Gaydos Supports Legislation to Strengthen Oversight, Protect Older Pennsylvanians

September 29, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) is co-sponsoring legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania's 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and ensure older Pennsylvanians receive the protection, services and support they deserve.

The legislation would establish additional safeguards for the Department of Aging's monitoring of older adult protective services and the agencies responsible for serving seniors across the Commonwealth.

"Our seniors deserve to know that when they need help, our system is working for them," said Gaydos. "This legislation is about strengthening oversight, improving accountability and making sure we have the right safeguards in place to protect older Pennsylvanians. We have an opportunity to take what we have learned and make improvements that will give seniors and their families greater confidence in the services designed to support them."

The legislation follows a Sept. 23 performance audit by Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor that identified weaknesses in the Department of Aging's oversight of elder abuse investigations under its Comprehensive Aging Performance Evaluation (CAPE) monitoring system. The audit included recommendations to strengthen monitoring, accountability, transparency, investigation timelines, record retention and staff training.

"Protecting older adults should always be a priority, and we have a responsibility to make sure our oversight systems reflect that commitment," said Gaydos. "By strengthening these safeguards, we can help ensure older Pennsylvanians receive the dignity, care and protection they deserve."

Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
[email protected]
RepGaydos.com / Facebook.com/RepGaydos