Senior Companion Program recognizes dedicated volunteers at annual luncheon
By Gina Mazza
The Senior Companion Program of Allegheny County—offered through the Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging—hosted its annual recognition luncheon on June 14 at Edgewood Country Club. Senior Companions are volunteers, ages 55 and older, who visit lonely or isolated seniors once or twice a week, providing much needed companionship and friendship.
Seniors receiving visits typically require some extra assistance to remain living independently at home,” explains Senior Companion Program Man-
ager John Miller. “While some of these seniors have medical issues, others are simply lonely or isolated, or lacking in family or social supports. Having visits from Senior Companions helps to brighten their days and lift their spirits.”
Miller kicked off the luncheon by thanking the Senior Companions for their volunteer service. “It is amazing how you start out as strangers and very quickly become friends with people who benefit so much from your visits,” he commented.
He highlighted that the program is now 50 years old, having started in 1974. To demonstrate how long ago that was, he noted that a
dozen eggs back then cost 45 cents and a gallon of gas was 42 cents. Miller then told the story of the young girl who was seen on the beach throwing stranded starfish back in the water. A man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”
The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference for that one!” Continued on page
Five Years of Service:
• Nancy Borres
• Eleanor Brickley
• Nancie Cassata
• Barbara Cohen
• Beverly Davis
• Lynette Devers
• Amy Fulton
• Jeannie George
• Arlene Hurt
• Elizabeth Jennings
• Debra McMillian
• Vera Threet
10 Years of Service:
• Hilda Arture
• Chitra Gurung
• Norma Jean Milner
• Marge Saban
• Pat Turney
• Catherine Warner
15 Years of Service:
• Shirley Marshall
• Lorraine Meskowski
20 Years of Service:
• Rose Rouse
30 Years of Service:
• Dorothy Pisano
John Miller recognizes Rose Rouse’s 20 years of service.
Publisher’s Corner
These crisper fall months are a great time to take in a show, attend a senior expo, practice Tai Chi for fall prevention, or take a craft class at your local library; see pages 16, 18 and 20 for event details.
Speaking of being active, in this issue we honor various older adults who regularly volunteer to help others around Allegheny County. Read the articles on pages 3, 10 and 15 for more information.
Happy autumn, everyone!
North Hills Community Outreach marks three decades of serving seniors
North Hills Community Outreach volunteers and participants gather to celebrate 30 years of serving older adults in northern Allegheny County.
North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) recently celebrated three decades of providing assistance to local older adults through its Older Adults Programs, which includes In Service of Seniors and Free Rides for Seniors. A gathering to commemorate the anniversary took place at NHCO’s Millvale office on Lincoln Avenue. Attendees enjoyed a light meal and social time with one another.
“We are so grateful for those who were able to join us, as well as the multitude of individuals who have contributed to our success over the past 30 years: enthusiastic volunteers, dedicated staff, passionate community partners and, of course, our cherished older neighbors,” comments Angela Spess, NHCO’s Program and Outreach Manager.
NHCO is a community- and interfaith-based organization that addresses the needs of people in crisis, hardship and poverty through a variety of services. The In Service of Seniors program helps adults ages 60 and older in northern Allegheny County age in their homes, safely and with dignity. They achieve this through volunteerbased services that provide practical supports such as home safety checks, friendly home visits, snow shoveling, some yard work and rides to medical appointments, the grocery store and other errands. Services are provided by trained, qualified volunteers who are required to have criminal background and personal reference checks. The program is free to individuals in NHCO’s service area and there are no income restrictions.
Other Services
NHCO also provides:
Food Pantry : NHCO operates three food pantries, located in Allison Park, Millvale and Avalon.
Transportation Assistance : The program helps individuals experiencing financial hardship or crisis to secure reliable transportation for their employment, job search, or education and vocational training.
Free Rides for Seniors : NHCO’s 10-passenger shuttles provide free transportation to those ages 60 and older and residing in Blawnox, Sharpsburg, Aspinwall, Fox Chapel and O’Hara along or near Freeport Road. The shuttles can be used to get to medical appointments, grocery stores, UPMC St. Margaret, banks, pharmacies and other destinations of critical importance to seniors. A second shuttle serves seniors in Etna, Millvale, lower Shaler, Sharpsburg, Tarentum, Natrona Heights, Cheswick, Brackenridge, Oakmont, and Verona on various days of the week.
Utilities and Rental Assistance: NHCO might be able to help qualifying families with utilities and rent through various programs, such as Customer Assistance Program (CAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)and Dollar Energy.
Financial Emergencies: As funds allow and depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, NHCO may be able to assist with rent or a security deposit to prevent homelessness.
Free Tax Prep: NHCO provides free tax return preparation services for qualifying individuals.
Ask the Attorney: This program provides free 30-minute legal consultations to eligible residents of northern Allegheny County for noncriminal matters, including divorce, bankruptcy or landlord/tenant concerns.
Looking to volunteer?
Consider joining the NHCO team. “As our neighbors are aging, our Older Adults Services aim to support them and ensure they can live with dignity while remaining in their homes. We greatly need volunteers to meet the increasing demand for services at this time,” Angela comments.
To inquire about volunteer opportunities, call (412) 487-6316, ext. 3323 or visit nhco.org/volunteer-to-helpseniors.
To learn more, visit nhco.org.
District Attorney Zappala launches “Red Flags of Fraud” video to raise awareness of fraud and elder abuse
Left to right: Michael Horvath, HUD Field Office Director, Pittsburgh Region; Caster D. Binon, Executive Director, Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh; Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala; and, Michelle Sandidge, Chief Community Affairs Officer, Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. recently launched a video called “Red Flags of Fraud” in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) and in conjunction with Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Written and produced by the District Attorney’s Office in collaboration with HACP, the video features Senior Justice Advocates Cyndie Carioli and Joe Giuffre educating viewers on how to spot a potential scam and report fraud. Residents of the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh—William Bey and Brenda Toley—also share their personal experiences with scams. The video is available for view on YouTube (see below).
According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County holds the second largest population of residents age 60 and older. Due to its rising population of older adults, our area is heavily targeted by cyber criminals and scammers preying on their next victims. In 2016, DA Zappala established the Senior Justice Team to protect older adults and prevent fraud by providing them with education and resources. Since then, this team of Senior Justice Advocates has prevented more than $35 million of fraud by educating and encouraging people to take the right steps, spot the red flags and stay aware.
“Continuing awareness and education is the best way to combat the new scams that target and exploit our community daily,” DA Zappala commented. “Furthering awareness helps prepare our most vulnerable citizens to fight back and protect themselves from fraud and abuse.”
“The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh proudly
provides housing and supportive services to thousands of Pittsburgh seniors and strives to ensure that they have the highest quality of life,” added Executive Director Caster Binion. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to work in unison with DA Zappala and his team to further awareness and better protect our most vulnerable residents from scams, fraud and abuse.”
How to view the video : Go to: youtube.com/ watch?v=DhKdMCCkgPk
The team of Senior Justice Advocates consists of:
• Dick Skrinjar: dickatda@gmail.com
• Cyndie Carioli: cyndieatada@gmail.com
• Joe Guiffre: joeatda@gmail.com
They are available to speak to your group or at your next event. Contact them at the emails above.
