AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh provided the following statement in response to the recently finalized budget for fiscal year 2024-25:

“On behalf of our 1.8 million members and all Pennsylvanians 50 and older, we commend the efforts made by our state leaders to reach an agreement on the fiscal year 2024-25 state budget, which makes substantial investments to provide adequate staffing standards in nursing homes and supports an alternative to institutional placement via the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program.

“The budget also includes a down payment to launch the state’s 10-Year Master Plan on Aging by making a $2.9 million investment to support family caregivers, who are the backbone of a broken long-term care system, providing over $22 billion in unpaid labor each year; and it provides $1.9 million to create an Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders division in the Department of Aging.

“However, AARP is disappointed that the budget does not provide any additional financial support to the Commonwealth’s network of area agencies on aging, who everyday provide older Pennsylvanians and their families with tools, resources, and services.

“This oversight serves as a stark reminder that the needs of persons who are not yet sick or poor enough to receive Medicaid long-term care services continue to be overlooked.

“An investment in nonmedical, in-home services for older Pennsylvanians that would allow more of our parents, spouses, and neighbors to age with dignity and independence at home is desperately needed.

“While there is still much more to be done to meet the growing demands of an aging population, we remain committed to advocating for a robust long-term care continuum that will serve and protect all older Pennsylvanians.”