PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Ollie Tansimore has been caring for his 11-year-old granddaughter for the last 10 years.
“My life is around her, and being around her,” says Tansimore. “And we have a good relationship.”
Last year, he joined Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Caregiver Support Program as a caregiver.
“We offer support to caregivers who are providing support to older adults age 60 and older. And we also provide support to individuals age 55 and older who are caring for a relative child. And we also provide support to individuals age 55 and older who are caring for an adult with a disability,” says Amy McVeigh, Caregiver Support Program Supervisor, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
PCA’s help comes in a variety of ways.
“We offer reimbursement for such things as school supplies, seasonal clothing, extracurricular activities,” says McVeigh.
“She is very good, very good at track and field,” says Tansimore. “I try to keep her motivated.”
Program participants must live in Philadelphia with the child relative, be the primary caregiver and meet income requirements.
“Every caregiver is assigned a care manager and that person works with them directly, intimately, and creates a plan of care. They can touch base with them any time they need assistance,” says McVeigh.
To join the program, call PCA’s helpline at 215-765-9040.
“It was very stressful before I met them,” says Tansimore. “We made an appointment. She came to my house and then she helped me out with the paperwork. What do I need?”
He says it was easy to get enrolled in the program.
“There is no waitlist for services and usually an interview with a care manager can be initiated within two weeks of a phone call,” says McVeigh.
The care manager can address any concerns the older adults may have.
“They worry that they’re not gonna be around long enough, for example,” she says.
“She made sure I have my will. That’s very important,” says Tansimore of his care manager. “And then I like the reimbursement.”
He says the program has been “very positive in both our lives.”
“The love that they have for their grandchildren is what supports them most and keeps them going,” says McVeigh.
And for PCA, the program fits the mission of improving the quality of life for older adults in Philadelphia.
“They very helpful,” says Tansimore.
For more information:
PCA’s Caregiver Support Program
PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Wallace Building
642 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19130
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