Dick Skrinjar, Cyndie Carioli, District Attorney Stephen Zappala and Joe Giuffre gather to launch the “Red Flags of Fraud” video.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud or abuse, contact the DA’s Office to be connected with a Senior Justice Advocate. The District Attorney’s Office serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Office of the county and accepts referrals from more than 100 active police departments including the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, call (412) 350-4401 or visit alleghenycountyda.us.
Social Security changes the way beneficiaries sign into online services
By Katie Searight Social Security District Manager, Pittsburgh
For over 10 years, my Social Security has helped many people access our programs and services online. Soon, we will change the way you sign in to all our online services including my Social Security. You will no longer be able to sign into your personal my Social Security account using your username and password. Instead, you’ll need to use one of our credential service providers: Login.gov or ID.me. If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account and can sign into our online services, please continue using that account.
If you only have a Social Security username, our screens will guide you through the process to transition your account to Login.gov. Login.gov provides enhanced online security, helps protect you from identity theft, and allows you to create an account that can be used across other agencies. It will only take a few minutes to create a new Login.gov account.
How to transition your Social Security username account to Login.gov
To transition your account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select “Sign In.” On the next page, select “Sign in with Social Security Username.” After you successfully sign in with your Social Security username and password, you will receive a prompt to create an account with Login.gov. You will then be taken to the Login.gov website.
Once you successfully link your Social Security username with your new Login.gov account, you will see a confirmation screen. You can start using your new Login.gov account to access our online services immediately. You will no longer be able to sign in with your personal my Social Security account using your Social Security username. Login.gov has 24/7
customer support through phone and chat at www.login.gov/ help to help you set up an account, if needed.
If you’re not receiving benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:
Request a replacement Social Security card.
Get estimates for future benefits.
Get your Social Security Statement instantly.
Get proof that you do not receive benefits.
Check your application status.
• If you’re receiving benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:
• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Get an instant benefit verification letter.
• Start or change your direct deposit (Social Security ben- eficiaries only).
• Change your address (Social Security beneficiaries only).
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season.
• Opt out of mailed notices for those available online.
For more information, read the publication “my Social Security: How to Create an Online Account” at ssa.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10540.pdf.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering to help those in your community! Just an hour of your time each week or month can make an amazing difference in a person’s life.
Who Should Volunteer
• Individuals (young adults to older adults)
• Families
• Students
• Corporate Groups and Professional Organizations
• Faith-based Groups
• Community Organizations
Is a nursing home catastrophe looming in Pennsylvania?
By Mary Bach
We sometimes hear about “the perfect storm”, when an unusual combination of events or situations produce an unusually bad or powerful result. One is occurring in Pennsylvania right now, and involves nursing homes and long-term care issues. It is impacting many, many families … and mine was one.
My husband died on December 31, 2023. During his last six months, he had two major surgeries and a massive heart attack. Between hospitalizations, he was released, at one time or another, to three different nursing homes. Because of his physical size
(he was a tall, big guy), and because of the actual layout of our house, I knew I could not care for him at home. His Stage 4 prostate cancer had metastasized into his bones and he was totally bedridden.
After his surgeries, the social worker at the hospital contacted several nursing homes and finally found one that would accept him and his Medicare Advantage plan. He was there for two weeks and hated it. They were understaffed, the room wasn’t optimum, and he was miserable! One day, he tried to get out of bed by himself after no one responded to his call. He fell and was taken back to the hospital. He was in the emergency room under observation as the days ticked by. A social worker again started calling nursing homes to try and find a bed for him. The process was difficult and stressful, but after a week she was successful, and they accepted his Medicare Advantage coverage.
In this second location, care was adequate and he was reasonably comfortable, but he had a massive heart attack on October 16. We had a “do not
resuscitate” order in place, but it was overlooked and they did CPR and used a defibrillator five times to keep him alive. He was rushed to a different hospital emergency room and was not expected to live; thankfully, he did. After nine days of gradual improvement, he needed a nursing home bed. The hospital social worker found one available at a third facility, but only if we were “private pay”—that is, payment for 30 days paid in full, up front. I handdelivered a check to them for $11,100 that day, and he was transferred that night. He died there nine weeks later.
All of these ins and outs, ups and downs were difficult for him and our entire family. I have seen firsthand that the nursing home industry is in disarray. Covid-19 took its toll, literally. Many locations are unable to hire enough qualified and capable workers. Pennsylvania has recently put into place a law that mandates nurse-to-patient ratios and direct-care hours. In addition, the Federal government has implemented a new rule establishing minimum staffing requirements, yet Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements aren’t increasing, thereby stretching resources even further. Many of these homes have beds, but they don’t have adequate staff to meet the government regulations, so the beds stay empty.
The Pennsylvania Health Care Association reports that more than 70 percent of nursing homes residents depend on the state Medicaid program to fund their care, which is expensive, and those reimbursements from the government have not kept pace with actual costs. Nursing home employees are leaving those jobs for other, less stressful and more lucrative opportunities, and who can blame them. The lack of available beds to meet the need is becoming more dire and is a critical issue.
My husband and I were blessed that we were able to pay outright for his end-of-life care, but many people are not so fortunate. Something needs to change and must change! Nursing home care is imperative in many situations, but without personnel to cover necessary services, beds are simply not readily available. Incentives, maybe with strings attached, should be given to those willing to work in the field. Our lawmakers need to be realistic about the regulations they are putting into place. We never know when any of us or our loved ones may need to utilize one of these facilities.
Mary Bach is a nationally recognized consumer advocate and Chair of the AARP Consumer Issues Task Force. She can be reached at (724) 327-6969 or mbadvocate@msn.com.
SWPPA honors outstanding volunteers at annual awards celebration
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging (SWPPA) recently hosted its 2024 Awards Celebration, which honors the outstanding achievements of its volunteers. Receiving Pruitt-Kelly Awards this year are:
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Pieffer, President and CEO of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Jim has dedicated his entire career to addressing the needs and desires of older adults in our region, particularly low-income seniors.
• Frontline Caregiver Award: Stacey Beatty, caregiver at Superior Home Care. She has provided direct care since 2008, and her tenure alone is remarkable.
• Age-Friendly Leadership Award: Charles Howell and Monique, Age-Friendly’s Workforce Work Group Co-Chairs. They have been instrumental in developing resources for older job seekers, while reaching employers and community organizations to make their workplaces more age friendly.
• John E. McGrady, Jr., Philanthropic Partner Award: John McGrady. Throughout his life and until his passing in 2022, John’s desire was to promote the welfare and well-being of individuals in need. He served on numerous committees and boards of non-profit and charitable organizations.
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging (SWPPA) is a volunteer-led organization with more than 300 members representing more than one million older adults across 10 counties of southwestern Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Its members include organizations and businesses, as well as individual members such as civic leaders, business owners, medical professionals, scholars, professionals in aging services, students and residents of all ages.
Award recipients Monique Yost, Rev. Dr. T. Charles Howell IV, Stacey Beatty and Jim Pieffer; Mike McGrady and John McGrady (sons of John McGrady); and SWPPA Board Vice President Tony Turo.
