Senior assistance is just a phone call away with Area Agency on Aging program
Editor’s note: Today, we kick off a series of stories to highlight the nonprofits in our area. From now until Christmas Eve, look for the “Helping the Helpers” logo to read about a different organization every day. The series will profile nonprofits in the region that focus on human services, community betterment and the arts, and include ways to help them continue to help others.
Within Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services, Inc. (SPHS), one department serving Washington, Greene and Fayette counties focuses on the needs of individuals over the age of 60.
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (AAA) provides a variety of services, ranging from care management and employment services to legal and protective services.
“We have approximately 30 different programs, but one of the largest is the home delivered meals and congregate meals available through the senior centers,” said Leslie Grenfell, executive director.
Whether warm and nutritious meals need to be delivered to a person’s door or they wish to socialize with friends over lunch at the senior center, AAA aims to make sure everyone has an option.
It’s also an area in which they need volunteers.
“We’re able to work with volunteers’ schedules for just an hour or two per week, and these are seniors in your local community so it’s an easy commute and service to residents,” Grenfell said.
Another highly regarded program is their care management services, helping seniors in the home.
Individuals and family members can meet a qualified staff member for an assessment at their residence. Staff will look for personal care or hygiene needs, emergency response systems and other options to put in place, allowing the senior to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
Aging in place has become a popular concept and desire among seniors today but it’s not always possible to live alone. AAA offers options for that too.
“Our goal is to help people live in the dwelling of their choice. Our domiciliary program for example, provides services to three individuals living in a home who may need supervised support,” Grenfell said. “It is a small, family environment, allows them to stay in their community and appeals to many.”
In addition, the agency offers resources and education regarding adult protective services, an important piece in preventing abuse, neglect or exploitation of older adults.
That type of education expands to other subjects, all with the intent to help seniors.
“We recently had a speaker from AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons) talking about new scams that really target grandparents. It’s educational opportunities like this we use to raise awareness and try to prevent this type of exploitation,” Grenfell said.
It’s not uncommon for older adults to have questions on insurance or legal issues as well.
Right now, Medicare is offering open enrollment through Dec. 15. Seniors can make changes to their plan and in the event a person needs help filing a claim or an appeal, the agency has experts standing by to assist.
While volunteers are always needed in a variety of areas, most importantly, Grenfell said, is simply telling others about them.
“We want to spread the word about our programs and help as many seniors as possible. There are numbers you can call for trained staff to provide the resources you need, whether it be through us or one of our partners,” Grenfell said.
For more information, call 1800-734-9603 or visit https://www.swpa-aaa.org.