Dec. 19, 2024
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! – I would like to extend the warmest holiday wishes to you and your family. May you have a wonderful and safe season that is full of peace and cheer.
My district office hours may be limited due to the holidays. Please call ahead to be sure my offices are open.
Also, PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, for New Year’s Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
New Law Aims to Make Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care More Accessible
Imagine witnessing a loved one slowly succumbing to Alzheimer’s Disease.
You initially notice that even though they appear as independent as they always have been, they have small memory lapses. Perhaps forgetting names or familiar words. They may find themselves trying to remember the locations of everyday objects. Eventually, they may be unable to live on their own, unable to care for themselves and unable to remember who you are.
My personal experience with this is somewhat limited as my grandmother suffered from dementia for a short time prior to her passing. But for many, Alzheimer’s Disease is truly “the long goodbye.”
When the Center for Rural Pennsylvania released a study titled Caring for Pennsylvanians with Dementia and Related Disorders: An Analysis of Needs and Capacity in Rural Areas, 2024 to 2034. While the content of the study is alarming, it is important that this information is taken seriously now and worthwhile policy changes are considered.
Authored by professors from Shippensburg and Duquesne universities, the study is a reminder of how quickly Pennsylvanians are aging in general, pointing out that the population age 65 and older would increase by over 23% by 2040.
By 2040, this study predicts, there could be 133,000 more Pennsylvanians diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
The study also determines the proportion of the population with Alzheimer’s in most rural counties will exceed the overall state rate. This is particularly concerning as the study points out residents in rural counties have limited options for institutional care, such as skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes or assisted living residences. There is also an inadequate supply of trained home care givers.
In fact, 23 of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties have two or fewer facilities with dedicated units for those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, and 21 counties have no personal care facilities with specialized units at all.
I began researching this topic when voting in favor of legislation that aims to help address the issue. Act 111 of 2024 establishes the Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Office and the Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Advisory Committee within the Department of Aging.
The committee will include the secretaries of the departments of Aging, Health, Human Services, and Labor and Industry, the majority and minority chairs of the Aging committees from the House and Senate, as well as several stakeholders such as a family member or caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, advocacy groups and a physician.
The newly created office will begin its work by evaluating and implementing elements of a statewide plan created through an executive order issued by Gov. Tom Corbett. This will include reviewing existing programs and identifying service gaps throughout Pennsylvania.
It is likely that both the committee and office will consider recommendations included in the Center for Rural Pennsylvania’s study. Such recommendations include improving eligibility for caregiver support programs such as the Community HealthChoices Program, exploring ways to attract a larger workforce, improving the licensing process to open adult day care facilities and updating training for caregivers.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a legislative agency that is bipartisan and bicameral. It was created in 1987 to promote and sustain the vitality of Pennsylvania’s rural and small communities. To review the report in entirety, visit rural.pa.gov, navigate to Publications and select Research Reports.
Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share:
Looking for Summer Work? – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is looking to hire college students to supplement its permanent workforce from May through August.
The job typically entails seasonal maintenance work and sign upgrade services, maintenance and custodial services at roadside rest facilities, and laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and highway worksites.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be 18 years of age, enrolled in college for the next semester, and have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
The hourly rate is $17. Interested applicants should contact my office before Friday, Jan. 17, and also apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/transferjobs.
Non-student summer positions may also be available.
Celebrate Agriculture at 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show – The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off Saturday, Jan. 4, in Harrisburg. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 11.
This year’s theme is “Powering Pennsylvania,” which aims to highlight the vital role agriculture plays in the Commonwealth’s economy.
As always, the show will feature hundreds of competitions and exhibits, as well as animals and products related to the state’s robust agriculture industry. The annual showcase is a family-friendly event with lots to see and do; and don’t forget to stop by the famous food court for a taste of some Pennsylvania cuisine.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper