During my seven years as Secretary of Aging in Pennsylvania, I met thousands of families and older people who were searching for healthcare and housing options to meet their needs to remain in the community. Others were in search of high quality skilled nursing care to take care of their mom, dad, husband or wife. They all had one thing in common — they needed solid information to help them make sound choices. This point was brought home to me when I cared for my husband’s 96 year-old grandmother. We cared for her at home, took her to her doctors, signed her up for adult day care, hired home health aides and following her stroke, found an excellent nursing home to meet her medical needs. Knowing where to turn, and who to call made my life easier and Grandma’s quality of life better.

Making good decisions means getting your hands on good information. All too often, families and older consumers just aren’t aware of the many options available to them in the fast growing field of long term care. So, in response to your needs, PANPHA generously offers you this Resource Guide to make it easier for you and yours to track down the wide array of housing options that are now available from living in the community to living in a skilled nursing facility. As you go through the guide you’ll be given the contact information you need — either a phone call or a click away — to get you in touch with those who can give you the answers you need. PANPHA even provides you with a smart set of questions to ask providers when you’re searching for a skilled nursing facility.

Enjoy using the guide, and be sure to share it with family and friends. Remember, informed choices are the best choices.

Dr. Linda M. Rhodes

Former Secretary of Aging, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1987-1994), Author of the nationally syndicated book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Caring for Aging Parents by Macmillan USA.
www.lindarhodes.com