A LIFE OF YOUR OWN
Community LIFE helps keep seniors independent and in their homes with an all-inclusive program and insurance plan. With eight Health and Wellness Centers throughout the region, you can drop by and have a cup of coffee, laugh with friends, and take care of your health all at once. And for your convenience, this program offers transportation to and from the centers and to medical appointments.
This friendly, vibrant community is created
through Community LIFE’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as they welcome seniors from all walks of life to join their program. They offer a complete network of medical specialists to cover the full spectrum of medical and health care needs, from diseases like dementia to physical disabilities. Comprehensive health care teams help coordinate care with access to physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and more.
“My life just completely turned around.”
-James Y.
Community LIFE services: • Medical care • Pharmacy
• In-home care • Transportation • Recreation
Meals • Rehabilitation
Let Community LIFE handle your everyday care, so you can spend more time with the people you care about.
Visit commlife.org to apply or call 1-866-419-1693 to learn about program eligibility.
Senior Companion Program recognizes dedicated volunteers at annual luncheon
Continued from page 1
Miller furthered the point of this story by noting that while the program cannot help every senior in Allegheny County, it sure benefits those who participate. He read some testimonials from care recipients:
• My Senior Companion and I get along fine. She is a nice lady. She is about my age. She really cares.
• She is an exceptionally kind, compassionate person. She works hard to arrange activities my husband enjoys.
• She comes over for some well-needed conversation and companionship.
The recognition event got into full swing with musical entertainment from local singers Darryl and Kim Askew. Their songs had many folks on their feet and dancing. After lunch, key leaders from the Area Agency on Aging praised the Senior Companions for what they do. The director of the agency, Dr. Shannah Gilliam, remarked that “You are the eyes and ears for the community. What you do is an invaluable part of our agency’s mission.”
Miller spoke next about how the program has grown in the past year. “We brought on a total of 26 people this year—14 people in December and 12 folks in May.” He asked the new Senior Companions to stand and be recognized.
The awards presentation followed, with various Senior Companions being recognized for their milestones of service. Twelve volunteers were recognized for five years of service with the pro-
gram; six volunteers were recognized for 10 years of service; and two were celebrated for 15 years of service. (Please see sidebar for a listing of names.) All received floral bouquets and certificates of achievement.
The day culminated with the announcement of Senior Companions for 20 and 30 years of service, respectively. Rose Rouse was recognized for 20 years and Dorothy Pisano, who could not attend due to a previously scheduled family trip, was recognized for 30 years with the program. “I am impressed by each and every one of you,” Miller commented, “but these two individuals are particularly incredible. They are still out helping others at ages 86 and 94. They do not let their age slow them down or deter them from helping others.”
Rose was happy to share the moment with her two daughters, Darla and Lori. “I love this program,” she said, beaming with joy. “It helps me as much as I help them.”
For more information about the Senior Companion Program, call John Miller at (412) 350-4061.
Ten-years-of-service award recipient Catherine Warner with her daughter, Carleen Marmon.
Shirley Marshall [right] celebrates her 15 years of service along with her daughter, Delicate Jones, at the luncheon.
John Miller with Vera Threet, who was honored for her five years of service.
John Miller presents Hilda Arture with a 10-years-of-service certificate as her grandson, Colton Camacho, looks on.
Five-year award recipient Lynette Devers.
Fifteen-year award recipient Lorraine Meskowski.
Ten-year award recipient Marge Saban with her daughter, Margie Adams.
John Miller recognizes Rose Rouse’s 20 years of service.
Five-year award recipient Barbara Cohen.
Allegheny County DHS/AAA receives award for its innovative Community Care Transition Program
The Aging and Disability Business Institute at USAging presented the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging with The John A. Hartford Foundation 2024 Business Innovation Runner-Up Award for its Community Care Transition Program (CCTP). The award was presented on July 10 at the USAging’s 49th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Tampa, Florida. This evidenced-based CCTP model lowers hospital readmission rates and teaches patients to achieve higher levels of self-management, and provides supportive care and resources after hospital discharge.
CCTP supports Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who are considered high risk to be safely discharged by providing additional services and social supports to prevent readmission. The Allegheny County DHS/ AAA CCTP, in partnership with area health plans, provides health-related social care that individuals need after hospital discharge when they lack support and access to continuing care. In 2022, the CCTP program made more than 1,600 interventions and referrals, translating to $5.3 million in savings. CCTP is selfsustaining by working with several payors, applying evidence-based financial models and through new pilots looking to expand and offer behavioral health and housing supports.
“One in five adults ages 60 and older in the U.S. is readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge, ac- counting for $26 billion in readmission costs each year. The Allegheny County CCTP has successfully reduced these costs by providing valuable supportive services for patients lacking vital support after hospital discharge. It links patients to medical professionals and community resources so that patients have more control over their health. We are honored that USAging and The John A. Hartford Foundation recognized our partnership with Highmark Wholecare through its Business Innovation Award program,” commented Dr. Shannah Tharp Gilliam, Director of Aging Services and the Area Agency on Aging at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.
“We are thrilled to congratulate the recipients of The John A. Hartford Foundation 2024 Business Innovation Award,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “Their dedication to innovative solutions in healthcare has not only set a benchmark for excellence but also aligns perfectly with our mission to drive impactful change. These pioneers have demonstrated extraordinary creativity and commitment to improving the lives of older adults and people with disabilities, and their achievements inspire us all to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We are honored to support and celebrate such remarkable contributions to the field.”
[From left:] Hanifa Nakiryowa, Darren Cerrato, Dr. Shannah Tharp Gilliam, Rainna Bernesser, JR Jones, Dr. Hannah Hardy, Clare Cruz and Brian Bell attend USAging conference in Tampa, Florida.
PEER Program residents and volunteer ombudsmen recognized at 25th anniversary event
PEER residents and ombudsman volunteers were recognized at an annual event hosted by the Allegheny County Ombudsman Program on May 17 at the National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side. More than 70 people turned out for the event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Volunteer Ombudsman Program, which is under the umbrella of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program.
PEER stands for Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents, and they are residents of nursing, personal care and assisted living homes who are trained to self-advocate and empower their fellow residents to improve their quality of life and quality of care in long-term care facilities. The program is a partnership between residents, facility staff and local ombudsmen. It gives residents a voice and provides them with opportunities to stay productive and involved. Currently, there are 65 PEERs active in the program.
Volunteers in the Volunteer Ombudsman Program receive extensive training to become certified ombudsmen. Upon completion of their training, volunteers are assigned to a nursing home or personal care home that they will visit once a month to advocate for the quality of life and quality of care of the residents. Currently, there are 20 volunteers in the program.
Attendees at the event were treated to a meal catered by Atria’s Specialty Catering, tours of the aviary and a visit by Pumpkin the Owl. PEERs and Volunteer Ombudsmen were acknowledged individually and thanked for their dedicated service.
“This recognition was special because it marked the 25th anniversary of our Volunteer Ombudsman Program,” commented Donna Vail with AAA’s Ombudsman Department. “Since its inception in 1999, we have trained more than 160 volunteers—the longest tenure being 19 years. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, including retired doctors, lawyers, facility administrators, business owners, social workers, sales executives, college students and nurses.”
