders, including autoimmune diseases (diseases of the
immune system). Join us at any of our centers to learn more about rheumatology and
osteoarthritis. All programs will be from 11:30 a.m. – noon
July 8, 2015
July 30, 2015
August 6, 2015
August 19, 2015
Hawley Senior Center (Bingham Park; 570-226-4209)
Hamlin Senior Center (Rt. 590, Township Building; 570-689-3766)
Northern Wayne Senior Group (Crosstown Hwy, Lakewood)
Honesdale Senior Center (323 Tenth Street; 570-253-4262)
If you would like to join us for lunch, please call 570-253-4262 at least 2 days in advance. If you
would like transportation please call 570-253-4280. For more information visit our website by
clicking here.
PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources
Fayette/Greene/Washington
Event: Powerful Tools For Caregivers Series
Description: This free program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence,
communicate feelings better, balance their lives, and increase their ability to make tough
decisions and locate helpful resources. Workshop trainers are Michelle Rockwell, Link
Coordinator and Kristen Jackson, Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging.
Location: Hickory UEP Church, 210 Main Street, Hickory, PA
Date: Tuesdays, June 2 – July 7, 2015
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Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Contact: Email – [email protected]
Phone – (724) 356-4042
Registration Deadline: May 26, 2015
Beaver County
Event: Psychosocial Issues, Assessment and Treatment Interventions with Hoarding Behavior
Training for professionals.
Description: Beaver County CAN, in collaboration with Pennsylvania Link is hosting this twopart presentation on hoarding behavior by Dr. Norma Thomas, MSW Program Coordinator at
California University of Pennsylvania. Event is free, networking lunch included.
Location: Penn State Beaver Auditorium, 100 University Drive, Monaca, PA
Date: June 4, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Part 1)
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Part 2)
Contact: Email – [email protected]
Registration Deadline: N/A
Somerset County
Event: Somerset Aging/ID Coalition Conference for Professionals
Description: Morning session will focus on the topic of De-escalation techniques and features
Tina Heinrich, Ed.S. Health Choices Clinical Director, Behavioral Health Services of Somerset &
Bedford Counties; Afternoon session will cover the topic of Medication Abuse and features
Ronna Yablonski, Prevention Coordinator (and Director of Somerset County Drug Free
Communities) and Renee Gardner RN, both of Twin Lakes.
Location: Oakhurst Tea Room, 2409 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA
Date: June 16, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Contact: Email – [email protected]
Phone – (814) 443-4891, ext. 4213
Registration Deadline: June 9, 2015
Butler County
Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event
Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair,
benefits screenings and more.
Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall
Date: June 17, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Email – [email protected]
Phone – (724) 431-3619
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015
Bedford County
Event: Trust & Estate Planning Seminar
Description: Attorney Tom Murphy, Esq. of R. Thomas Murphy & Associates, P.C. will provide
information on planning for the future and the cost of long term care. There is no cost to attend.
Location: Homewood at Springhouse Estates, 150 Victoria Avenue, Everett, PA
Date: June 17, 2015
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (registration begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Contact: Email – [email protected]
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Phone – (814) 233-9206
Registration Deadline: June 8, 2015
Allegheny County
Event: Resources for Individuals with Disabilities under 60
Description: Part of the APPRISE/Allegheny Link 2015 Lunch and Learn Series, this
presentation will cover a number of services that are available to individuals with disabilities who
are under the age of 60 to help them maintain their independence in the community. This is a
panel discussion with time for question and is free of charge.
Location: Human Services Building, 1 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Date: June 25, 2015
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Email – [email protected]
Phone – 1-(866) 730-2368
Somerset County
Event: Elder Justice Day Seminar
Description: This free program is designed to inform, protect and help prevent older adults
from abuse and financial exploitation. Experts will be on hand from across the state along with
local leaders to talk about types of abuse and how it can be prevented. Lunch will be provided.
Location: Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Plank Road, Somerset, PA
Date: June 25, 2015
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.)
Contact: phone – (814) 443-2681, Missy Beam
Registration Deadline: June 19, 2015
Columbia-Montour County
Event: Aging/ID Conference
Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU
Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a conference.
Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg
Date: Monday June 8, 2015
Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone – 570-784-9272
Registration Deadline: N/A
Delaware County
Event: 2015 Caregiver Series “Creative Tools for Caregiving”
Description: Six session program for caregivers to bring their loved ones with them so they
can participate in meaningful activities that can be taken home such as mosaics, fitness and the
art of storytelling.
Location: Friendship Circle Senior Center
Dates:
June 3: What Does Good Nutrition Look Like? Feeding yourself and your loved one.
Your loved one will learn about “Home Remedies” while participating in a Cognitive
Stimulation Activity.
