Finding the right resources to support your loved one is a critical part of the caregiving journey. Sometimes you just need to find the right pieces of the puzzle to make life a bit easier. So, whether you’re looking for in-home care, non-skilled services, legal assistance, or community programs, there are many valuable resources to help make caregiving more manageable in Philadelphia!
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 senior care resources in Philadelphia that every caregiver should know about. These services all share a common thread of enabling seniors to maintain their sense of independence, age at home, while protecting and improving their quality of life.
This list is by no means exhaustive. In the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania are many more services and resources than could be listed in this quick look for resources. We will continue to bring these to you, so check back regularly for our other articles. This is just a beginning start…
1. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a cornerstone and usually the first go-to of case managers to determine what your loved one may be entitled to when it comes to much senior care in Philadelphia. PCA is the local administrative branch under the Area of Aging block of funding. The PCA assessment for eligibility will evaluate both the financial and physical needs of the client.
Do not push this resource aside, assuming you will not meet eligibility. There are many options and tiers to families. Some older adults may receive aide hours without a co-pay, but there are the Options programs that are subisdized also.
PCA can serve as a lifeline for caregivers and older adults. PCA offers an impressive range of services including health and wellness programs, meal delivery, transportation, and case management for in-home assistance and aide services. Whether you’re looking for help with long-term care planning or simply need support with day-to-day caregiving tasks, PCA is the place to start.
What PCA offers and Why PCA is Essential for Caregivers:
- Offers long-term care management services tailored to individuals with chronic conditions and acute on chronic exacerbations.
- Also you will find information and referral to access other kinds of caregiving services, support and benefits.
- Provides meals-on-wheels programs for Seniors.
- Transportation assistance to help seniors who have mobility challenges.
- Financial Aid assistance or referrals to programs for home repair needs.
- Protective Services and investigation for Elder Abuse, various forms of Neglect, and Financial exploitation.
2. NewCourtland Senior Services
When it comes to NewCourtland Senior Services, they raise the bar making resources within arms reach to old adults. They provide caregivers with a comprehensive range of in-home care services, senior centers, memory care options, and referrals to programs. Rooted in the mission and values that all people deserve access to healthcare and reducing the barriers for older adults in the city of Philadelphia.
These services are particularly beneficial for seniors who require ongoing assistance or wish to remain in their homes. But, NewCourtland’s also has a skilled rehab called the Germantown Home, and a vast network of care facilities also offers recreational activities and wellness programs that keep seniors engaged and active mostly in Northwest Philly.
Why We find NewCourtland is a Great Resource:
- New Courtland’s Senior centers provide daily meals and social activities to reduce isolation. They developed the innovative program of “The Best Day of My Life So Far” – check it out!
- Services on Site (SOS) offered at their Senior Centers. New Courtland’s Service Coordinators may be able to assist clients by offering services at the Senior Centers to support their independence and dignity to age at home. Along with daily activities, they have access to nutritional and mental health counseling, and health programs and services.
- Specialized memory care programs for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders. Coordinators will also refer to other services in the area for support.
- Affordable Housing at over 10 locations and 600 units city-wide. They also have integrated access to health and social services at each of their housing locations,
- Provides respite care, giving caregivers need a break!
3. The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE)
CARIE Advocates is a nonprofit organization that specializes in advocating for older adults’ rights. If you’re a caregiver needing legal assistance, CARIE is an invaluable resource. They provide services that protect seniors from elder abuse, offer legal consultations, and help navigate complex systems like Medicare and Medicaid.
How CARIE Supports Caregivers:
- Provides legal advocacy for seniors, particularly in cases of abuse or neglect. Including empowering adults with education, information and teaching of skills to they may also effectively advocate on their behalf.
- Offers Medicare/Medicaid guidance, helping caregivers understand and navigate the world of complex health insurance plans.
- Provides the Ombudsman program that provides advocacy for long-term care residents’ complaints, concerns, and rights of residents in nursing homes, personal care and assisted living, and domiciliary care homes, even adult day care centers.
- Victim’s assistance program called PAVE (Providing Advocacy for Victimized Elders) through the CARIE LINE.
- Operates Senior Medicare Patrol – educates the public regarding Medicare fraud and scams. Common scams, fraudulent practices, and kickbacks are listed on their website, as well.
4. SeniorLAW Center
Navigating legal issues in senior care can be challenging and so confusing!
The SeniorLAW Center is an essential legal resource for older Philadelphians and caregivers.
