Aging in place is “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level,” according to the US. Center of Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, 88% of adults want to live in their homes for as long as possible. This desire to maintain a high quality of life and live independently has created a need for special services for seniors and people with limited mobility.
Below are a few interesting facts about Pittsburgh seniors:
- 15% of the population is 65 years of age or older
- 39% of seniors are living alone
- 21% of seniors are veterans
Pittsburgh, “the Steel City,” has more than steel-related businesses. In addition, many resources are available for the elderly and people with limited mobility, including housekeeping, meal prep, transportation, etc.
If you or a loved one lives in Allegheny County, below are some local resources to help maintain independence, whether you are a senior aging-in-place or an adult caregiver.
Housekeeping and Homemaker Services in Pittsburgh, PA
Need Help keeping the house in order? A clutter-free home is not just about tidiness, a clean and organized house is generally safer, and falls are a common source of injury in the home. Below are some resources that can help keep the home clean.
Help at Home (OPTIONS)
Pittsburgh has many top-rated home cleaning services, but the Pennsylvania Department of Aging program Help at Home (OPTIONS) provides assistance to Pennsylvania residents, age 60 and older who would like to stay in their home. The program offers 4 mains services including: Adult Day Services, Care Management, In-home Meals and Personal Care Services.
There are also Supplement services based on the local area agency of aging, including Home Support, which offers basic housekeeping and laundry services. There are no income requirements, but participants must live in PA, be at least 60 years of age, be a US resident and be determined to have unmet needs.
Alleghenies Unlimited Care Providers
Alleghenies Unlimited Care Providers offers customizable nonmedical personal care and homemaker services, including laundry and light housekeeping.
Alleghenies Unlimited aims to help people live independently in their communities. The personal care and homemaker services are very customizable, ranging from meal prep to housekeeping, 24/7 care or just a few hours days.
Groovy Maid
If you want a more standard cleaning service, Groovy Maid is a family-owned green cleaning company known as one of the leading Pittsburgh residential cleaning services. Groovy maid service area includes North, South, East or West Pittsburgh and has a satisfaction guarantee.
If you are concerned about having a stranger come to your home, Groovy maid interviews all employees in person and completes a full background check. Groovy Maid hires highly trained professionals that will provide the best possible cleaning experience to you or a loved one.
Meal Preparation Services
Healthy meals are essential, but sometimes we don’t have the time to prepare, or limited mobility makes it difficult to cook and prepare nutritious food consistently. Fortunately, meal prep services offer healthy and better-tasting alternatives to frozen dinners.
Meals on Wheels (Southwestern, PA)
The Meals on Wheels program is designed to help individuals who need prepared meals, including those who need short-term assistance while recovering from an illness or injury. Meals on Wheels has a kitchen in North Boroughs and McKnight serving the following areas and more:
- Glen Osborne
- Sewickley
- Glenfield
- Bellevue
- Avalon
- Sewickley Heights
- Glen Osborne
- Sewickley
- Glenfield
- Bellevue
- Avalon
- Emsworth
- Ben Avon Heights
- Edgeworth
- Kilbuck
- Ohio
- Aleppo
- Sewickley Heights
- West View
Pittsburgh Fresh
If you don’t have time to plan and cook meals or would like to supplement your meal preparation. Local companies will deliver delicious, cooked meals to your front door. The best part is there is a good selection of food options; generally, these meals are more nutritious than eating out.
Pittsburgh Fresh is a local meal prep service that makes eating healthy easy. Just pick your meals and your delivery method, and PGH will deliver healthy prepared meals ready to heat and eat.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
If you or a loved one cannot afford to use services like Pittsburgh Fresh, you may be eligible for meal services through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers meal services and home-delivered meal options to Low-income, eligible seniors. In addition to the In-Home Meals, meals are available at over 500 senior community centers for people aged 60 or over. In Allegheny County, more than 38 senior community centers can be found here.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements.
Mobility
Limited mobility can make it difficult to maintain independence, whether at home and trying to get from the first floor to the second or accessing a vehicle to get around town. Mobility devices such as vehicle lifts for scooters, stairlifts, vertical platform lifts or ramps can help a person maintain a high-quality lifestyle and enjoy the adventure.
Many vendors in Pittsburgh can give you personalized support, help you select the products you need, conduct a professional installation and offer professional ongoing local support.
If you are interested in mobility devices like stairlifts or scooter lifts, use the dealer locator to find a top-notch Pittsburgh resource close to you.
Harmar Dealers in Pittsburgh
Harmar is a leading manufacturer of wheelchair lifts for automobiles, stairlifts for the home, and residential and commercial vertical platform lifts and ramps. We make lives easier at home and while on the road for anyone needing assistance, from those aging in place to parents of children with special needs to our veterans.
Find an authorized dealer near you for Harmar mobility and accessibility solutions in Pittsburgh, PA,