To learn more, contact the Allegheny County Department/Office of Aging Services Ombudsman Line at (412) 350-5791 or call the SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460.
Allegheny County Health Department offers Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention and other evidence-based classes focused on fall prevention
Recent studies show that practicing the ancient form of martial art called Tai Chi can reduce falls in older adults by 70 percent. According to Harvard Medical School, this gentle, low-impact form of exercise goes a long way in helping seniors maintain strength, flexibility, vitality, balance and an improved immune system—all without forcing the muscles, stretching connective tissue or overextending the joints. In addition to a wide variety of the health benefits, those who practice Tai Chi report positive social benefits and an improvement in overall wellbeing.
That is why the Allegheny County Health Department’s (ACHD) Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Department has included an evidence-based program called Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention as part of its current offerings on fall prevention for older adults.
“This program keeps my joints flexible while being stress free,” comments a participant at the Beechview Healthy Active Living Center, one of various locations around town where the classes are offered. “I love coming to this program. My body has become more flexible. It has help me in walking and has made me more aware of the importance of movement.”
The classes are made possible through an Unintentional Injury Prevention Program grant that ACHD received through the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 2023 to improve the lives of Allegheny County residents across their lifespans by specifically addressing three focus areas: falls prevention for older adults, motor vehicle
safety, and adverse childhood experiences. ACHD’s two evidence-based falls prevention programs around the county are called “A Matter of Balance” and “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention.”
The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention classes are perfect for adults ages 55 and older with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases or related musculoskeletal conditions, as well as for those with mild, moderate or severe joint or back pain. They are taught by boardcertified Tai Chi for Health Institute instructors in a group class setting and can be modified for those who are in a seated position.
“I was concerned at first that the class would have a selfdefense focus but I discovered that the movements are gentle and mindful, allowing myself to move within my range and relax,” shares a participant at Morse Gardens Senior High Rise. “The class helped undo many of the aches and pains from my arthritis that often kept me from moving. I always feel better after class, even if I arrived feeling stiff and achy.”
Want to offer Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention at your location?
ACHD is seeking additional places that cater to seniors and who would like to deliver this impactful falls prevention program. If your senior-focused organization, senior living center, community center or assisted living center would like to help ACHD expand the program, contact Program Manager Andrea James (see information below) to set up a demonstration with an instructor at your facility.
“The great thing about this program is that we meet the residents where they are at by bringing the program to local senior high rises, assisted living facilities, and senior centers,” Andrea explains. “Participants work within their comfort level and can take the hour-long class sitting, standing, or a combination. Our senior instructor Gurney Bolster and veteran instructor Sharif Zyhier have over 40 years of combined experience and are very well known in the Tai Chi community.”
To learn more about the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention or other programs or to schedule an instructor demonstration at your facility, call Andrea James at the ACHD at (412) 209-2662 or andrea.james@alleghenycounty.us.
Class participants at Beechview Healthy Active Living Center.
SHARE program provides an affordable housing choice through shared housing arrangement
If you are a homeowner looking for a responsible tenant who can help offset your living expenses, or if you are someone seeking housing with affordable rent, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s SHARE program may be right for you.
The Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) Program is an affordable housing choice that brings together homeowners who want to share their home with home seekers who are looking for housing in exchange for rent, help around the house, or a combination of both.
• Looking to share your home? You may like the idea of having another person around the house, or you may be wanting to supplement your income to meet household expenses.
• Looking to rent? Through SHARE, home seekers receive their own private bedroom and agreed-upon use of common areas within the home.
The program takes participants in Allegheny County through a matching process that helps them determine how a home-sharing arrangement can best work for them. The homeowner and home seeker meet separately with a SHARE Housing Counselor to discuss needs and preferences, complete the application, and provide references. The counselor takes care of:
Allegheny
County Department of Human Services
Area Agency on Aging
Birmingham Towers, 2100 Wharton St., Second Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Serving the older adults of Allegheny County
Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive
Erin Dalton, Director, DHS
Shannah Tharp Gilliam, Director, ACAAA
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contact Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging’s SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460; Toll Free – (888) 856-2773; TDD – (412) 350-2727 or visit alleghenycounty.us/dhs/aaa.
• conducting reference and background checks.
• identifying potential home share matches.
• coordinating the written home-sharing agreement.
• overseeing trial living periods.
• providing ongoing support during the term of the agreement.
• connecting the participants to other community resources.
The SHARE program is open to all older adults, persons with disabilities, veterans, working professionals, college students, individuals at-risk of homelessness, single parents, or those simply wishing to share their lives and homes with others. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and one of the individuals in the match must be age 60 or older.
To learn more about SHARE, call the Area Agency on Aging Housing Support line at (412) 350-4254, email dhs-aaahousing@ alleghenycounty.us or visit aging.pa.gov/aging-services/housing/Pages/SHARE.aspx to complete an online participant form. SHARE is one of several programs offered by the AAA using a Shared Housing model, which also includes Domiciliary Care and Nesterly. To learn more about these programs, visit engage. alleghenycounty.us/en/projects/homeshare.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Information and Assistance
Care Management
Adult Day Services
Adult Foster Care
Home Delivered Meals
Home Health Services
Personal Care
Home Support Services
Protective Services
Long Term Living Counseling
Health Insurance Counseling
Family Caregiver Support
Companions for Homebound
Nursing Home Resident Advocacy
SENIOR CENTER SERVICES
Education Programs
Exercise and Fitness
Volunteer Opportunities
Social and Recreational Programs
Congregate Meals
Legal Services
Benefit Programs Application Assistance
Health Insurance Counseling
Information and Assistance Service Partner Agencies At Senior Community Centers
Allentown Senior Center
(412) 481-5484
Catholic Youth Association (412) 621-3342
Citiparks (412) 422-6570
Eastern Area Adult Services, Inc. (412) 829-9250
Jewish Community Center (412) 521-8010
LifeSpan, Inc. (412) 464-1300
Lutheran Service Society (412) 734-9330
Northern Area Multi-Service Center (412) 781-1176
Penn Hills Senior Center (412) 244-3400
Plum Senior Community Center (412) 795-2330
Riverview Community Action Corp. (412) 828-1062
Seton Center, Inc. (412) 344-4777
Vintage, Inc. (412) 361-5003
“Vintage Talent Show” to take place in East Liberty
Vintage Pittsburgh, a service of Familylinks, will host a “Vintage Talent Show” at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 19 at Vintage, located at 421 N. Highland Avenue (across from The Home Depot) in East Liberty. It will showcase entertainment performed by Vintage’s senior members. Light refreshments will be served. The cost is $2 per person. To reserve tickets, call Tom Sturgill, senior program manager, at (412) 361-5003, ext. 104. To learn more, visit vintagepittsburgh.org and familylinks.org.
