Helping Seniors Be Safe and Healthy at Home Initiative
Pennsylvania has the second oldest population in the nation. In Allegheny County, the senior population is even higher with almost one of every five citizens being a senior and a sharply increasing number of seniors age 85 and older. With the Helping Seniors Be Safe and Healthy at Home Initiative, the United Way of Allegheny County is tackling the issues facing our seniors in three ways:
- Prevention
Providing trained volunteers for weekly visits to check-in with seniors living alone and meet basic needs such as food or chores. Helping seniors access health screenings and/or treatments to support physical and mental health. Mobilizing volunteers to help seniors receive life-saving home safety checks and help in their homes.
- Caregiving Supports
Providing caregivers with information and supports, such as giving them a needed break, so they can help their aging parents remain comfortably at home.
- Alternatives to Institutionalization
Promoting policies, practices and the distribution of information to seniors and their caregivers to avoid unnecessary nursing home stays, such as increasing access to adult day care and helping older adults transition to safe community settings of their choice.