Pennsylvania’s Departments of Health, Human Services, and Aging, alongside stakeholder groups, showcased upgrades at Bethlehem’s Kirkland Village, facilitated by the Health Department’s Long-Term Care Transformation Office (LTCTO). These improvements aim to better serve older residents by enhancing facility communications and accessibility.
The LTCTO, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, received backing from the Shapiro Administration, which proposed a $10 million funding for 2024-2025 to continue its mission. Upgrades at Kirkland Village include expanded Wi-Fi access and new push-to-talk devices for staff, improving response times and resident care.
Pennsylvania also emphasizes supporting the long-term care workforce through the “Aging Our Way, PA” plan and the Long-Term Care Council’s strategies, which focus on improving worker wages, benefits, and career opportunities.
Additionally, the LTCTO’s role extends to providing resiliency training, infection control, emergency preparedness, and sustainable outbreak response for various care settings. Governor Shapiro’s recent proposals aim to sustain these efforts with significant investments in workforce development programs and educational initiatives.
These enhancements and strategic funding underscore Pennsylvania’s commitment to supporting its aging population and the professionals who care for them.