• Huge floor plans with sunken living rooms and large bay windows
• Controlled access buildings with intercom
• Easy access showers available in two bedroom units
• Convenient to bus, trolley and 3,000 acre county park
Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15102
Office (412) 831-9454; Fax (412) 831-5733
Email BRIGHTWOODPLAZA@VERIZON.NET
Senior Expos
Pennsylvania State Representative Andrew Kuzma and Senator Jim Brewster will host a Senior Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 6 at Elizabeth Fire Hall, located at 101 South First Street in Elizabeth. Exhibitors from state and local agencies, businesses and other organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions that are important to seniors. Free health screenings, including blood pressure and hearing, will be offered. In addition, a representative from the US Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to assist veterans. To learn more, visit repkuzma.com.
Pennsylvania State Representative Robert W. Mercuri will hold his annual Community Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 12 at the AHN Health and Wellness Pavilion, located at 12311 Perry Highway in Wexford. Seniors will have an opportunity to obtain free information from state, federal and local agencies, as well as healthcare providers, businesses that provide senior services and assistance. Free flu shots will be available by appointment, along with other health screenings, refreshments and door prizes. To learn more, visit RepRobMercuri.com or view his Facebook page: Facebook.com/RepRobMercuri.
Local library branches host crafts, games, history, writing, wellness events and more this fall
Love Your Library
September is Love Your Library month. Show your love and maximize your support by making a gift to your local Allegheny County library by September 30. Visit your library to find ways to give or donate online at loveyourlibrary.org.
Puzzle Time
Tuesdays
Scott Township Public Library
Drop in any time during this program and help build a puzzle. The puzzle is saved each week until it is completed. No registration is required. scottlibrary.org
The Crafting Hour
First Tuesday of each month | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Upper St. Clair Library
Calling all knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and fiber artists of every kind! This stitching circle shares advice and inspiration while working on projects together! twpusc. libcal.com
Game Night
3rd Thursday of the Month | 6 – 8:30 p.m. Monroeville Public Library
Enjoy a variety of board games, card games, tabletop games and party games designed to help people connect and meet new friends. monroevillelibrary.org
Color Time
2nd and 4th Fridays
Scott Township Public Library
Join in this relaxing coloring project. Materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own coloring project. No registration is required. scottlibrary.org
Great Courses: Writing and Civilization
Tuesdays, September 3, 10 and 17 | 10 a.m.
Northland Public Library
Join the staff and watch episodes from the Great Courses program “Writing and Civilization: From Ancient Worlds to Modernity” and discuss them with each other. Visit northlandlandlibrary.org to register or call (412) 366-8100, ext. 113.
Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club presents: Fall Classics
Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall
All About Eve - Wednesday, September 4 | 7 p.m.
Strangers on a Train - Wednesday, September 18 | 7 p.m.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - Wednesday, October 2 | 7 p.m.
A Touch of Evil - Wednesday, October 16 | 7 p.m.
All screenings are free; donations are accepted. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Register at CarnegieCarnegie.org or call (412) 276-3456.
Paint by Numbers
Thursday, September 17 | 10 a.m.
Upper St. Clair Library
Painting by numbers is a fun and engaging hobby that lets you create beautiful art pieces, even if you’ve never painted. Come and create your own masterpiece at the library. twpusc.libcal.com
Munch and Learn for Fall 2024 “Wellness”
Wednesdays at noon in the Community Center
South Park Township Library
Register at southparklibrary.org
September 25: Pain Management
Kailyn Fay Robinson Witonsky is a trainee in the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She will talk about some of the best ways to reduce chronic pain.
October 2: Medicare
The Allegheny County PA MEDI office is partnering with libraries to answer questions about Medicare and the com plexities of understanding Medicare—just in time for open enrollment (10/15 to 12/7).
October 9: Balance and Fall Prevention
Opening Soon
Northside Coalition
Northside Coalition Senior Housing 1500 Brighton Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
RENT ASSISTED HOUSING FOR PERSONS AGED 62 OR OLDER 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS
EQUIPPED KITCHEN, W/W CARPETING, A/C, WINDOW COVERINGS, COMMUNITY, COMPUTER ROOM & LAUNDRY FACILITY, SECURE INTERCOM ACCESS, PUBLIC TRANS Income Limits Apply: 1 Person…$20,250/yr; 2 Persons…$23,150/yr
$22,050/yr.
Please contact SUPPORTIVE HOUSING MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC
PHONE: 1 (800) 238-7555
Beechtree Commons II
6560 Leechburg Rd, Verona PA 15147
➻ Community/Game Room ➻ Controlled Access ➻ Emergency Call System ➻ Utility Allowance ➻ Elevator ➻ Library ➻ One-Bedroom Floor Plan ➻ On-Site Laundry Facility ➻ Service Coordinator
subsidized. Office (412) 798-8693 Fax (412) 798-3210
is
on
Hess Physical Therapy will host a workshop on balance and fall prevention. If you’ve fallen in the past, worry about falling or feel unsteady when walking, don’t miss this workshop.
October 23: Cancer Awareness
Katelyn Prosachik, BSN, RN from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center will speak about prevention, treatment and screening for colorectal and lung cancer.
October 30: Author Kristina Marusic
“A New War on Cancer: The Unlikely Heroes Revolutionizing Prevention” is about the environmental causes of cancer. Kristina’s passionate advocacy journalism interweaves the stories of people on the front lines of environmental activism with facts that make you wonder.
November 6: Consumer Advocate Mary Bach
Local consumer advocate Mary Bach will be here to talk about the latest consumer topics.
Owls of PA
Thursday, October 3 | 7 p.m.
Northland Public Library - virtual program
From the tiny Screech Owl, to the “tiger of the sky” Great Horned Owl, explore the amazing characteristics of Pennsylvania’s eight owl species. Visit northlandlandlibrary.org to register or call (412) 366-8100, ext. 113.
Fact or Fiction Civics Trivia Event
Tuesday, October 8 | 6 p.m.
CLP – East Liberty
Join us for a spirited and fast-paced trivia competition where participants will test their knowledge on voting rights, historical elections, civic engagement, and more. Whether participating on your own, as a pair or as pre-set teams (of no more than five per team), everyone is welcome to join in the excitement. carnegielibrary.org
Halloween Full Moon Spell Jars: Makerspace After Hours
Thursday, October 17 | 6 p.m.
Oakmont Carnegie Library
With little glass vials, paper, gems and other tiny things, you can set a positive intention while crafting and sealing your “spell” jar. Registration required. oakmontlibrary.org
Local History Day
Saturday, November 2 | 12 – 4 p.m.
CLP – Main (Oakland)
Local History Day is an exciting event that celebrates the rich history and culture of the Pittsburgh region. Throughout the day, attendees can view historical and community resources, take part in historical tours, listen to engaging speakers, and participate in community archival activities. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about the area, Local History Day offers something for everyone. carnegielibrary.org
Need a tool for
a home project? Borrow it from the library
Of course, libraries are a great place to borrow books, audiobooks, movies, music and more … but did you know that you can also borrow tools from your local library? In need of a benchtop or tile saw, jack plane, drill bit set or pipe expander? How about an adjustable crescent wrench, crow bar, pressure washer wand or carpet cutter? Why purchase these items, especially if you think you’re only going to use them once? Our local libraries have hundreds of tools in their collection.