June 17: Relaxation Techniques: The Keys to Stress Free Living. Your loved one will
participate in a Fitness Activity.
Time: 4:15 pm to 5:45 pm
Contact: Email -- [email protected]
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Phone -- 610-237-6222 ext. 57
Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon County
Event: Series on balance and fall prevention
Description: A four-part series on balance and fall prevention, this program consists of
identifying what makes up good or poor balance, addressing the fear of falling, why balance
testing is valuable and exercises for better balance. The series dates and topics include:
June 17 – Understanding the Benefits of Balance Testing
July 15 – Exercises for Better Balance
Location: The Long Community at Highland, 600 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 in
the Brightwood Dining Room
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Contact: Email – [email protected]
Registration Deadline: N/A
Columbia-Montour County
Event: Aging/ID Conference
Description: Area Agency on Aging, PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources and the CMSU
Behavioral Health Developmental Services are working together to provide a
conference. Details on topics pending.
Location: Country Cupboard Lewisburg
Date: Monday June 8, 2015
Time: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone - 570-784-9272
Chester County
Event: Centenarian Birthday Party
Description: The Link will sponsor the Chester County Department of Aging’s 3rd Annual
Centenarian Birthday Party and will educate attendees on the Link and the Link’s project,
“Hospital to Home.”
Location: The Downingtown Country Club, 93 Country Club Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335
Date: June 24th
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact: E-mail - [email protected]
Phone – 484-364-6981
Cumberland County
Event: Improving Aging Services for LGBT Older Adults
Description: This workshop will include information on the culture, needs and concerns of
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) older adults, information on why LGBT older
adults are less likely to access health and social services and information on best practices,
policy and practice areas for increasing inclusiveness and safety for LGBT older adults.
Location: Giant Food Store Community Room, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (lunch included)
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone – 717-240-7887
Register: Click Here
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Butler County
Event: Elder Abuse Awareness Event
Description: This is a free community event featuring educational seminars, resource fair,
benefits screenings and more.
Location: Butler County Community College, Founders Hall
Date: June 17, 2015
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Email – [email protected]
Phone – (724) 431-3619
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2015
Franklin County
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: Antrim Township Municipal Building – Greencastle, PA
Date: May 29, 2015
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone – 717-263-4326
Registration Deadline: N/A
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: AMVETS – Chambersburg, PA
Date: June 4, 2015
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone – 717-263-4326
Registration Deadline: N/A
Event: 2015 Franklin County Veterans EXPO
Description: An event where 50+ vendors will be offering information on Veteran-specific
programs and services. A light breakfast and full lunch will be served. Veterans learn about
existing/new services available in Franklin County. Information will be shared such as
Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education, Housing and Homeless services, Employment
and Outreach services. The VA Mobile Outreach Van will be onsite as well as the
Chambersburg JROTC Color Guard.
Location: Scotland Campus – Scotland, PA
Date: June 10, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone – 717-263-4326
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Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: Tuscarora Senior Center – Mercersburg, PA
Date: June 12, 2015
Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone – 717-263-4326
Event: Veteran Town Hall Meeting
Description: An event where Veterans learn about existing/new services available in Franklin
County. Information will be shared such as Compensation, Benefits, Healthcare, Education,
Housing and Homeless services, Employment and Outreach services. Representatives will be
available to meet with from county, state and Federal organizations.
Location: Waynesboro Senior Center – Waynesboro, PA
Date: June 16, 2015
Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM
Contact: E-mail – [email protected]
Phone – 717-263-4326
Registration Deadline: none
The PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources, in partnership with agencies that support
individuals with intellectual disabilities, is hosting conferences throughout the state.
Lehigh and Northampton County
June 5, 8:30 to 4:30, at the Best Western in Bethlehem.
Contact Kimberly Melusky, at [email protected]
There will be a $40 registration fee for this conference
Bureau of Advocacy
Philadelphia Ombudsman Program
On March 20, 2015, the Cliveden Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Northwest Philadelphia,
completed a resident’s right to privacy workshop, facilitated by Ombudsman Coretta Avery from
Center in the Park, one of the subcontractors providing ombudsman services in the Philadelphia
County. Following the training, the residents created door signs for their rooms with messages
stating “Welcome,” “Come In,” or “Please Knock.” The intent of this resident-directed project is
to inform facility staff and other residents about the right to privacy. The goal is to have the
project replicated for other residents within the facility. There are 62 residents in eight facilities
who have participated in the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents program, a residentdirecting training sponsored by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Resident's Voice Challenge Deadline Extended to May 25th
The consumer voice has announced that the resident’s voice challenge deadline has been
extended until May 25th. The challenge this year is for residents and consumers of long-term
care services and supports to submit essays, poems, artwork, drawings, or videos related to the
theme for the National Residents' Rights Month 2015 "CARE Matters". The Office of the State
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is encouraging local ombudsmen to inform us of any
submissions their residents provide so that we can showcase in future wrap-up articles. For
more information on this challenge, click here: Resident's Voice Challenge.
