Caregiving
Your "Caregiving" Guides
Questions and Answers
Is there a program that can pay a caregiver who is a family member who is putting in many hours a week caring for a disabled mother? Also, how can I get help with my windows and doors? I am over 50 years old and net approximately $20,000. a year.
— BEVERLY SCOTT
Beverly,
For many years there was talk that the state of Pennsylvania would create a program that would pay people who are caring for family members. But unfortunately this kind of program does not exist at this time. There are Waiver programs available in each county through the County’s Area office on Aging. These programs provide services at little or no cost to people who qualify financially. In Philadelphia County that would be the Philadelphia Corporation on Aging. Their phone number is 215-765-9040.
For contact information for other Area Agencies on Aging, please go to the Aging Services section of the Coming of Age website.
Through PCA you can arrange for a social service assessment for your mother. A social worker will come out to do a full assessment, including your mother’s needs and her financial situation. If criteria are met, they will provide caregiving services and inform you of other programs for which your mother may qualify.
As part of the assessment PCA can determine what other adjustments need to be made to your home to make it safer and more comfortable. A program called SHARP which helps people in need with devices like grab bars is available through PCA as well as Meals on Wheels. These programs often have long waiting lists. So don’t delay, contact PCA or your local county Area Office on Aging as the first stop in getting help.
For many years there was talk that the state of Pennsylvania would create a program that would pay people who are caring for family members. But unfortunately this kind of program does not exist at this time. There are Waiver programs available in each county through the County’s Area office on Aging. These programs provide services at little or no cost to people who qualify financially. In Philadelphia County that would be the Philadelphia Corporation on Aging. Their phone number is 215-765-9040.
For contact information for other Area Agencies on Aging, please go to the Aging Services section of the Coming of Age website.
Through PCA you can arrange for a social service assessment for your mother. A social worker will come out to do a full assessment, including your mother’s needs and her financial situation. If criteria are met, they will provide caregiving services and inform you of other programs for which your mother may qualify.
As part of the assessment PCA can determine what other adjustments need to be made to your home to make it safer and more comfortable. A program called SHARP which helps people in need with devices like grab bars is available through PCA as well as Meals on Wheels. These programs often have long waiting lists. So don’t delay, contact PCA or your local county Area Office on Aging as the first stop in getting help.
Good luck!
SUE and BOBBI
SUE and BOBBI