Advocating for Care: State Representative Alec Ryncavage Meets with Local Family and Allied Services Leader
- Category: News, In-Home Care
- Posted On:
- Written By: Allied Services Integrated Health
On a recent visit to Luzerne County, State Representative Alec Ryncavage (District 119) met with Tracy Hunt, Assistant Vice President In-Home Services at Allied Services, and Monica and Paul Papsun, longtime residents of Mountain Top, to discuss the escalating crisis in Pennsylvania’s homecare workforce and the impact of chronic underfunding for vital services.
For more than 20 years, Paul Papsun has depended on Allied Services caregivers to help him live independently at home following an accident that resulted in an incomplete spinal cord injury. His wife Monica and their son serve as his primary caregivers. Yet, despite qualifying for numerous caregiver shifts, Paul continues to go without the support he needs - reflecting a widespread issue across the Commonwealth.
“There are just not enough caregivers available,” said Hunt. “We’re doing everything we can for Paul, but without enough staff and proper funding, families like the Papsun’s are left to fill in impossible gaps.”
The Papsun's are not alone. Every month across Pennsylvania, more than 112,500 hours of needed care go unfilled due to caregiver shortages and low wages, making it increasingly difficult for seniors and individuals with disabilities to remain safe and supported in their homes.
Representative Ryncavage’s meeting is part of a growing movement urging the Commonwealth to address the inequities in State funding for home and community-based services (HCBS). These services not only improve quality of life but also save taxpayer dollars by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and institutionalization.
Take Action to Protect Home and Community-Based Services
Allied Services, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA), is calling on Pennsylvanians to take action.
Support this cause by sending a message to your state legislators urging them to prioritize funding for homecare services. The process is simple and only takes a minute:
Why It Matters
- Caregivers deserve competitive wages and recognition for the critical role they play.
- Patients deserve consistent, qualified care to remain at home with dignity.
- Families across Pennsylvania are advocating not just for themselves, but for the thousands who face similar challenges every day.
Let’s stand together to ensure that home and community-based services remain accessible, sustainable, and fully funded for the individuals who need them most.
