Federal Grant Award Summary

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging received a formula grant award of $298,845 from the Administration on Aging (also known as the Administration for Community Living) under the Special Programs for the Aging, Title VII, Chapter 2, Long Term Care Ombudsman Services for Older Individuals program (CFDA 93.042). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, funds the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which investigates and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, board and care facilities, and other long-term care communities. The ombudsman program promotes policies and consumer protections to safeguard the health, safety, welfare, and rights of institutionalized older adults.

Under this statutory formula allocation, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging delivers comprehensive ombudsman advocacy services including complaint identification, investigation, and resolution; resident education regarding long-term services and supports; facilitation of regular and timely resident access to ombudsman services; and representation of resident interests before governmental agencies to secure administrative and legal remedies. The program also analyzes and recommends changes to laws and regulations affecting long-term care residents. As a parent state agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging administers these services through its extensive network of 52 Area Agencies on Aging and may sub-award portions of funding to local agencies and nonprofit organizations to deliver ombudsman services directly to vulnerable senior populations across Pennsylvania.