To view a search list, visit acl.bibliocommons. com and use the dropdown under “The Library of Things” and click on “tools.” It will search the entire Allegheny County library catalog for items, their availability and the library where you can find it.
with Vintage Debbie Walking Down Memory Lane
By Debbie Smith Wagner
Classic cars are so popular because they’re like taking a sweet ride into the past with vintage wheels. The many fabulous car shows in our local communities allow us to indulge in remembrances of former eras when we cruised in true style. Let’s step back in time with these classic beauties and enjoy reading some fun memories from our readers.
What are your memories of cruising around in your car as a young person? What make/ model of car was it? Where did you go? What songs did you play while cruising?
“I bought my first car in 1977, a red Dodge Colt with a 5-speed manual transmission. Not a muscle car by any means, but I loved to beat guys at a light when they thought I was ‘just a girl.’ Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers was constantly blasting from the speakers.”
-Holly Mathias, Beaver County
“I grew up on what seemed like endless miles of backroads. I took a Chrysler Cirrus down most of them, blasting Skid Row or the first three Metallica cassettes most of the time.”
-Tell Vickers, Beaver County
“A 1973 Plymouth Fury 3, 318 with glass packs, baby-blue convertible. Oh, it was clean. Wish I had it back.”
-Al Mazuch, Butler County
“My favorite was the white 1971 standard Corvette convertible that we bought when I first got my driver’s license. It had a hard ragtop with blue seats.”
- Sabina Simpkins, Florida (formerly from Beaver County)
“A year after graduating from high school (1971) and saving as much as I could, I bought an AMC Javelin, sky blue with white racing stripes and white interior. I loved that car.”
-Kathy Royer, Ohio
“I dated a guy whose father owned a 1969 Camaro. He gutted it, built his own custom chassis/roll cage and installed a blower that ran on ethanol. I got to help him build parts
of it and learn how to properly pack his parachute. We went to drag strip loads of times and it was so much fun!”
-Jessie Faust, Butler County
“I learned how to drive in my parent’s 1993 Cadillac and my aunt’s Buick Century. I listened to local radio stations that played a variety of rock from the ’50s through the ’90s.”
-Alice Shaffer Bloom, Pittsburgh
“A powder-blue mustang convertible to Ault Park with WEBN blaring.”
-Marie Fritz, Cincinnati
“Cruising around south Florida in a 1960 Chevy Impala.”
-Ross Jennings, Pittsburgh
“I owned a 196os Camaro in the 1980s. When I was a teenager, I used to cruise in my mother’s station wagon or my boyfriend’s El Dorado. I listened to a lot of disco, and in the 1980s, I loved all the songs that were popular of that time. Great memories!”
-Debbie Wagner, Beaver County
“Never drove but never had trouble getting a ride. My mate went from a ‘57 Chevy to a Harley Davidson XLCH Sportster to riding double in motocross until deemed too dangerous.”
-Judith Bridge, Ohio
“I drove our family’s station wagon, cruising up and down main street with my girlfriends packed in the car. That was the early ‘80s, so we were listening to Bryan Adams and Bon Jovi, for sure!”
-Lynn Mandel, Pittsburgh
Nettie Doutt Chaffee of Beaver County with her car, Herbie the Love Bug.
Program
Sponsorship
Eligibility*
*Details by contacting programs (below) Application Hours of Operation Reservations
ACCESS Door-to-Door Transportation – Program Options
Older Persons Transportation (Coordinated byACCESS)
Allegheny County DHS- AAA with PA Lottery Funding
Age 60 or older; Allegheny County resident; not ina nursing home / rehab facility
Pittsburgh Regional Transit
Due to disability, functionally unable to use Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus independently either all of the time or only under some conditions
Pittsburgh Regional Transit with PA Lottery Funding
Age 65 or older
Pittsburgh Regional Transit with PennDOT Funding
Allegheny County DHS –Office of Behavioral Health
Anyone aged 18-64 with a disability without bus service at the origin or destination Current Medical Assistance recipient
At any DHS AAA, senior center; by AAA care manager Proof of age and verification of type of health insurance required
Individuals with a disability complete an application and participate in an in-person interview and transportation skills evaluation Proof of age and verification of disability required
At DHS/ AAA senior centers, legislative offices or other community locations Also available by mail or at the ACCESS program office at 650 Smithfield Street Proof of age required
Short application available by mail
Verification of disability and proof of age required
By phone ,online or in-person at the MATP office, One Smithfield Street, Downtown Pittsburgh, 15222
Monday-Sunday, 6 a m to 10 p m
One day in advance, between 8 a m and 3 p m
Medical trips with limitations: Ages 60-64 requires preauthorization by the main OTP office
Age 65+, four one-way medical trips/month; Grocery shopping Senior center daily
Fareis paid using an electronic purse (ePurse), by mail, in person, or online deposit
Monday-Sunday 6 a mmidnight, before or after if Pittsburgh Regional Transit is running
One day in advance, between 7 a m and 3:30 p m
Monday - Sunday 6 a mmidnight Monday - Sunday 6 a m11 p m Monday - Sunday 6 a m to 10 p m
One day in advance between 8 a m and 3 p m
One day in advance between 8 a m and 3 p m
No restriction on the type or number of trips
No restriction on the type or number of trips
Provides either a ride to a nearby bus stop, or a direct ACCESS trip No restriction on the type or number of trips
Two working days in advance between 8:30 a m and 3 p m Monday-Friday
For medical (physical and behavioral health) services only; no emergency or ambulance service; children under age 12 must be accompanied by parent or responsible adult
Fare is paid through the use of ePurse
Fare is paid through the use of ePurse
Fare is paid through the use of ePurse
Free Rider provided with Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus fare; ACCESS transport, or automobile reimbursement
Minimum
Medical, Group grocery shopping, Senior Center trips, or Senior Center activities: $1 25 each way Medical trips: Age 60-64, $5 25 each way; age 65 and older, $2 25 each way Escort ride free
$3 15 minimum 1-way fare
$5 25 maximum 1-way fare
If required, personal assistant rides free Companion pays same fare as rider
$3 15 minimum 1-way fare
$5 25 maximum 1-way fare except to/from Pittsburgh Airport
Under age 65 escort fare - $2 50 one way
$3 15 minimum 1-way fare
$5 25 maximum 1-way fare
Ride to a bus stop - $2 50 1-way
Half fare on bus with half-fare card Free
Alleghenycounty us/dhs/transportation/index aspx Contains summary of above program (412) 562-5385 (412) 350-4076 (412) 562-5353 (412) 562-5353 (412) 562-5353 (888) 547-MATP [888-547-6287] (412) 350-4476
Escorts – Free but must be authorized by MATP (ACCESS/ OPT) (AC/AAA) TTY 711
American Cancer Society (ACS)
Road to Recovery (800) 227-2345 cancer.org
ACS’s Road to Recovery program pairs up cancer patients with local volunteers who drive them to their treatment appointments. To learn more, call the phone number above.
American Kidney Fund
(800) 638-8299 kidneyfund.org
As part of AKF‘s Safety Net Grant Program, grants are offered to needy dialysis and kidney transplant patients for treatment-specific (reimbursed) expenses such as transportation to reach dialysis. Grants are limited to travel necessitated by death or serious illness in the family or for the purpose of kidney transplant workup only. Safety Net Grant accepts only online applications from its website, above.
