PENNSYLVANIA — Leaders from the Pennsylvania Departments of Health (DOH) and Human Services (DHS), along with advocates representing older adult associations across the state, convened on Tuesday at Country Meadows of West Shore. The meeting underscored the Shapiro Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve care in long-term care communities.
Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen emphasized the importance of these communities in safeguarding the health of family members and friends. “We rely on long-term care communities to protect and preserve the health of our loved ones – our fathers, mothers, siblings, friends, and neighbors. It is rewarding but challenging work,” she said.
In response to the challenges identified over the past years, the DOH consolidated its efforts into the Long-Term Care Transformation Office earlier this year. This office provides guidance and assistance to long-term care communities, including assisted living, intermediate care, skilled nursing, personal care homes, and state veterans homes, across Pennsylvania. It collaborates with multiple state agencies and stakeholder organizations to understand industry challenges and implement positive change.
The Long-Term Care Transformation Office’s focus areas include long-term care workforce resiliency, infection prevention and control, emergency preparedness, and sustainable outbreak response operations.
Country Meadows of West Shore President and CEO Meredith Mills outlined how the facility is utilizing Quality Investment Pilot grant funding, announced by DOH earlier this year, to supplement its investment in workforce development and infrastructure improvements. This funding is aiding long-term care facilities across the state in implementing innovative strategies to enhance staff training and retention. It also supports the development of infrastructure interventions to improve infection prevention control and emergency preparedness.
“Personal care homes and assisted living facilities offer individuals a place to live where they can both maintain independence and receive the support they need to age in place in their community — where they want to be,” said DHS Executive Deputy Secretary Andrew Barnes. “Facilities like Country Meadows of West Shore are vital long-term care options for Pennsylvanians, and the Shapiro Administration will do everything we can to continue to support staff and the residents across Pennsylvania.”
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