DALLAS — There are 2.4 million unpaid caregivers helping 3.4 million seniors in Pennsylvania, according to Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.
“Caregiving is important work that can be deeply rewarding, but it also presents significant challenges for caregivers’ personal well-being,” he said. “Better resources for our caregivers mean safer homes for our loved ones.”
Kavulich appeared at Misericordia University’s “Caregiver Support Symposium” on Tuesday for a presentation on the Department of Aging’s PA CareKit, which was introduced in May 2025.
Kavulich said PA CareKit is a powerful example of how governments can leverage innovation to streamline access to critical information for family caregivers. He and Nathan Lampenfeld, special assistant to Kavulich, reviewed all the aspects of the PA Care Kit — a resource designed to help caregivers stay organized and informed in managing the needs of older adults.
Also presenting were:
• Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce, who led a discussion on elder abuse, fraud prevention, and steps families can take to safeguard vulnerable adults.
• Dr. Tifanny Mulally, Misericordia University, who spoke on the importance of mobility for caregivers and practical ways to support safe movement and physical well-being.
First Five Steps
Lampenfeld said caregiving is a journey that can be both rewarding and challenging.
“Starting the journey and navigating the emotional, physical, and logistical aspects of caregiving can feel overwhelming,” Lampenfeld said. “The First Five Steps are designed to help people get started.”
Step 1: Understanding your role — before you begin, take time to reflect on your role as a caregiver.
Step 2: Gather information — being informed will empower you to make decisions with confidence.
Step 3: Strengthen the support system — caregiving is not a solo journey. Build a team to help.
Step 4: Make a plan — planning reduces stress and ensures no detail is overlooked, especially in an emergency.
Step 5: Take care of yourself — caregiving is hard work, and your health and well-being matter.
“Regardless of your circumstances, the PA Care Kit aims to provide essential information, encourage reflection, and offer resources that will help both you and the person you are providing care for,” Lampenfeld said.
Kavulich said since the launch of the PA CareKit in May 2025, more than 315,000 people have taken advantage of the tailored services on the Department’s website.
“The PA CareKit provides training, connection to respite services, and personalized tools to help caregivers like spouses, adult children, and grandparents raising grandchildren address their unique situations,” he said.
The Department has been spreading the word about the PA CareKit through television ads, a digital marketing campaign, and by unveiling the PA CareKit in person to caregivers and advocates in communities across the Commonwealth.
Since May 2025, Kavulich said nearly 10,000 Pennsylvanians have visited the PA CareKit Caregiver Quiz, a tool that helps them understand their needs and receive tailored support and resources based on their caregiving situation.
“We are proud that thousands of Pennsylvanians have found support in the PA CareKit,” Kavulich said. “The caregivers who are doing vital work every day had a voice in developing this innovative tool. The PA CareKit is here to help make the caregiving process easier for the person providing care, while making sure they are looking after their own well-being. When a caregiver receives the support they need, that results in better quality of care and life for both them and the person for whom they are caring.”
The Caregiver Support Symposium featured a discussion led by DA Sanguedolce on fraud, abuse, and neglect of older adults, and body stress relief for the caregivers. He also spoke about the ever-increasing number of scams targeting older residents.
“We see many cases of elder abuse,” Sanguedolce said. “Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse happens, and we ask the public that if they see or suspect crime, please report it to law enforcement. Be proactive about getting justice.”
The PA Care Kit is available at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/pa-carekit
Print materials from the PA CareKit are available for free at community libraries, the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, and Senior Community Centers across the Commonwealth — and an electronic version is available on the Department’s website.