About Us
Assisting older adults across Greater Pittsburgh maintain healthy and independent lives
AgeWell Pittsburgh is a collaboration between the Jewish Association on Aging, the Jewish Community Center, and JFCS Pittsburgh. With the help of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the three agencies came together in 2004 to better serve the older adults of the greater Pittsburgh community.
Through cooperation and teamwork, the three agencies could reach more seniors in more efficient and effective ways and achieve their collective goal/mission of helping seniors stay independent in the community for as long as possible. By having one number to reach many programs and services for older adults from several different organizations, AgeWell Pittsburgh serves as the gateway to maintaining the lifestyle seniors would like to keep.
Common Questions
AgeWell Pittsburgh assists older adults and caregivers in maintaining a healthy and independent life. Whether you have specific questions or just don’t know where to turn, we can provide answers and support.
My siblings and I are not in agreement about whether our mother should continue to live alone. Is there a way to resolve this issue?
My father has become a little unsteady on his feet; otherwise he is managing quite well. I am concerned for his safety because he lives alone. What can I do?
AgeWell Pittsburgh offers a personal emergency response system called ElderAlert which, with the press of a button, connects the user with an emergency response team that will come to his aid not only in the case of a fall, but also in the event of severe pain or any other situation requiring immediate aid.
I’m concerned about my mother’s weight loss. She isn’t interested in cooking any more. Can you offer any suggestions?
Any out of the ordinary weight loss should be checked first by a physician. If there is no medical reason for the loss, then there are two options. The first is to relieve the burden of preparation by ordering Mollie’s Meals, AgeWell Pittsburgh’s kosher home delivered meal service. The second is to ask for an assessment, done by an AgeWell Pittsburgh Geriatric Social Worker which may reveal, among other things, an underlying depression or some anxiety that should be addressed.
My husband and I retired to a Florida community, but I worry about my parents who are still living in their home. What can you recommend?
An option called care management has been a boon to out of town children whose parents are aging in place. With the regular oversight of an AgeWell Pittsburgh Geriatric Care Manager, parents’ health and well-being are closely monitored and reported to family members; appropriate medical appointments are made and kept; help in bill paying can be arranged; in home care ordered when necessary, and so on.
Dad is in the mid stages of Alzheimer’s. Mother is becoming exhausted from caregiving. What can you offer her?
Caregiving is one of life’s most demanding jobs. Respite care provided through AgeWell Pittsburgh’s CareGiver Connection will allow your mother some time for herself. In addition, participation in the AgeWell Pittsburgh Caregiver Support Group would be beneficial to her.
Since my older sister’s death, her husband seems to have lost interest in his former activities and is becoming reclusive. What can we do to help him?
Encourage him by example. Ask him to join you in participating in AgeWell Pittsburgh activities at the Jewish Community Center where there are options for exercise; interesting lectures; outings; classes; all in addition to a lunch program where you will meet many potential new friends.