The Allegheny County Department of Human Services’ Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has been named a recipient of the 2025 USAging Aging Innovations Award, one of the most prestigious honors in the nation for aging programs. The award, presented on July 20 at the USAging Conference, recognizes Allegheny County’s effective, people-centered response to the direct care workforce shortage, a crisis that left hundreds of older adults in Allegheny County waiting for in-home services.
“Our primary goal is to help older adults live safely and independently in their homes—and we’ve made real progress in making that possible for more people, even in the face of significant challenges,” said Shannah Tharp Gilliam, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging. “By using data, strengthening provider partnerships, and directly supporting workers who chose this critical line of work, we’ve stretched limited resources to reach the people who need help the most.”
Facing a growing need for support and a shrinking pool of workers, AAA took strategic action. The agency approached the direct care worker crisis head-on by combining equitable provider rate adjustments, incentives like grocery and gas cards for workers, and creative recruitment efforts, including partnerships with immigrant-serving organizations and programs working with young adults looking for a career path. AAA also prioritized clients at greatest risk of nursing home placement, emergency care, or overall health decline through a detailed waitlist review and triage strategy.
The result was a 59 percent reduction in the in-home services waitlist (from 480 to 198 older adults) and faster access to care for the county’s most vulnerable seniors.
“I’m proud that our team continues to find practical, high-impact solutions to the toughest problems facing older adults and caregivers,” said Erin Dalton, Allegheny County Department of Human Services Director. “This award is a reflection of the dedication, creativity, and data-driven work happening right here in our community to support aging with dignity.”
AAA helps Allegheny County residents ages 60 and older live safe, healthy, and independent lives. AAA serves as the front door for finding services for yourself, a spouse, relative, or friend. For more information, call SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460 or visit https://connect.allegheny.us/