Q&A with Garry Pezzano, President and CEO, LeadingAge PA

What are the crucial issues that need to be addressed for Pennsylvania to most effectively deal with its aging residents in the short- and long-term?

Over 27 nursing homes have closed in Pennsylvania since 2020. At the remaining homes, 1 in 4 beds are empty due to a lack of funding and workforce. These issues affect every part of the aging services ecosystem. The only appropriate response to this access-to-care crisis is immediate funding and an earnest effort to build a workforce pipeline.

The long-term solution has been discussed for decades: system integration and a focus on the person. This happens when we invest in technology, support providers, and fix the system instead of the historic survey-and-punish model.

What are some of the ways you/your organization are working to make that happen?

LeadingAge PA advocates on behalf of members and models the needed support. We’ve assessed the Medicaid dollars needed in this state budget cycle for nursing homes ($70M) and the LIFE Program ($8.9 plus inflation). We’ve shared the personal stories of struggle experienced by older Pennsylvanians in need of care. Now it’s up to our state government to do the right thing.

We’ve also assisted in crafting a Workforce Package and a Medicaid Pending bill with legislative champions and started a movement we call LTSS Evolve which has been successful in causing disruption and making incremental improvements within the long-term care and regulatory systems.

In addition, we work to alleviate some of our members' workforce pressures through scholarships and grants that encourage internships and further education. Our Careers to Love campaign attracts job-seekers to the field and helps them find jobs in aging services near them.

What is your elevator pitch to explain just how important adapting and optimizing how older Pennsylvanians live is to improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians?

Pennsylvania is among the top 10 oldest states in the nation. However, due to inadequate funding and a dwindling workforce, we are struggling to adequately provide for the needs of this rapidly growing aging population. We have the means to close the funding gap and support a dedicated workforce, but do we have the will?

I have been at this for over 40 years. It's an honor, a privilege, and a responsibility to care for our seniors. LeadingAge PA is ready and willing to work with state officials and other stakeholders to move toward the aging services system Pennsylvanians deserve.

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