Harrisburg, PA – Following the Pennsylvania Department of Aging launch of the PA CareKit in May – a resource to support the Commonwealth’s unpaid caregivers including spouses, adult children, and grandparents raising grandchildren – national organizations that advocate for older adults, their caregivers and families are praising the Department’s “personalized” and “easy-to-use” resource. The PA CareKit provides training, connection to respite services, and personalized tools to help informal caregivers address their unique situations.
The National Alliance for Caregiving, the National Academy for State Health Policy, and ADvancing States are praising the PA CareKit, which offers an array of personalized and tailored resource guides, and resources for families to evaluate and select professional caregivers. Print materials from the PA CareKit will be available for free at community libraries, the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, and Senior Community Centers across the Commonwealth – and an electronic version is available on the Department’s website.
“Caregiving is important work that can be deeply rewarding, but it also presents significant challenges for caregivers’ personal well-being,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “Better resources for our caregivers mean safer homes for our loved ones."
The Department of Aging recently presented the PA CareKit to a national audience of aging and disability experts, policymakers and advocacy groups. Multiple organizations have highlighted the PA CareKit’s potential to benefit older adults in other states.
“The PA CareKit is a powerful example of how governments can leverage innovation to streamline access to critical information for family caregivers. By centralizing tools and resources in one place, Pennsylvania is helping families more easily navigate long-term services and supports, which often feel overwhelming and fragmented,” said Jason Resendez, President & CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving. “The PA CareKit demonstrates what’s possible when states prioritize caregiver needs and invest in making care coordination more accessible, equitable, and effective.”
“Caregivers often don’t know where to turn for assistance. This tool is a great example of an easy to use and extensive resource to help caregivers get the help they need,” said Wendy Fox-Grage, Senior Director, The National Academy for State Health Policy.
“ADvancing States supports state efforts to improve services for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. We’re pleased to see Pennsylvania launch a statewide caregiver navigation tool that offers a personalized, easy-to-use experience,” said Martha Roherty, Executive Director, ADvancing States. “Pennsylvania’s work on the PA CareKit sets a strong example for other states looking to build or expand similar systems.”
These experts have lauded the PA CareKit, saying it stands out as a national model by:
- giving caregivers a clear starting point when they don’t know where to begin;
- supporting all types of caregivers, including spouses, adult children, and grandparents raising grandchildren;
- offering customized guidance based on each caregiver’s role and needs; and
- reflecting real-life caregiving challenges because it was built with input from caregivers and experts.
The development of the PA CareKit was a top aging services priority in Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget and is the result of year one of implementing Aging Our Way, PA – a 10-year plan to improve the infrastructure of aging services.
In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Governor Shapiro is proposing a $3 million investment for year two implementation of the plan. During this timeframe, the Department will focus on modernizing and strengthening the PA Link, which serves as Pennsylvania’s Aging and Disability Resource Center network, designed to streamline access to long-term services and supports. The PA Link facilitates collaboration among Pennsylvania’s AAAs, Centers for Independent Living, and other community-based organizations to ensure seamless service delivery across the Commonwealth.
Visit the Department of Aging’s website to learn more about the PA CareKit.