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Services & Programs

To get more information about any of the services or programs offered,  please call the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, at 570-963-6740

In-Home and Community Based Services:
To keep Pennsylvanians in their homes for as long as possible, residents of the commonwealth
who are 60 years of age or older may be eligible for in-home and community based services
including but not limited to:

 

  • Adult Day Care

  • Transportation

  • Home-Delivered Meals

  • Personal Care Services

  • Home Modifications

  • Care Management

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An assessment will be completed to determine need and eligibility. There may be a cost-share applied to these services.

Caregiver Support Program:

The Caregiver Support Program works to ease the stresses of caregiving by focusing on the well-being of the caregiver.  If income eligible, the program provides the primary caregiver with reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving, such as respite, caregiving-related services and supplies. The program also offers education, training, counseling, and more. 

Grandparent Support Program:

The Grandparent program was designed to provide financial assistance for Grandparents who are the primary caregiver of their grandchild or grandchildren. The program provides reimbursement for out of home respite such as day care, camps, schooling, or seasonal and school clothing, school supplies, tutoring, registration fees for school supports or summer sports. This is an income based program and household income must be reported to determine eligibility. Additional eligibility requirements include:

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  • You must be the primary caregiver to the child or children

  • You must be 55 and older 

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In addition, you can join other grandparents in similar situations at our Parents a Second Time support group. Learn about potential resources, community programs, services, and agencies that can provide connections, guidance, and peer support to older persons living with, caring for and parenting the children of loved ones. The PAST group meets once a month, with child care and refreshments provided and transportation available. To get more information, please call the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, at 570-963-6740, or email PAST@lackawannacounty.org

Protective Services:

The Older Adults Protective Services Act protects Pennsylvanians 60 years of age and older against physical, emotional, or financial abuse as well as exploitation, neglect, or abandonment. Reporting of abuse is mandatory for employees and administrators in care settings. Reporting abuse is voluntary and anonymous for the general public, and the law protects all reporters from retaliation and civil or criminal liability.

Elder abuse can happen to any senior citizen. It can occur in a home or long-term care facility. It can be committed by healthcare professionals or family caregivers. Often, the abuse is kept hidden behind closed doors. Our older adults deserve to feel safe and cared for. They deserve honor and respect, not abuse.

 

Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is not always physical. It can present itself in many forms, including:

 

  • Abandonment – caregiver deserting an older adult

  • Abuse – pushing, slapping, punching, verbally intimidating or sexually assaulting an older adult

  • Financial exploitation – taking money or possessions from an older adult without permission or best interests; misusing a senior’s assets or resources

  • Neglect – depriving an older adult of goods or services needed to maintain health and safety or ignoring the well-being of an older adult who is no longer able to care for himself or herself

 

Stopping Elder Abuse

How Does the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging Help? 

We take reports on suspected elder abuse and investigate these reports under the Older Adults Protective Services Act. A professional investigator will determine whether the older adult is in need of Protective Services. Protective Services will also assist the older adult in securing a safe environment and making sure his or her needs are met.

 

What Can You Do?

Protective Services cannot protect older adults without the willingness of people to report suspected abuse. If you know of an older adult who is being abused in any way or if you think you are being abused in any way, by anyone, call us at 570-963-6740. You can reach a worker 24 hours/7 days a week.

Statewide elder abuse hotline 1-800-490-8505.

Ombudsman and Legal Assistance:

We provide access to Ombudsman services designed to support and empower consumers of long-term living facilities. The Ombudsman attempts to resolve individual complaints involving long-term care service, while working to improve and enhance the long-term living system. We also provide legal assistance counseling to older adults through the Elderly Law Project.

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