The Atrium, a nonprofit personal care center for low-income seniors, told us that almost all of its residents have found new homes.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, a personal care home offers housing, meals and assistance with medications and personal care tasks to seniors or people with physical, behavioral health, or cognitive disabilities who are unable to care for themselves but do not need nursing home or medical care.

The Atrium, a nonprofit personal care center in downtown Johnstown was doing just that until July, when a press release was sent out stating that the center will be closing permanently, displacing 54 senior residents and resulting in over 40 employees losing their jobs, all in 60 days’ time. Since then, all 54 residents have found new placements with just 8 remaining in the home awaiting transition.

“I think we’ve been able to find an appropriate placement that’s been pleasing for the residents as well as the family members," said Candace McMullen, a spokesperson for the Atrium.

According to the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association more than 230 personal care homes serving SSI – or Supplemental Security Income- beneficiaries closed during the pandemic due to the low $39 daily reimbursement rate. Several senior advocacy organizations have been petitioning the state to increase funding for senior care.

“It really comes down to the budget, the state budget and making sure that there’s enough money and funds appropriated to provide the care," said McMullen. "Personal care is a level of care that really gets stuck in a gap because there is no funding for it. If a facility is not willing to accept SSI and is not able to really effectively manage the number of individuals receiving funds under that SSI program, we have situation very similar to the Atrium."

While the state budget is still not finalized due to unfinished fiscal codes, personal care homes await their futures.

“Many of our residents have called the Atrium home for a number of years and many of our staff members have called the Atrium home as their employer," said McMullen. "It was very heart wrenching for some of the residents and the staff members who have had to say goodbye."

If you’re a senior resident facing displacement from your facility contact your local are agency on aging.

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