AgeWell Pittsburgh Helps Older Adults Live Independently

Article submitted by AgeWell Pittsburgh.
For more information, they can be reached at 412-422-0400.

As we get older, we are all faced with a variety of physical, social, and emotional challenges. For most people, one overarching desire guides the numerous decisions that must be made - remaining as independent as possible.

Prolonged illness, lack of mobility, cognitive changes, and loss of supportive friends and family can all threaten the independence of older adults. We are fortunate to live in a community in which there are many resources and services available to seniors, their family, and caregivers. With the proper supports in place, older adults can often live independently in their own homes and communities. However, finding and navigating these resources can be time-consuming and difficult.

AgeWell Pittsburgh provides services to Pittsburgh's older adults, their family members and caretakers. It is a program of Jewish Family & Children's Service, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and the Jewish Association on Aging which provides a single point of access to all of the services available to older adults and their loved ones within the three agencies, as well as information and referral to other services and organizations in the community.

With one phone call to AgeWell Pittsburgh's ElderLink Information and Referral line, older adults, their family members and caregivers gain access to everything from home delivered meals and social activities to finding caregiver and physical rehabilitation services. An AgeWell representative helps link people to all of the needed information and resources regarding any aging issue.

For those who aren't sure what services may be needed, AgeWell Pittsburgh offers in-home assessments designed to evaluate an individual's physical, psychological and social needs. These assessments cover a range of topics, including home safety, nutritional needs, social interaction and medication management.

After the assessment is completed, the AgeWell staff provides recommendations designed to link the older adult with the appropriate services within the community. The senior and his/her family also receive assistance in connecting with the recommended services, which can include home health care, social programs, home safety items and much more.