Pennsylvania Department of Aging – Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania Department of Aging: Empowering Older Pennsylvanians

State Unit on Aging Headquarters

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, headquartered at 555 Walnut Street within the Forum Place building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, serves as the central state agency dedicated to the well-being of the Commonwealth’s older adults. Functioning as the designated State Unit on Aging, this department oversees a vast network of 52 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that cover all 67 counties. Its primary mission is to promote independence, purpose, and well-being for seniors, ensuring they can age in place with dignity. The Harrisburg office acts as the administrative hub where policy is developed, funding is managed, and statewide programs are coordinated. This location is pivotal for the management of critical services that support not only seniors but also adults with disabilities and caregivers throughout Pennsylvania. 👴👵

Key Programs and Services

While direct services are often delivered at the county level, the Department of Aging at 555 Walnut Street manages the high-level administration of several vital programs:

• PACE and PACENET: The department administers these pharmaceutical assistance programs, which provide low-cost prescription medication to qualified older residents, significantly reducing their healthcare burden.
• Protective Services: A core function is the oversight of elder abuse prevention and investigation. The department coordinates efforts to protect older adults from abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: This office advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers, ensuring their rights and quality of life are upheld.
• Caregiver Support: The department develops resources and reimbursement programs to assist family members who care for older relatives, recognizing the essential role of unpaid caregivers.
• PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources: This initiative connects consumers to a full range of long-term services and supports, streamlining access to help. 🔗

Location and Public Access

The department operates out of the 5th floor of the Forum Place building, a key state government office complex. Visitors should note that this is primarily an administrative office. While staff can assist with high-level inquiries and issues that cannot be resolved locally, most residents will receive direct assistance through their local Area Agency on Aging. Access to the building requires passing through security in the lobby. Public parking is generally not available in the Forum Place garage itself; however, the nearby Fifth Street Parking Garage and other downtown parking facilities serve visitors. The location is conveniently situated near the Harrisburg Transportation Center, making it accessible via regional transit.