Free Rides for Seniors/In Service of Seniors North
(412) 449-0151 nhco.org
Operated by North Hills Community Outreach in partnership with St. Margaret Foundation, the Free Rides for Seniors volunteer-driven 10-passenger shuttles run weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the following communities: Blawnox to Sharpsburg along Freeport Road; Millvale/Etna; Tarentum/Brackenridge/Cheswick/Natrona Heights; and Oakmont. In addition, In Service of Seniors, a program of North Hills Community Outreach, offers rides throughout northern Allegheny County, matching volunteers with seniors to provide transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Must be age 60 or older. To sign up, call the above number.
GoGoGrandparent
(855) 464-6872
Order rides for seniors, groceries, prescription medications, meals, home chores and more with a simple phone call. No Smartphone is needed. Works with Uber and Lyft. Built Better for Older Adults.
Transportation
Heritage Community Transportation
820 Braddock Ave. Braddock, PA 15104 (412) 351-0535
For transportation: (412) 351-2200 heritageserves.org
Heritage Community Transportation offers a shuttle service for 16 communities in the Mon Valley.
The routes connect with Pittburgh Regional Transit bus stops. The cost is $0.25 for adults; $0.10 for children ages six through 11 and persons with disabilities; and free for adults ages 65 and older, and children age five and younger. Applications can be downloaded online; printed applications are available at the Heritage main office. Visit the website, above, for a complete list of areas served, service schedule and route map.
Lyft
Lyft.com/cities/pittsburgh-pa
Lyft provides safe rides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all points around the Pittsburgh area, as well as to Pittsburgh International Airport. The Lyft app matches you with friendly local drivers at the tap of a button within minutes. After the ride, simply pay through your phone.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit
623 Smithfield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 442-2000 rideprt.org
If you’re 65 or older, apply now for your Pittsburgh Regional Transit Senior Citizen ConnectCard. This card allows you to ride all Pittsburgh Regional Transit vehicles for free. It’s also accepted by other transit agencies statewide. Apply at Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Downtown Service Center, located at 623 Smithfield Street, or at participating legislation offices throughout Allegheny County. Please bring photo ID and proof of age. For more information, visit rideprt.org or call (412) 442-2000.
Taxi Service
Classy Cab Company (412) 322-5080
zTrip Taxi 1101 Beaver Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (412) 777-7777
ztrip.com
zTrip is a smartphone app that lets you book a black car or taxi in seconds. You can book for now, for later today, or for later in the week. Professionally licensed, background-checked and insured drivers and no surge pricing. There are three ways to book a trip: the zTrip app (find on Google Play or iTunes App Store), hail on the street or call the number above. Wheelchair vehicles available.
Travelers Aid of Pittsburgh
343 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 281-5474
Travelersaidpgh.org
This United Way agency provides social service programs to individuals in need of transit assistance. Travelers Aid works with public and private entities to offer a variety of transportation options for various populations through partnerships with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and other foundations and community providers. They serve 7,500 people every year with making 3.5 million trips in more than 100 locations in the county.
Uber
uber.com/cities/pittsburgh
The Uber app connects you with a reliable ride — from low-cost to premium — in minutes through your smartphone. One tap and a car comes directly to you. Your driver knows exactly where to go. Payment is completely cashless and tipping is not required. Applicable tolls and surcharges may be added to your fare.
If you have any issues with any of the ride-sharing services (Lyft, Uber or zTrip) you can file a complaint through the PA Public Utility Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Services at (800) 692-7380.
Feature-length documentary addresses the humor and heartache of caring for aging parents
A new feature-length documentary, “It’s Not a Burden: The Humor and Heartache of Raising Elderly Parents”, debuted locally in June at a community screening on the campus of at Carnegie Mellon University in Oakland. The documentary provides a humorous and intimate perspective on the relationships between aging parents and the adult children who care for them It examines the challenges they face and solutions they discover along the way, while reminding us that we’re not alone in navigating this complex issue.
“I was hanging out with friends one evening, and instead of chatting about shows we were binge watching, or dishing about who was dating who, we found ourselves comparing notes on adult diapers and dementia medications,” recalls the documentary’s Emmy® nominated director Michelle Boyaner.
“We realized we’d crossed over into a strange new world we weren’t quite prepared for: we were all caring for our aging parents. They’d raised and loved us when we were most vulnerable, and now,
Forest Hills Senior Apartments
2111 Ardmore Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
RENT ASSISTED HOUSING PERSONS AGED 62 OR OLDER
1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS
Equipped Kitchen, W/W Carpeting, A/C, Window Coverings, Community Room, Laundry Facility, Secure Intercom Access, Public Transportation, Walk-In Shower Income Limits Apply
Equal Housing Opportunity 1 (800) 238-7555
West Lake APARTMENTS
1015 Crucible St. West End, PA 15220
RENT-ASSISTED HOUSING
PERSONS AGE 62 or OLDER
1 bedroom apartments
• equipped kitchen • A/C
• community room • laundry room
• and much more!
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS CALL: (412) 829-3910
Mon.-Fri. 9 am to 5 pm
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
IW Abel Place
4720 Hatfield St Lawrenceville
Now accepting applications for 1-bedroom apartments
Eligibility: 62 years or older
• HUD-subsidized rent based on income
• Equipped kitchen, w/w carpet, air conditioning, laundry facilities, and community room Call 412-687-7120
Lloyd McBride Court
614 Lincoln Ave. Millvale, PA 15209
• Affordable housing for seniors 62 years of age and older
• HUD subsidized rent based on income
• Income limitations apply
Come see all that we have to offer! Call (412) 821-4474
thanks to the miracles of modern medicine, they were living a hell of a lot longer than previous generations, outlasting their bodies and retirement funds, and it was up to us, unwittingly… and in some cases unendingly, to return the favor.”
“It’s Not a Burden” was conceptualized that evening. The touching and emotional film chronicles Boyaner’s journey of caring for her long-divorced parents. Her mom is battling dementia and her father is a hoarder. Other supporting storylines are expertly woven throughout, depicting the universal and inevitable issues that we, as a nation, face around the topic of aging.
The Pittsburgh Presenting Sponsor, UPMC Health Plan (UPMC for Life), generously supported the debut of the documentary in the local community. The documentary is now available to rent or own on most streaming platforms, including Apple TV, iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Play, VUDU and Microsoft on Demand.
Steelworkers Tower Elderly Hi-Rise
2639 Perrysville Avenue
• Newly Renovated
• Now accepting applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments
• Eligibility: 62 years or older OR under 62 in need of an accessible unit
• Section 8 certified
• Equipped kitchen, W/W carpet, A/C, FREE laundry facilities,
Call (412) 321-2460
East LibertyPennley Commons
Senior Apartment Accepting Applications
One bedroom, full appliances, W/W, A/C, off street parking Income limits apply
Call (412) 362-2040 or stop by the Management office at 5601 Penn Avenue Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Brinton Towers Apartments
Don’t wait, call today! (412)
Milliones Manor Apartments
2827 Bedford Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Check with your local cable provider for cable on demand, or purchase the DVD or BLU-RAY on Amazon.com. To learn more, visit itsnotaburden.com.
