February 23rd, 2009

Reports the Times-Tribune:

The needs of aging baby boomers are driving the biggest state agency reorganization in years.

Gov. Ed Rendell wants to give a revamped agency authority over $4 billion of annual spending on long-term care programs.

He seeks to put programs that provide long-term care for senior citizens in nursing homes and in their own homes, as well as disabled adults, under a Department of Aging and Long-Term Living. The type of care can range from periodic visits by a trained aide to an individual’s home to around-the-clock care at nursing homes.

Mr. Rendell said the state can deliver services more efficiently and offer more options for care to the elderly under this umbrella agency.

Behind the governor’s proposal are demographic trends in Pennsylvania: The number of Pennsylvanians age 65 and over is expected to increase by 1 million by 2020. This group will account for 22 percent of the state’s population by then, compared to 15 percent today. By 2020, the percentage of Pennsylvanians over age 65 will equal the percentage under age 15.

…

If state lawmakers approve the proposal, the Department of Public Welfare will cede oversight over long-term care programs.

Read more at the Times-Tribune.