08/18/2026
Yesterday, our Executive Director Susan Saxinger and Mike Conallen had the opportunity to visit PALA member Harrison House of Chester County for an important conversation with Pennsylvania State Representative Dan Williams, Chair of the House Human Services Committee.
The discussion was both timely and important: How does Pennsylvania position itself today to be prepared to care for and house a rapidly growing aging population tomorrow?
We talked candidly about Pennsylvania’s current climate for Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences and what is needed to ensure these essential providers can remain strong, sustainable options for older adults and their families.
A key part of that conversation was the need for permanent Medicaid waiver coverage for assisted living in Pennsylvania—a change that is long overdue. We also discussed H.B. 821 and the importance of advancing policies that recognize the critical role PCHs and ALRs play in Pennsylvania’s long-term care continuum.
Personal care and assisted living provide older Pennsylvanians with much more than care and support. They offer community, social connection, independence, and a home-like setting where residents can continue to live meaningful lives.
We were grateful to be joined by Harrison Senior Living CEO Harrison G. Saunders, along with the Harrison House leadership team and corporate leaders. It was especially meaningful to hear Harrison speak about the organization’s Mission & Values and what it means to operate as a “corporation with a conscience.” That commitment to residents, families, team members, and community was evident throughout our visit.
These are the conversations that move PALA’s advocacy work forward. Bringing policymakers into our member communities provides an opportunity to see firsthand the essential role PCHs and ALRs play while having meaningful conversations about the policy and funding changes Pennsylvania needs to prepare for an aging Commonwealth.
Thank you to Representative Williams for taking the time to listen and engage, and to Ashley Polischeck, Savanna Carr-Brooks, Harrison G. Saunders, and the entire Harrison Senior Living team for welcoming us and participating in this important work.
Pennsylvania’s aging population is growing. The time to build a stronger, more accessible long-term care system is now.
