What is the OPTIONS Program?

The Options program provides in-home services to individuals who are living independently but having difficulty with activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing and grooming) and do not have the resources to pay privately for help at home. Older adults may be required to pay a portion of the cost, depending upon their income.


The Options Care Manager will meet with the older adult, discuss his or her unmet needs and what services might be available through Office of Aging (OOA) to help. Examples of services are:


  • Personal Care: bathing, dressing, grooming
  • Home-delivered Meals: if older adult is unable to attend Senior Center for meals, unable to drive, and has no one who can cook for them
  • PERS (Personal Emergency Response System): if older adult has a history of falls and lives alone
  • Grocery Shopping: if the older adult is unable to drive and has no one able to do this
  • Laundry: if the older adult cannot do this and has no one able to do it
  • Adult Day Services: for older adults with functional impairments who require supervision

Show All Answers

1. What is the OPTIONS Program?
2. Can I get financial help from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) to care for my loved one at home?
3. Who is eligible for Options services?
4. Do I have to pay for OPTIONS services?
5. Why do I have to go through that long home visit and interview when all I need is a little help with my bath?
6. I'd rather be taken care of at home; do I have to go to a nursing home?
7. What if I disagree with decisions for my care made by the caseworkers?
8. Can the Office of Aging supply me with incontinence pads?