Op-Ed: Protecting Older Pennsylvanians: Balancing Transparency, Accountability, and Dignity

By Karen M. Leonovich, Director of Policy & Programs, PA Association of Area Agencies  on Aging, and former Agency Administrator, Northumberland County Area Agency on  Aging 

Spotlight PA’s ongoing articles raise vital questions but don’t portray necessary context  on how Pennsylvania safeguards its older residents from abuse and neglect. The story  points to a painful truth: every time an older adult is left at risk, our collective promise to  protect the vulnerable is broken. 

As someone deeply invested in the integrity of our older adult protective services system,  I agree that transparency matters. However, it is equally important that public  conversations about these complex issues reflect both the challenges and the progress  underway. 

Understanding “At Risk” vs. “Imminent Risk” 

In the world of Older Adult Protective Services, terminology matters. Being deemed “at risk” does not necessarily mean that an older adult is in immediate  danger or that an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) failed to act. This designation means that  during a monitoring review, the Department of Aging found that part of an investigation or  documentation did not fully meet every procedural requirement — for example, a delay in  paperwork. 

By contrast, “imminent risk” signals a far more serious situation — one in which an older  adult faces an immediate threat to their safety or well-being and urgent intervention is  required. 

In Northumberland County, for example, six older adults were deemed “at risk” in 2022  out of 22 sample cases — roughly a quarter. While any number above zero is 

unacceptable, the figure must be understood in context: the AAA’s protective services  program handled almost 700 reports that year, many of which resulted in swift  intervention, providing support services or removal of an older adult from dangerous  environments.  

In Northumberland County, no older adults were found to be at imminent risk during the  time period referenced by Spotlight PA. The individuals identified as “at risk” were safe  — but their case files reflected administrative delays caused by extraordinary staffing  challenges. 

The Human Reality Behind the Numbers 

Like many human services agencies nationwide, Northumberland County’s Area Agency  on Aging was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the “Great Resignation.”  Out of five protective services staff, only one investigator and one supervisor remained  for much of that period. 

Despite these challenges, the dedicated staff worked tirelessly to ensure no older adult  was left in harm’s way. Every case received attention and care — even when  documentation lagged behind the pace of response. These staff prioritized what mattered  most: safety, intervention, and compassion. 

Confidentiality Is Not Secrecy 

Spotlight PA suggests that withholding data on “at-risk” determinations amounts to  shielding information from the public. The truth is more nuanced. Under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law, noncriminal investigative materials are  protected to preserve confidentiality, so caseworkers can candidly document, families can report concerns without fear, and investigators can assess complex personal situations. 

The Department of Aging has already pledged to release more responsive data. However,  transparency must not come at the expense of privacy and dignity, which are essential to  ethical oversight.

P4A | 525 S 29th Street | Harrisburg, PA 17104 | 717.541.4214 | www.p4a.org 2 

Continuous Improvement and Oversight 

The Department’s new monitoring system has already driven measurable improvements  across Pennsylvania counties. When deficiencies are identified, counties must submit  performance improvement plans and undergo follow-up reviews. In the last year, many  have implemented new supervision standards and care practices. 

Pennsylvania’s aging network — from local caseworkers to state oversight teams — carries one of the most demanding missions in public service. These professionals work  under heavy caseloads, limited resources, and emotionally charged conditions.  Accountability is both fair and necessary. But true transparency must also include context  and compassion. 

We cannot overlook the realities that caseworkers face. Older Adult Protective Services  investigators routinely enter unsafe or uncertain situations to protect older adults. They  do so while working long hours and spending time away from their own families.  Recognizing their challenges deepens our understanding of the system and strengthens  efforts to improve it. 

Respecting the Right to Self-Determination 

Another important thing that people sometimes forget is that older adults have the right  to make their own choices. Under Pennsylvania law, adults over 60 have the right to make  their own decisions, unless determined otherwise by a medical professional. 

Protective services workers cannot override those rights. Their mission is to empower  older adults with information, resources, and choices — not to impose unwanted  interventions. Autonomy and protection must go hand in hand. 

A Call for Balanced Accountability 

Protective services work is not simply about compliance and paperwork. It is about  compassionate response, ethical accountability, and respect for human dignity.

P4A | 525 S 29th Street | Harrisburg, PA 17104 | 717.541.4214 | www.p4a.org 3 

We should continue to press for transparency to help Pennsylvanians understand how  well counties protect older adults. At the same time, we must protect the integrity of  ongoing investigations and the privacy of those involved. 

True accountability is not about blame — it’s about building a system that learns, adapts,  and prevents future harm.