HARRISON HI RISE
Senior Apartments
2006 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights, PA 15065 Rent Assistance
Hi Rise is a Secure Apartment building conveniently located near shopping and public transportation.
Amenities Include:
All Utilities Community Room
Air Conditioning Video Surveillance
Individual Balcony Community Life Services
Laundry Facilities Fitness Room
Call (724) 224-4571 for more information.
8000 Beacon Hill Dr.,
By Kimberly Blaker
Now, more than ever, it’s possible to feel like part of your family and friends’ lives, even when apart. Social media and other platforms and apps make it easy to stay connected right from your personal computer, laptop, phone, and other handheld devices. Yet, because there are so many social platforms and apps, it might feel confusing to keep track of what you can do with each and how they work. The following basics should help you get started!
Apps
‘Apps” is short for applications: programs that you can “ownload to your devices instead of using an internet browser. They’re found in an application store on your device (App Store on iOS/Apple devices, Google Play Store on Android and Google devices, or Windows Store on Windows devices). Just click on the app store for your device to download free or paid apps or to see what you’ve already installed.
Apps are available for almost anything you can think of: games (e.g., New York Times Crossword, Words With Friends), social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok), reading (e.g., Kindle, Libby), video streaming (e.g., Netflix, Hulu), shopping (e.g., Amazon, Target), and more. Apps are organized in app stores by category. You can also search by most popular or by name or type of apps.
TikTok
TikTok is a short video-based social media app and website. You can create 15-second to one-minute videos and share them to your account for others to see. You can also edit videos by putting together short clips, us-
Alexis Manor, Inc.
ing filters to alter the video’s appearance, and adding audio from other users or songs. Videos can be seen by your followers, found by others searching by hashtags (searchable phrases preceded by a # sign), or on the ‘for you page’ that all users can see.
When viewing others’ videos, you can tap a heart on the right to indicate you like a video. You can tap a speech bubble to read or leave a comment. You can also tap the user’s handle (@ followed by a unique name) to see more videos they’ve created. People use TikTok in various creative ways, and you can even participate in challenges, dances, or trends. TikTok Help Center
Instagram is a social media app and site based on posting pictures and videos. Users can create a post that displays on their account page and the homepage timeline of their followers. You can also comment on posts, ‘like’ them by tapping the heart underneath, or share them with friends or to your “story.”
Instagram “stories” are temporary posts members can share for up to 24 hours. These are found in the small circle profile pictures at the top of the home screen or user pages. Besides individuals, many companies and organizations use Instagram to reach users, sell products, or share information. Instagram Help Center
Facebook is a popular social media app and website. You
ORMSBY MANOR APARTMENTS
add “friends” who can see your posts and whose posts you can see on a home screen. Users also have their own main page. There you can see the user’s profile picture, information about them, and photos, links, videos, or other posts they’ve shared.
You can also follow “pages” on an unlimited number of interests, including celebrities, tv shows, movies, towns, restaurants, companies, non-profits, social causes, politics, and more.
Many Facebook users also join various “groups” that match their lives and interests, locally, nationally, and even internationally.
Facebook users interact by posting on each other’s “walls” or interacting with posts through reaction buttons, comments, or sharing. With Facebook Messenger, you can even send private, direct messages to those on your friends list. There’s also Facebook Messenger Kids for children under 13 who can message guardianapproved people under a guardian’s account. Facebook Help Center.
Twitter is another social media app and website. Users can post “tweets,” which are short messages up to 280 characters. Tweets may include a link, video, picture, or retweet (sharing a tweet from another user). You can ‘follow’ people you know, strangers, celebrities, companies, and organizations to see their posts on your homepage on Twitter. You can also see the ‘timelines’ of other users or post to your own timeline for your followers to see. Users often add specific hashtags (see above). With the explore feature, you can look up hashtags or
particular words and what’s trending (top hashtags or popular phrases at the time). Twitter New User FAQ Page
Blogs
Blogs are basically web pages run by one or more individuals working to share information, usually in a specific niche, in an often informal way. Anyone can visit a blog. Blogs may be found in a web search or by recommendation.
Typically, blogs have a reverse timeline on their main page. The most recent post is usually first, with the rest shown in reverse chronological order. They typically include writing about the topic and may include pictures, videos, recipes, or links to other pages or products. Menu tabs or blocks are usually near the top of the page to click so you can explore the blog or an “about” section to learn more about the author/s and the blog. Authors often encourage visitors to leave comments at the bottom of their posts, follow the blog site for updates, or sign up for email lists.
Posting Photos
On social media platforms, users can post photos or videos to share with friends or followers. The exact method varies depending on the platform. But many have either a plus sign or a button to click that says “post.” If you’re using an app to post photos, you may need to give permission for it to access your saved images. You can also usually take a picture or video while in the app. You should see a screen notification that your photographs or videos have been posted. But to check, you can look at your own profile or ask someone you know to look at your page from their account.
Crossword Puzzle Answer on page 2
Across
1. Little jerks
5. Tried to catch a conger
10. Some finance grads
14. Asian au pair
15. Ex-Treasury Secretary Bentsen
16. English river
17. Makes laws
19. ____ bite (sample)
20. Creative person
21. Ops’s daughter
22. Turkey’s largest city
26. Ready to swing
30. Firearm report
34. “David Copperfield” name
35. “I ____ bored!”
36. Whiz
37. Finishes off a debt
39. Clear soups
42. ___ Maria
43. “Old MacDonald ____ farm...”
47. Winner of six U.S. Opens
48. Muttonchops, e.g.
51. Palliates
52. Stuffed
54. Teen sleuth Drew
57. “Hamlet” Oscar winner
62. Kovalchuk of hockey
63. Averseness
66. First quarter moon tide
67. Tehran resident
68. USSR, in Russian
69. Court great Arthur
70. 1995 Stallone role
71. Telephone greeting
Down
1. Ankle bones
2. Sent a quick online communication
3. Canary home
4. Some Muslims
5. Fitzgerald and namesakes
6. Hyundai model
7. Parcel of land
8. Look over
9. Dental deg.
10. Travelers’ stopovers
11. He dueled Hamilton
12. First words of a saying from Job 4:8
13. The world has seven of them
18. Horseshoe maker’s workshop
21. Stage signal
23. Use a scope
24. Only on display (abbr.)
25. “The___” (1950s sci-fi classic)
26. Nimbi
27. Fountain in Rome
28. Animal with two feet
29. Motorists’ org.
31. Loathes
32. Earthy color
33. Criteria
38. Sealed
40. Check copy again
41. Egg cells
44. GWB spokesman Fleischer
45. Genetic carrier
46. Flabbergast
49. Con’s plan
50. Shoreline feature, sometimes
53. 11th-century Spanish hero
54. Pinta sister ship
55. Pub round
56. Syllable repeated for maximum annoyance
58. Cow, to Carlos
59. Part of the pkg.
60. O.T. book
61. Property taken back, for short
63. Freed (of)
64. Flub
65. Ka ___ (southernmost Hawaiian point)
Senior Help At No Cost
Hills, PA 15235
