DeLissio Fights for Better Social Services Funding, System

Pamela DeLissio has experienced many sides to the long-term care issue for seniors. The Democratic state representative managed nursing homes and care facilities before working in Harrisburg. Now, she faces first-hand how to care for her elderly father and aunt.

Her aunt, who still lives independently in Upper Darby, will call her with questions on how to negotiate the convoluted senior services process.

"She says, 'What do people do who don't have a family? You're experts on this and you're confused,'" DeLissio said. "We need to look at some ways to make this system user friendly and how to increase accessibility."

During her quarterly town hall meeting Wednesday at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, the freshman lawmaker discussed budget money and systematic problems present within several human services fields—including intellectual health, behavioral health and senior services.

DeLissio rattled off stats to justify the need for quality senior care. Pennsylvania makes top five lists in several national senior citizen categories, including third most 65-plus residents, fourth most 85-plus residents and fifth most 100-year-olds.

"We're top five in all of these rankings, so we need to pay attention to senior issues. That's why I'm always bending the ear of the secretary for the Department of Aging," she said.

Town hall attendees, many of whom were seniors, addressed several problems they have with state systems, including disability funding, home care and senior transportation.

One resident described what she called an illogical scenario where the state will pay $10,000 monthly for her mother to live at a nursing home, but will only give her fractional assistance to provide for her mother herself. Others complained about the inconsistencies of SEPTA's ParaTransit program.

DeLissio criticized Gov. Tom Corbett and Republicans in the General Assembly for cutting 10 percent (after an initial 20 percent proposal) of funding for human services last year. Not only are vital services lost, she said, but local jobs are lost.

"If our employees are laid off, they are not shopping at Wawa, Acme. They are not shopping at Bernard Guet's Roxborough Development Corporation Ridge Avenue business corridor," she said.

Kathy Manderino, former state representative and now with Intercommunity Action of Roxborough, said one example of the budget cuts is the potential termination for the group's day activities center. About 40 adults with intellectual disabilities daily receive skill stimulation.

"Some people have been coming to Interact for 20 to 30 years. We are afraid they will lose that circle of friends, and we think they'll be devastated," she said.

Although DeLissio calls for more funding, she questions the entire system and how the budget gets made.

"They aren't bringing stakeholders to the table. Sure, people will want more money, but maybe we should ask people on the ground what makes sense to cut. You may end up saving money," she said.