You may be able to obtain free legal services from this nonprofit that helps seniors with issues like elder abuse, estate planning, Advance Directives, Living Wills, and Long-term care agreements. We cannot emphasize it is never too early to call for assistance, especially when it comes to these issues and Power of Attorney paperwork. They will simplify this overwhelming process for you.
Why the SeniorLAW Center is Invaluable:
- Provides free or low-cost legal assistance and navigation for low-income seniors.
- Specializes in estate planning, including wills, power of attorney, and healthcare directives.
- Offers financial planning services for caregivers and seniors.
5. SEPTA CCT Connect Philadelphia
Septa CCT can be a lifesaver for older persons needing transportation to and from medical appointments.
Septa CCT has 2 programs: Shared Ride and its ADA Paratransit.
- ADA Paratransit may assist more with transportation
- For either program, the person must be “curb ready” and either have someone able to assist them out of the house to the van. This can be the biggest drawback to this program, as many people have both issues, leaving their house and needing transportation assistance.
6. The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter
For caregivers of seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter offers services that are open to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. This nonprofit provides education, support groups, and services or resources that help caregivers manage the challenges associated with cognitive decline.
Why Caregivers Need the Alzheimer’s Association:
- Support for caregivers and the whole family in dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Educational workshops about dementia care and understanding Alzheimer’s, even for teens who live or love those with this disease.
- Access to care consultations and guidance on care options.
7. Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) & Abramson Senior Center
The Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) offers a variety of services for seniors, including home care assistance, transportation, and mental health counseling. They are pending a merger with Abramson Senior Center. This is a whole “person centered”, trauma-informed approach. This nonprofit organization offers basic needs to mental health case management for full assessment.
Their comprehensive care programs also provide meal delivery services, making it easier for caregivers to manage multiple tasks.
JFCS Services for Caregivers:
- Participation in GUIDE which aims to provide comprehensive care management for seniors and caregivers with a dementia diagnosis.
- Possible in-home care services, including help with activities of daily living or resources to access
- Respite care to give caregivers the break they need.
- Mental health counseling for both seniors and caregivers.
8. Pennsylvania Department of Aging
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is a state resource offering comprehensive caregiving assistance programs. This is a vast service with many programs. Some of their services such as the Waiver and Options program offers in home care, free or fee-based on financial tiers. Through their services, information on state programs, and a variety of services designed to support older adults.
How the Department of Aging Supports Caregivers:
- Provides funding and coverage for in-home care services.
- PA Caregiver Program – specifically offers monetary assistance for in home care not covered by Medicaid or the Waiver program. This is a great resource for those who do not meet financial eligibility for Medicaid or Waiver
- Offers programs to enable seniors and those with disabilities to remain independent and age at home for as long as possible.
- Connects seniors and caregivers with state-funded services such as Medicaid support.
9. Visiting Angels Philadelphia
If you need in-home care, Visiting Angels offers private and personalized assistance for seniors. This includes help with daily activities and important companionship. Their flexible care plans allow caregivers to customize services based on their loved one’s needs, giving them a much needed and deserved break.
Why Visiting Angels is a good fit for some:
- Provides personal care and companionship for our seniors.
- Respite care for family caregivers when needed..
- Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s specialized care.
- This is not a federally or state funded program, so no financial eligibility needs to be achieved to access care. Private pay with fair rates.
10. The Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA)
The Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) is known as the co-op of co-ops! This non-profit mission focuses on offering affordable services to our local seniors and caregivers. Their cooperative programs help reduce the costs of care by enlisting individual enterprises that provide essential services, strengthen other organizations in the community, create good jobs,, reduce poverty, boost our local economy, protect the environment, and increase community engagement.
For example, one of these enterprises is the Home Care Associates cooperative. It is a work-owned service that provides senior respite, such as post-sugery or respite for chronic needs to both the older person and families across the local region of Philadelphia.
How PACA Benefits Caregivers:
- PACAs models show the success through co-ops!
- Provides financial assistance and/or resources to help cover the costs of care in the home.
- Organizes advocacy groups and promotes political change.
We hope this provides a fundamental list of various senior care resources in Philadelphia that will enable caregivers a starting point. Many of these resources above will also snowball into other offerings. We are wishing you the best of luck with these resources that can provide some guidance, assistance, and relief you may need.
Looking for more caregiving resources in Philadelphia? Explore our Caregiver Directory for additional information on local services and find the support you need today!