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Bureau of Aging Services
Care Transitions Summit
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, through the Long Term Living Training Institute (LTLTI),
hosted a Care Transitions Summit for the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network on Tuesday,
May 12, 2015 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College. A total of 69 attendees
participated in the day, with representation from 26 AAAs. The day provided an opportunity for
AAAs involved in all stages of Care Transitions to network, share resources, discuss best
practices and attend break-out sessions suited to their current level of involvement with care
transitions. Included in the agenda were representatives from RightCare Solutions, Community
Care Transitions Programs for Western PA, Cole Memorial Hospital, PA Aging and Disabilities
Resource Center, PA Association for Area Agencies on Aging, York/Adams Care Transitions
Coalition, Wellspan Health, Aligning Forces for Quality, Hospital Association of PA and Quality
Insights of PA. The summit also featured a panel discussion, which included five AAA Care
Transitions service providers. Information and resources from the summit will be compiled and
posted on LTLTI’s website. An online tool kit will be developed in the near future for the AAA
network to reference and assist them in the promotion, planning and delivery of care transitions
services.
Announcements
Innovation in Caregiving Award
The Innovation in Caregiving Award recognizes individuals who, in the course of caring for an
older adult in a private home or a residential setting invented a device or technique that solves a
caregiving challenge, or found a new application for an existing device or technique that
supports caregiving of older adults and eases the burden on caregivers. Those assisting
younger individuals with disabilities may apply for the award if their device or technique is
helpful to the care of adults aged 60 and older. The application deadline is June 30, 2015.
Apply for the 2015 Award
Messiah Lifeways and Harrisburg Magazine SAGE Awards
Awards to honor savvy, active, growing, and enlightened older adults, age 55 and better, who
have made important contributions to the economic, cultural, spiritual, and social progress of the
Greater Capital Region. We are currently seeking outstanding nominees who are transforming
the lives of others, who are improving the quality of life for all persons in our region, or who are
creating a new sense of purpose in the third age of their life. Past winners have included a
National Geographic instructor, several Peace Corps volunteers, a food pantry founder, a state
Senator, renowned philanthropists, and "a re-wired" executive. The key to the SAGE Awards is
that it highlights persons who are changing the conversation about aging and inspiring people to
think about retirement as a time of purpose and zest! We are especially eager to meet people
who have done interesting things in recent years - at age 55 or better
Completed applications may be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 717-7968155. The deadline for this year’s entries is June 22. After a panel of judges reviews all of
this year’s nominees, as many as six recipients may be honored at an awards celebration
dinner scheduled for on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Messiah Lifeways at Messiah
Village. Nomination form, click here.
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PA Association of Senior Centers Northeast Region Annual Meeting
The PA Assoc. of Senior Centers (PASC) Northeast Region is holding its annual meeting on
Friday, June 5, at the West Side Active Adult Senior Center, 1004 Jackson Street, Scranton,
from 10am - 3pm. The cost is $20.00 for PASC members and $25.00 non-members.
For further information, contact Leslie Berger at 570.420.3745 OR
[email protected].
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging 40th Annual Conference
July 11-15, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA
Please save the date; more information can be found by clicking here.
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunity Announced for Navigators in Federally-Facilitated Marketplaces
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the availability of funding
to support Navigators in Federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFM), including State Partnership
Marketplaces. Grantees will be selected for a three year project period, and a total of up to $67
million is available for the first year of the award. The funding opportunity announcement is open
to eligible individuals, as well as private and public entities, applying to serve as Navigators in
states with a FFM. It is open to new and returning HHS Navigator grant applicants, and
applications are due by June 15, 2015.
Click here for more information.
In the News
PennDOT Invites Public to Help Shape Pennsylvania’s Transportation Future
The public is encouraged to visit www.TalkPATransportation.com to provide their input on
transportation priorities for the update of the commonwealth’s Twelve Year Transportation
Program before the survey closes on May 29.
PennDOT and the State Transportation Commission (STC) request public feedback on
transportation priorities and specific issues by completing an online survey. Accessing the
survey is easy:


Visit www.TalkPATransportation.com and select “Tell Us What You Think” to complete
the survey online; or
Request a printed survey by email [email protected] or phone 717-787-2913
Help get the word out by sharing the survey on your Facebook and Twitter pages, and use the
hashtag #TalkPA12Yr.
** If you have something you wish to include, please contact us. Kindly direct your comments
and suggestions to Drew Wilburne in the Press Office [email protected].
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