Najja Orr, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, discussed the federally mandated agency, one of 54 in the state of Pennsylvania, and one of hundreds of Corporation for Aging agencies,  coordinating services that help older residents live as independently as possible.  He discussed the issues facing the elderly, housing, lack of social interaction and access to care.  He described the pathways to care they offer at PCA, safe and secure housing, including heat, safety features and repairs; health and well-being such as nutrition, access to medical care; and social care including legal aid and protection from elder abuse.  We talked about the increased burdens of the COVID crisis, interrupting social services and community interaction obtained through senior centers, loss of food services and isolation.  Director Orr told us about ‘new meal services they are offering, direct delivery and Grab & Go meals they can collect themselves.   He also discussed the eventual reopening of centers and the return of the Senior Farmers Market Voucher program.  There is a Corporation for Aging for every county, you can find it through PCAcares.

For more information, PCAcares.org or call their helpline at 215-765-9040