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For Immediate
Release
9/7/11
Senate Aging and Youth Committee
Examines Long Term Care Issues
Harrisburg – The Senate Aging and Youth Committee, chaired by
Sen. Kim Ward (R-39), held a public hearing Wednesday in Beaver County on long
term care in Pennsylvania.
Senator Ward, Sen. Elder Vogel (R-47) and other committee
members heard testimony from state Aging Secretary Brian Duke, as well as
representatives of Area Agencies on Aging, adult day services, homecare agencies
and others.
"Thanks to advances in medicine and health care, Pennsylvanians
are living longer. It is important that individuals, families and policymakers
keep up with such progress and plan for long term care that strives for
independence, with comfort and dignity," said Ward.
The hearing was held at the Center at the Mall in Beaver Valley
Mall in Senator Vogel's district. The center is recognized as one of the best in
Pennsylvania.
"This was a very informative hearing and I believe that we as a
committee have a much better understanding of the many issues and challenges
that Pennsylvania faces now and into the future when it comes to long term
care," Senator Vogel said. "A substantial portion of Pennsylvania's population
is made up of senior citizens and that is certainly going to increase. It is
important that we take steps to make sure we have adequate long term care
facilities and that the health and well being of the residents living in those
facilities is protected."
Secretary Duke noted that Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation
in the number of people age 60 and older, and by the year 2020, one in four
state residents will be over the age of 60. He said that in November the
department will begin working with long term care providers and others to create
a four-year plan to serve older Pennsylvanians and people living with
disabilities.
According to the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, the bulk of
Pennsylvania's long term care system is spent on nursing homes – about $3.5
billion compared to in-home services, which account for $386 million.
It was noted that difficult economic circumstances will require
difficult choices, as Medical Assistance long term care and health care in
general will continue to drive much of the Commonwealth's budget into fiscal
year 2012-13 and beyond.
The role of Pennsylvania's 526 Senior Centers was also
discussed. The centers often serve as an entry point into the long term care
system.
The need for long term care is not limited to seniors. There are
more than 260 Adult Day Services centers across Pennsylvania serving 11,300
Pennsylvanians under age 60 who are not capable of full-time independent living.
"This hearing is obviously just one step in an ongoing
discussion regarding the need to update the Commonwealth's long term care system
to reflect greater longevity and tighter budgets," said Ward. "I appreciate the
input of Secretary Duke and all of the stakeholders who made the trip to Beaver
County today. Working together, we can implement sound solutions that provide
the best care in the most efficient manner."
NOTE: The hearing agenda and written testimony can be accessed
at senatorward.com on the Senate Aging and
Youth Committee page.
CONTACT:
Tom Aikens
724-863-1038
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