Q. 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?
A. A family conference, moderated by an unbiased AgeWell Pittsburgh Geriatric Social Worker, can do wonders in clarifying the underlying issues that are hindering agreement. Careful objective evaluation of those issues and presentation of options for action are the key elements in a successful meeting.

Q. 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?
A. 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.

Q. I’m concerned about my mother’s weight loss.  She isn’t interested in cooking any more.  Can you offer any suggestions?
A. 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.

Q. 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?
A. 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.

Q. Dad is in the mid stages of Alzheimer’s.  Mother is becoming exhausted from caregiving.  What can you offer her?
A. 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.  Adult day services through Anathan Club or the Irving Spolan Center will provide a safe place for your dad to go for socialization and stimulation.

Q. 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?
A. 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.

These are a few sample home safety questions. Please contact AgeWell Pittsburgh for answers to questions on home safety.