Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a very important and outstanding program for senior citizens, especially during extreme weather. Sometimes it is very difficult for people to leave their homes to get food during and after sever winter weather. Meals on Wheels will deliver food to a person in-need, and also serves as a way to “check” on an elderly person that may be living by themselves. If no one answers the door for Meals on Wheels when expected, action is taken to make sure the resident is safe. This has saved many lives.

Support your local Meals on Wheels person. It takes such little time out of your day, and helps so many people. Most volunteer programs require you help only one day a month. Call your local senior center to see how you can help!

Top 10 Reasons to be Active in Your Community

1. You become exposed to all services and products available locally
2. You have the opportunity to meet a variety of different and interesting people
3. You can learn a lot from other people
4. New windows of opportunity are always opening when people are learning and acting in interest.
5. A sense of accomplishment and pride is often developed, giving you personal confidence!
6. Your community will be a better place to live in.
7. New skills you have learned are added to your life resume.
8. The opportunity to keep updated on new trends increases.
9. You have the chance to influence others.
10. Your mind will explore new places.

Take the time and volunteer, help a friend, or simply just shop locally. It will make a big difference in our world, which will enrich your life and others!

Young@Heart

I just watched a very inspirational and heart warming movie called Young@Heart, about a vocal group of senior citizens.   The members of this group perform musical hits from all different genres of music, including modern rock, country, oldies, and much more.  They perform an array of artists, ranging from Sonic Youth and Coldplay to James Brown.

These seniors enjoy performing and have traveled all of the world.  Based out of Massachusetts, they are truly a group of talented older adults! It goes to show you are never too old to be a rock star.

Hospital and the Holidays

During the holidays and the time after, many older adults are in and out of the hospital. It seems as if it is almost a routine; being admitted, discharged, and then admitted again for a related problem. How can readmission be prevented? Is there any way to promote the healing process and prevent recurrent visits?
The answer is through proper discharge care. When a person is released from the hospital, it can be overwhelming to organize proper discharge instructions, medications, and follow-up appointments. Instructions can be confusing, going to the pharmacy can be a hassle, and scheduling appointments can be frusterating. A person may not be well enough to even drive to the appointments or to pick up much needed groceries.
Family caregivers usually help with assiting the person who is discharged, but can easily be overwhelmed or confused as well. People discharged from the hospital do better and are less likely to be readmitted if they follow discharge instructions thoroughly. Ensuring proper care after the hospital visit is extremely important. Be sure to make this a priority to save time, money, and HEALTH for the new year.

ServicePoint offers a hospital discharge package for recovering patients. Call our office for more information.

Staying Young

I realize as I age that life passes by faster and faster. Holidays seem closer together, and past holidays blend together, memories vivid but years unclear.  It can be rather frightening when you think about it, and it personally makes me want to cram as much in my life as possible.  Time is a crazy thing.

Which is why learning is so important.

I feel that learning something new every  day keeps a person young. Being informed of surroundings, happenings, and even history of the past brings life’s highlights to, at times,  dull surroundings.  Learning even paves the future for generations ahead, for by making yourself more open-minded and educated, you create a ripple effect.

Stay open-minded, young, and creative. Live life to the fullest.

Try to learn at least one new thing everday.

Seniors’ Night Out

Do you know seniors in the Pittsburgh area that enjoy live music, dance, and entertainment? The Hillman Center for Performing Arts and ServicePoint For Seniors in Oakmont have a special offer for seniors. An escort from ServicePoint will assist a senior to one of the Hillman Center’s shows for a flat rate of $70.00 (includes ticket price).
This is a great deal for someone who cannot make it out by themselves, but enjoys evening theater.
Some upcoming shows include the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Chicago City Limits, and Spencers Theatre of Illusion.
Keep this deal in mind for Christmas/Holiday gifts for your parents! Call 412-828-6686 and ask for Katelin

(Our escorts can drive the senior’s car or arrange access)

Depression in the Elderly

Depression in older adults is different than depression in younger people. Older adults tend to be taking a medications that could have side effects that trigger depression.  Also, as adults age their friends and spouses pass away which has an effect on their bodies.  Depression in older adults is a normal problem, but it is not a normal part of aging.  Look for signs so you can help spot the problem and get the senior help:

Fatigue

Losing Interest in hobbies or past-times

Social withdrawal

Weight Loss/Loss of Appetite

Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Sadness

If you notice any of these signs, consult a doctor.  There is help available, and the elderly CAN continue living a happy and fulfilled life.

http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_elderly.htm

Cold Weather!

In Pittsburgh, the cold weather is quickly approaching. We have been lucky so far without any heavy snow, but it will probably be here soon! Hypothermia is a risk that many older adults face with the dropping temperatures. Senior citizens are not as aware of the fall in their body temperatures as younger people are, and their bodies have more trouble adapting to the change. The interesting part is that temperatures do not have to be below freezing to cause distress on the body. Even if it is mildly cold, older people have to be much more careful because hypothermia can effect the body without the person even realizing.
Some signs of hypothermia are: stiff muscles, puffed or swollen face, coordination problems, slowed breathing and heart rate, confusion, or an apathetic attitude.

If you believe someone you know is hypothermic, call an ambulance or rescue squad as soon as possible.

Stay warm in safe in Pittsburgh this year!

http://www.aging.sc.gov/information/ColdWeatherTips.htm

Focus

If there is an elderly person in your family, their care needs to be a little bit more “focused” than normal-One small step or decision could make a big difference. You may worry about your mother or father going to see the doctor alone, mainly because it is difficult to retain all of the information in one sitting. Although it is best to take notes during an appointment, many people do not and end up forgetting to ask important questions or misinterpreting information.

FocusPoint is a service we offer in which we become the “eyes and ears” for you. We will make sure that the elderly person in your family gets all-around care, and we will be the coordinators when you simply cannot be.

Your Parents Live In Pittsburgh

… And you live in California. Or New Hampshire-For that fact, anywhere you cannot simply take a Sunday drive to. You may feel a little guilty for being so far, or you want to make sure your  mom is eating as much as she says she is, or REALLY telling you what the doctor says.

Most young, healthy people who go to a doctor’s appointment are not able to grasp everything the doctor says, let along an elderly person who may have hearing, sight, or memory problems.  It is advised that any person take someone to their appointment with them, just so they are able to address all issues and not feel “intimidated” by the situation.  You wish you could be with your dad during his appointment, but being so far away it is impossible.

This is where Senior Care comes into play…We are here for you when you simply cannot be.  It is very common for families to be spread across the country.  ServicePoint is “extended family” in Pittsburgh. By being a local company, we are able to care about your family just as much as we care for ours.