Community services offers a variety of programs and services to enrich the social, health, nutritional, emotional, educational, and recreational needs of today's mature adults.

Domiciliary Care

The Domiciliary Care or "Dom Care" Program is a residential program that provides a home-like living arrangement in the community for adults age 18 and older who are unable to live alone because of difficulties with daily living skills, in social or personal adjustment, or because of disabilities. Dom Care providers open up their homes to individuals who need a supervised living arrangement in a home-like environment. Dom Care residents are matched to homes that best meet their needs, preferences and interests. Dom Care homes are certified for no more than three Dom Care residents. Unlike larger personal care homes, Dom Care homes are the individual provider's home. They are inspected annually to ensure they meet health and safety standards.

Contact the COSA Housing Director: 610-490-1846.

Click Here to read more about Dom Care

View a brochure about Dom Care

 

Interested in Being a Dom Care Provider?

Dom Care Provider statements:

"I provide caring supervision in a warm, receptive home environment." 

"I get a spiritual feeling out of sharing my home and helping others."

Provider applicants must complete a certification process to assure that the homes meet fire, health & safety regulations. Providers must have satisfactory personal, medical & financial references, as well as a criminal history clearance. If you are interested in the rewarding experience that COSA's Dom Care Program offers, please contact the Dom Care Coordinator at (610) 490-1846.

To apply to be a Dom Care provider, click here.

Actively looking for qualified Dom Care Providers in: Media, Springfield, Clifton Heights, Wallingford, Broomall and central Delaware County locations. (Not accepting applications for Chester, Darby, Sharon Hill or Upper Darby)

Interested in Being a Dom Care Consumer?

Dom Care Consumer statement:

"You get much more than room and board. In Dom Care, you become part of a stable, caring 'family' and can enjoy a sense of belonging and independence that a 'real' home can provide." 

For information and a consumer application, click here.

Revised June 10, 2021


AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program

The gift that lasts a lifetime

The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) provides volunteer opportunities for individuals age 55 and older. These individuals mentor and tutor disadvantaged or disabled youth in a classroom setting, such as daycare centers, Head Start centers, and schools. Volunteers help young people achieve personal independence and self-confidence so that they can learn to overcome their problems and become productive members of society. They help address critical community needs.

Foster Grandparent Volunteers:

•Serve 15 hours a week
•Are 55 years of age or older
•Meet certain income eligibility guidelines
•Receive modest tax-free stipends to offset the cost of volunteering
•Receive reimbursement for transportation, some meals during service, an annual physical, accident and liability insurance while on duty
•Regular training sessions

As a Foster Grandparent Volunteer, you will:

•Know the joy you're making a difference for a child
•Receive the love and admiration of a child
•Experience the respect and support from teachers and peers

Children in Need Benefit from:

•Individual attention and consistent love they might not otherwise receive
•Confidence from your faith in them
•Tutoring to help them succeed in school
•Advice and life skills they need to lead productive lives

Volunteer today

When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others—you’re helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life.

Get involved, and join the AmeriCorps Senior Foster Grandparent Program. Call: 610-490-1498 or 1-800-416-4504.

Learn More

To view a video about the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program in a local elementary school (Highland Park in Upper Darby), click here.

To view a video about the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, http://tvaccessspotsource.com/sites/default/files/CNCS/CNCS_Foster%20Grandparents%20PSA%2060_ProRes-iPhone.m4vclick here.

To view a CBS News Report about the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, click on the link

https://cbsnews.com/video/foster-grandparents-volunteer-and-share-their-love-at-schools/

 

Revised 9/1/21


GATEWAY Program

GATEWAY (Giving Assessment, Treatment, and Empowerment in the Aging Years) targets and identifies isolated, at risk older adults with behavior health (mental health and/or substance abuse) issues. The program evaluates older adults aged sixty and older who are experiencing behavior health difficulties and links them with the appropriate formal and informal community resources and monitors them to track their progress.

Call the COSA Information and Referral Department at 1-800-416-4504 or 610-490-1300 to ask for a referral.


Ombudsman Program

The Ombudsman program is designed to support and empower people by resolving individual complaints involving long-term care service, while working to improve and enhance the long-term living system for the residents and their families.

Ombudsman advocate for and protect the rights of older adults receiving or denied long-term care services in nursing homes, assisted living, adult day centers, domiciliary care homes, personal care boarding homes, or their own homes.

Ombudsmen are client driven and directed.  Serving as an advocate, they act on the wishes of the client.

What Does an Ombudsman Do?

What Concerns Does an Ombudsman Address?

What Are Residents' Rights?

Who Can Use an Ombudsman's Services?

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman?

Volunteers serve as advocates for residents that live in long-term care settings. Under the federal authority of the Older Americans Act, the Ombudsman’s role is that of health oversight along with monitoring quality of life and health care services of those who reside in long-term care facilities. Certified staff from the PA Department of Aging train all Delaware County volunteers.

Join in this effort by becoming a Volunteer Ombudsman. To be connected with an ombudsman supervisor for more information, please call 610-872-1868.

To locate an Ombudsman volunteer opportunity

 


Senior Centers

Senior Centers are located throughout the County. They were designed to bring older adults together for nutritional purposes and have expanded their roles to fulfil social, physical, intellectual, and emotional needs.

Activities vary from center to center, although nutritional meals, educational presentations, movies, trips, volunteer opportunities, social services, and transportation are central to each.

Please click here to see all of the Senior Centers Funded by us.


Transportation Services

Transportation services are provided through an agreement with DELGO Community Transit. DELGO Community Transit is a shared-ride transportation network, providing services to those unable to use public transportation, lacking access to public transportation routes, or those needing more specialized services.

DELGO Community Transit is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and enables persons over the age of 65 to receive 85% reduction off the customary fare. For information about DELGO Community Transit or to request an application, contact 610-490-3960.