Older American Act

Older American Act

More Americans are living longer and demanding more from local, state and federal lawmakers so more programs for elders are offered, enlarged or refined. One of the most important laws which provide a basic framework for these services is the Older Americans Act of 1965. This law sets up Area Agencies for the Aging (AAAs) all over the United States. In Pennsylvania, AAAs are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Forum Place Building, Harrisburg, PA 17171-1919; telephone 717-783-1549.

COSA

Delaware County’s local AAA is called COSA. This agency is responsible for planning, coordinating and developing social service programs for older adults in the county. These services and programs are available regardless of race, religion, physical handicap, sex, color, residence, national origin or political beliefs. Consumers may be asked to share toward the cost of some of the services provided, or in some cases, to make a donation.

COSA’s office is located at 206 Eddystone Avenue, 2nd Floor, Eddystone, PA 19022-1594; telephone 610-490-1300 or toll-free 800-416-4504. TDD telephone number 610-490-1900. Staff members at COSA will help you make a start in the search for information regarding programs relating to elder needs and the rules regarding many elder services. Email can also be sent to COSA at COSA@co.delaware.pa.us.

The office hours and days of service for COSA are: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

COSA’s Mission

COSA’s mission is to plan, develop, coordinate and administer a comprehensive and coordinated service system for older county residents to promote well-being and to maintain independence and dignity in a home environment for as long as possible.

Contact COSA or the website to learn more about available services and programs. Following is a list of some of the services offered by COSA:

Information and Assistance (by telephone or walk-in) to answer questions from the general public on the needs of the elderly and to assist people in need with appropriate services regarding:

  • Public Benefits and Entitlements
  • Health and Wellness
  • Health Insurance Counseling
  • Housing Information
  • Legal Assistance
  • Victim Services

In-home Services to help support seniors and families in their home including:

  • Adult Day Care
  • Care Management
  • Family Caregiver Support
  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Home Health
  • Home Modification
  • Medical Equipment & Supplies
  • Mental Health Counseling
  • Personal Care
  • Respite

The Ombudsman Program protects the rights of persons receiving long-term care services in their homes, nursing homes or personal care boarding homes. Call the COSA ombudsman at 610-566-6248.

Protective Services of COSA investigates reports of suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or abandonment for county residents over the age of 60. REPORTS CAN BE MADE ANONYMOUSLY AND CONFIDENTIALITY IS ASSURED IN ALL CASES. CALL COSA AT 610-490-1300 TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE 24 HOURS A DAY.

Community-Based Long-Term Care Services

COSA provides an alternative to people who need nursing facility care by assisting them in receiving community based long-term care services. Specifically, the Options and PDA Waiver Program provide community services to qualifying seniors who would otherwise require nursing facility care, but can be safely cared for at home.

Community-based services can include adult day care, personal care, home delivered meals, respite care, home health care and home support. A medically eligible senior may qualify for the PDA Waiver Program if that senior is age 60 or older, has net income of $1,809 or less per month.

The Bridge Program was eliminated in 2005 for new enrollees. Others who are already eligible will continue to receive benefits under this cost-sharing program.

The application process for either PDA Waiver or Options is initiated by contacting COSA.

Resources

For seniors who have Internet access, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging has an excellent informational website that describes all of the services offered and the ways to obtain them at: www.aging.state.pa.us.

The website for the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging is http://www.p4a.org; the telephone number is 717-541-4214. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging website provides a listing of telephone numbers, addresses and links available by county listing map, city or zip code, or by calling 717-783-1550 or emailing Aging@state.pa.us.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging publishes an annual guidebook entitled “Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians” which is available from COSA, from any member of the Pennsylvania Legislature or by calling the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at 717-783-1549.

For listings of Delaware County nursing homes, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities or for PACE and tax rebate forms, contact COSA by telephone at 610-490-1300.