Margaret Barajas

The meeting included opening remarks and an agenda overview, followed by updates from the PDA Secretary. Key PDA initiatives discussed were the Grandparents Raising Grand Children legal advice line, the Aging Together in PA Town Halls, the C-Screen web-based platform for rating in-home care agencies, the Reframing Senior Centers partnership, the Rx For Nature toolkit, information on the upcoming Pa Medi Open Enrollment Period, and departmental vaccine efforts. The ADRD Office provided updates on their attendance at various events and announced the evolution of the annual ADRD forum into a collaborative symposium with the Alzheimer's Association, P4A, and Dementia Friends, scheduled for January 13, 2026. The committee approved the bylaws. The ADRD Workgroups update detailed that groups will be centered around the Healthy Brain Initiative framework, covering Risk Reduction, Early Detection and Diagnosis, Caregiving, and Community-Clinical Linkages, with health equity as a cross-cutting focus. Discussion around workgroup topics included the premature nature of widespread biomarker blood testing and the need for multipronged approaches to address increased diagnoses, including partnering with primary care providers. A presentation on the PA CareKit, a resource for unpaid caregivers, was given, highlighting its tailored services and availability. Updates were also provided regarding the Conrad 30 Program deadline, resources for the Lewy Body Community, and upcoming Dementia Friends and Alzheimer's Association events.

This Parent Caregiver's Starter Guide provides a five-step framework and comprehensive resources for individuals supporting a loved one. Key areas of focus include understanding the caregiver's role, gathering vital information, strengthening support systems, developing a detailed care plan, and prioritizing caregiver self-care. The guide aims to empower caregivers by equipping them with the tools to confidently navigate their responsibilities, ensure the well-being of those they care for, and maintain their own health.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Refresh Plan outlines a multi-phase approach to revitalize the PA Link program, a network connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to resources and support. Key objectives include preparing stakeholders for change, redefining program functions, rebuilding internal structures, enhancing services, and ensuring sustainability. The plan aims to strengthen leadership, improve network partnerships, enhance consumer access and experience, increase visibility, and foster continuous improvement, ultimately making it easier for individuals to navigate health and social needs.

The meeting included a review of the agenda, committee introductions, and an overview of the Department of Aging, as well as the ADRD office history and plans. Discussions covered the Aging Our Way plan, Act 111 requirements, and the ADRD State Plan development steps. Workgroups will be developed using the Healthy Brain Initiative Framework designed for stakeholder organizations and advocates with expertise in aging and dementia. Also discussed were tactic action plans, draft and design plan, review and public comment and final publication.

The meeting included agency updates from the Department of Human Services, Department of Aging, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, and Pennsylvania Association for Area Agencies on Aging. Discussions covered topics such as technology summits, transportation work groups, budget requests, direct care worker wage increases, staffing ratios in nursing homes, home and community-based services rate and wage study, investments in Aging Our Way, regulation of skill games, VetCon conference, long-term care transformation office, nursing facility regulations, certified medication aide program, public transportation funding, and the Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Related Diseases Office.