Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to visit www.ServicePointForSeniors.com . Our website is currently under construction, and should be up and running very soon.

If you were brought to this site to have questions answered, please call us at 412-828-6686.  We will be more than happy to help you and guide you in the right direction.

Also, feel free to look around our blog! There are a variety of topics discussed about caregiving, resources, and elder care.

Volunteer

There are many ways to get involved and help people in your community, no matter how old you are. One program that finds volunteer opportunities for senior citizens is called the ‘Retired Senior Volunteer Program’, or RSVP. In Pittsburgh, this program is sponsored by the American Red Cross. According to their website, there are over 700 volunteers that help schools, hospitals, and daycare facilities.
If you are a senior, or know a senior in the area who is looking to get involved, please let them know about this program. The more active you are, the better you feel! Call the American Red Cross 412-263-3184 for more information about this program.

If you have any questions, please call Kate at 412-828-6686

Optimism

One of the best things you can do for yourself and for the older adults around you is to stay positive and surround yourself with good thoughts. Look forward to each day, and spend your time doing positive things.  The human body is extremely receptive to optimism, hope, and happiness. Your cells, organs, and brain work more efficiently, and you feel better altogether. Immunity also rises, so you are less prone to illness.

It pays to stay positive. Try something new everyday, whether it be learning a new game, reading a different type of book than normal, or just meeting a new friend.

The Future of Elder Care

All things must change eventually, and sometimes it is for the better. It seems as if aging hit everyone by surprise. All of a sudden, people started living longer. A couple decades back, there was no “set” way to care for older adults. Things are getting much better, but where is the trend going?

It seems as if more people want to age at home. This is an obvious  choice for many people, if it is possible. A common stereotype for older people is “sending them to the nursing home.”  Does this have to be true? There are currently home care options, but most are not covered by regular insurance plans. The only people who qualify for paid home care are usually low-income seniors. When will this change?

I understand that each individual has different needs, and this is a huge part of choosing care options. There needs to be more accessible options.

What are your thoughts/suggestions/ideas?

Support Groups

You may feel alone taking care of someone in your family. It helps to have some people to talk to and relate about your feelings. Think about starting a family caregiver support group in your area. There are probably more people than you thinking taking care of a loved one, and this is a great opportunity to meet with other people and share thoughts, stories, and emotionally support each other.
Go to your local library and see if they have a room available for your group to meet. Promote the group through fliers, or call the local newspaper to see if they would announce the meeting. After you generate interest, think of a list of things to discuss. This should be the easy part, as most people have many things to discuss in this area. Share thoughts and feelings.

Your group will be appreciated by many people.

If you have any questions, please call Kate at the ServicePoint office, 412-828-6686.

Adult DayCare

Many people are unaware of the benefits of an adult daycare for their older loved ones. Adult day cares are places where seniors can go during the day and to socialize, eat, interact, and be entertained. This is great resource because it enables the senior to still live at home, but provides another option to keep them safe during the day.
Most adult day cares provide personal care services, as well. This is great for a family caregiver if they work during the day, or just need time for themselves.
Look into your local adult day care for more details. The more options you are aware of, the better you can make lifestyle decisions.
Call ServicePoint For Seniors in Oakmont for any questions, 412-828-6686.

Hydration

Seniors need to drink liquids, especially water. Many seniors say they do not like water, but there are many “clever” ways to encourage them to stay hydrated.
Never ask Alzheimer’s clients if they want something to drink; instead, pour a small glass of water or juice and place it beside them at each meal.
Pour a glass of water for yourself and sip the water together (pretend to drink it if you do not want water)
Determine if the senior needs a straw, ice, or even a favorite glass or cup. This may make it a more pleasant experience.
Suggest a water bottle to keep fresh water available.
If water is absolutely refused, suggest juice, iced tea, ginger ale, or flavored water.
Water is extremely important for older adults. Keep a glass full at all times.

Staying Cool

The summer months are here…along with the summer temperatures. These hot days can be enjoyable, especially when spending time at the pool or in the shade, but you also must take caution while outside in the sun.
Here are some summertime tips to keep cool if you are not in the air conditioning.
Take advantage of water– Keeping wet clothes around your head or legs can help cool your body.
Keep hydrated. Constantly drink water and eat fruits and vegetables.
Avoid caffeine and protein-rich foods. These things often elevate body temperatures.
Make sure your pets keep cool as well. If they are rapidly panting, shaking, vomiting, or have a glazed look, you may want to call a vet. Keep them cool by laying down wet towels for them to lay on, and provide lots of cold water for them to drink.
The people most susceptible to heat stroke are infants, the elderly, athletes, and people who work outdoors. Pay extra attention to any elderly people you are with to make sure they are fully hydrated and cool.

Walking

Many people underestimate the importance of a daily walk.  For most people, just taking a few extra steps like taking the stairs instead of the elevator makes a big difference.

If you don’t move your muscles, they will get stiff and ache.  The most important muscle, your heart, needs to be strengthened continuously. If not, it will become weak. The more you walk, the better you will feel and the more energy you will have.

Inventions: How can we help the senior community?

Many people are full of ideas and thoughts on how to make life easier. “If only I had this” or “If only this thing did that” are common quotes in everyday life. Why not bring these ideas to reality?

Many of us have contact with the senior community and become accustomed to a senior’s everyday life. Because people are living longer and the senior community is growing, why not use our imaginations to create something that could make life a little bit easier? I am interested in comments, suggestions, and thoughts on some inventions you think could help a senior on a daily basis. We have all seen the “jar lid grippers” and the “grabber canes”, I have even seen the beginnings of a “caregiver robot”, programmed to act as an electronic family caregiver.  let’s see what else we can think of!