Shapiro administration highlights investments in long-term care improvements

Pennsylvania's Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Debra Bogen, along with representatives from the Department of Aging, will visit Country Meadows of York-West to discuss Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget for 2025-26. The focus is on enhancing care for older adults in Pennsylvania.

Governor Shapiro's budget proposal aims to address the increasing closures of nursing facilities by allocating $7.5 million to support long-term care facilities and tackle staffing challenges. Additionally, a $21 million investment is proposed to raise wages for direct care workers who assist adults with disabilities and older adults.

Currently, over 80,000 Pennsylvanians live in more than 700 nursing homes across the state. In recent years, investments through the Department of Health's Long-Term Care Transformation Office have led to significant quality improvements in these facilities. For instance, Country Meadows utilized its funding to optimize its workforce and enhance resident safety by implementing anti-fall software.

The event will feature Dr. Debra Bogen from the Department of Health, Gabrielle Szymanski as Special Advisor to the Secretary of Aging, and Amy Wagaman, Senior Vice President of Operations at Country Meadows.

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Country Meadows of York-West located at 1920 Trolley Road in York. Attendees are advised to follow onsite signs for parking directions.

Media personnel interested in covering the event should RSVP by contacting ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov with their details.