Need Help with Transportation and Home Safety?

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North Hills Community Outreach - Transportation Assistance Program

Posted on

Apr 18, 2022

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

For more than 20 years, North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) has provided helpful and caring services to local seniors through their In Service of Seniors Program.
This initiative helps older adults in northern Allegheny County age 60 and older live healthy and safe with dignity in their homes. There are no income restrictions, and the services are free.
Many of our older neighbors have limited support and simply need a little help to keep living independently. A ride to the doctor, a trip to the grocery store, a friendly call, or a home safety check can make all the difference, NHCOs Outreach Manager Nancy Jones said.
Rides to Essential Appointments and Shopping:Volunteers use their own vehicle to take seniors to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other errands. Susan receives rides to a local hospital for cancer treatment.
My volunteer was on time and super-efficient, very dependable. I felt safe. I thank you so much for getting me to these very important appointments, she said.
Free Rides for Seniors Shuttle:Free Rides for Seniors ten passenger shuttles provide transportation along the Route 28 corridor weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seniors can get rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, UPMC St. Margaret and other important destinations.
Donna is a senior who lives in Millvale, where residents do not have a nearby grocery store, and she does not drive. Luckily, Free Rides for Seniors can give her a lift.
I can count on that every week, so I dont have to worry, she said.
Home Safety Checks: Volunteers visit a seniors home to check for fire and fall hazards, install smoke alarms and make safety repairs as needed.
Telephone Reassurance Calls:
Volunteers call seniors who live alone, ensuring they are safe and their needs are met, including food, medicine, and other essentials. If they need anything, NHCO will help.
We want to be sure that our most vulnerable seniors are not experiencing isolation and loneliness and they know they have someone they can call for a little help, said Nancy Jones.

Editors Note: This article was written by Nancy Jones, North Hills Community Outreach. She can be reached at 412.487.6316 X3321 or nljones@nhco.org

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