On April 5, at the Steelworkers’ Hall in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne conducted the third of seven “listening” forums planned across the state to gather ideas for the 2016-20 State Plan on Aging. About 30 people attended, and the big surprise was just how little older Pennsylvanians know about what services are available to them.

Established in 1979, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging advocates for 2.9 million state residents over the age of 60, through 52 Area Agencies on Aging. By the year 2020, that population is expected to reach nearly 3.5 million. Most of the Department of Aging’s funding – 78 percent – comes from the state lottery. Its annual budget is $800 million, and includes a wide variety of programs, far more than the home-delivered meals.

The APPRISE program received high marks from local seniors. APPRISE uses trained volunteers and staff to help answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid and other health insurance benefits.

Aside from high school taxes, the problem that bothers Lehigh Valley seniors the most is transportation to and from doctor’s offices. Though transit and para transit is free or reduced fare, those who use public transportation are often late for doctors’ visits. They are forced to reschedule, and then have to wait for an hour or more for a ride home. “Receptionists are well-trained to say no,” complained one senior. A Bangor woman told of four-hour trips from Bangor to Allentown, and a para transit driver who left her stranded.

Secretary Osborne said she will take the information learned and use it to prepare a new four-year plan for assisting the aging population. Osbrone is the former director of Lackawanna County’s Area Agency on Agency and was chancellor of the Diocese of Scranton before being tapped by Governor Tom Wolf as Secretary of Aging.

Senior Hotlines

Lehigh County Office of Aging - (610)-782-3034

Northampton County Area Agency on Aging - (800)-322-9269

Senior Abuse - (800)-490-8505

SeniorLaw Helpline - (877)-727-7529

Nursing Home Complaints - (800)-254-5164

Alzheimer’s Helpline - (800)-272-3900

APPRISE - (800)-783-7067