 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||
Home Based Services
On occasion, older adults need supportive services at home. Perhaps a recent hospital stay necessitates a period of follow-up care. Some people have chronic conditions which require on-going assistance. Whatever the situation, home health care agencies, provide an array of services to assist older persons in their own homes, thus preventing or delaying the need for institutionalized care. HomeHelp and HomeHelp Plus are local home health care agencies sponsored by Presbyterian SeniorCare, Baptist Homes of Western Pennsylvania and Jewish Association on Aging. Available services vary from agency to agency. The following are services provided by HomeHelp and HomeHelp Plus:
These or other services may be prescribed by a physician or, in some instances, requested directly by the person or family. Under certain circumstances, Medicare coverage is available. HomeHelp Plus has contracts with programs that assist with payment such as the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Waiver Program (for Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties), community care programs and various private insurances. Private pay clients are also accepted. For more information HomeHelp and HomeHelp Plus, contact:
Community Based Services Community LIFE is a charitable, non-profit program that offers all-inclusive care for eligible older adults. It is a nationally recognized program which provides any and all care and services that an older adult might need, usually at no additional cost to him or her. The Community LIFE program is currently based in two Pittsburgh neighborhoods, McKeesport and Homestead. Frequently, families become overwhelmed with the responsibilities of providing around-the-clock supervision and care to a loved one. The emphasis often tends to be more on what an older adult can no longer do rather than on what he or she can do. Community LIFE emphasizes and encourages what the person can accomplish, enhancing his or her autonomy, dignity, and quality of life. Community LIFE coordinates all services "under one roof." live in their own homes and are transported to a day health center, as needed, to receive health care services, meals and activities. Additional services can be provided to participants in their homes. This comprehensive package of health care and social services is available to participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community LIFE serves individuals who are at least 60 years of age, are eligible for Medicaid or able to pay privately, are determined to be clinically eligible for the program by the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, live within one of the two service areas and are able to live safely in their homes with support. Services delivered are based on each participant's needs as determined by a professional care team. Medicaid-eligible participants pay nothing for Community LIFE care and services. The services include: all medical and hospital care, prescriptions, adult day care, social services, in-home support and services, physical and occupational therapies, medical supplies and durable medical equipment, transportation, meals, podiatry, optometry and audiology. The Day Center provides on-site medical and nursing care, plus rehabilitation therapy. This is where participants can see or talk to the doctor or nurses. The Day Center is also a place for seniors to socialize, participate in activities, special programs and entertainment, and share meals. The center has a large activity area complete with fireplace and a separate personal care shower area, which also boasts a whirlpool, a favorite of the participants. The services of a beautician are also available. The Community LIFE program is a nationally-recognized model of care known as PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly). PACE programs keep frail older adults as healthy as possible, while remaining in their communities by providing very extensive preventative health and social services. The first PACE program began at On Lok Senior Health Services in San Francisco and there are currently more than 30 PACE programs across the country. For more information about the PACE model of care, please refer to the National PACE Association website at www.npaonline.org. For more information on Community LIFE, contact one of our two Pittsburgh locations listed below or visit the Community LIFE website: www.commlife.org.
|
©2008 Presbyterian SeniorCare, Oakmont, PA, 1.877.PSC.6500. Please review our site policies.
Site by Elliance ®
