Senior LIFE: Where Care & Community Come Together
Feb 18, 2025
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
As seniors grow older, their circle of friends, acquaintances, and even family draws tighter – especially if their health or other circumstances prevents them from getting out as much as they did previously. For the senior caregiver, the world also tends to become smaller, as a significant amount of their time is dedicated to the needs of their loved one at the expense of personal pursuits. The needs of seniors and the responsibilities of caregivers grow and change over time, but what can remain constant is the support networks available to provide assistance.
While there are many wonderful resources available at the state and national level including the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA), and others, Senior LIFE through its LIFE Health and Wellness Centers provides a broad range of customized services that encompass both the health & wellness and emotional/social support needs of seniors and their family caregivers alike.
As a uniquely structured and positioned entity in the senior healthcare space, Senior LIFE offers eligible participants access to local LIFE Health and Wellness Centers. These centers, which function similarly to a senior center but with the added benefit of providing comprehensive healthcare through an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals including doctors, nurses, therapists, and others, are warm and inviting places where seniors can socialize, receive hot meals, and freely interact within a vibrant community of their own.
Program participants are given access to a dedicated social worker who helps manage and coordinate care while also addressing emotional, family, and social needs. Senior LIFE social workers serve as a trusted liaison for caregivers who they communicate with regularly. Social workers are also able to connect you with additional resources within your community, as well as provide family support and individual counseling.
Senior LIFE’s array of in-home care services also work to expand the caregiver network into a senior participant’s home, which can give family caregivers a much needed respite and peace of mind in knowing that their loved one is in good hands and someone is checking in during the day. In-home care can include compassionate personal care services designed to help seniors maintain independence and dignity. These services include help with dressing, toileting, showering or bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and more.
At Senior LIFE, we believe that living independently doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Part of our core mission of keeping seniors in their homes entails creating meaningful and productive connections that foster community for both the senior participant and the family caregiver. To learn more, visit us at www.SeniorLIFEPA.com or call 1-877-998-LIFE (5433).
- To view the original version of this article visit seniorlifepa.com/blog/senior-life-where-care-community-come-together
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
Other Articles You May Like
How To Write An Obituary - Jefferson Memorial Cemetery & Funeral Home
A simple checklist for making sure your obituary honors and informs.When a loved one has passed away, writing an obituary that honors their life can seem overwhelming. Dont worry - your obituary will honor their life simply by the act of you writing it. You want to celebrate your loved ones life and offer happy and enjoyable memories. You are helping to ease the pain of others simply by telling a story about your loved one.We hope that this checklist will take the stress and pressure off of you and allow you to honor your loved one. Remember, your funeral arranger is an experienced professional and is a valuable resource for writing the obituary.Include basic details about the persons lifeYou dont have to include all of this information, but here are the basics that are often included in an obituary. Choose the elements that are most relevant to your loved one: Age Any familial survivors Education Vocation When the person retired, if relevant Any military affiliations Any volunteer affiliations Include funeral informationFamily and friends often rely on an obituary for information on when and where a persons life will be celebrated, so your obituary will make it very simple for them to get that information (and will save you the hassle of having to answer lots of questions at a time when you would prefer not to be bothered with small details). You can include: Date and time of the funeral Place the funeral is being held Any viewing details Request for donations in lieu of flowers
How To Write A Eulogy - Jefferson Memorial Cemetery & Funeral Home
The thought of public speaking throws many people into a panic. Add to that fear the common discomfort of discussing death, and it's easy to understand why the idea of delivering a eulogy can be disconcerting. If you've been asked to write a eulogy, take heart. This article will help you put your fears in perspective so you can deliver a loving eulogy."Why me?"You were probably asked to deliver a eulogy because of your close relationship to the deceased, and because the family trusts you to honor his or her memory on behalf of family and friends. The family doesn't want to make you feel uncomfortable, foolish or as though your grief is on display. It's an honor they've bestowed upon you. Helping others say goodbye may turn out to be a rewarding experience. Don't worry about making mistakes. A eulogy comes from the heart of the deliverer. I can't see how a mistake could be made as long as it is honest and true."I can't write."Don't let the thought of writing intimidate you. You don't have to be a novelist to move people. Everyone has a story to tell and that's your job as a eulogist. Tell people your story.In the book "A Labor of Love: How to Write a Eulogy," author Garry Schaeffer says a eulogy should convey the feelings and experiences of the person giving the eulogy, and should be written in an informal, conversational tone. Schaeffer dispels the misconceptions that a eulogy should objectively summarize the person's life or speak for all present. Sit down and write from the heart.Eulogists often write about the person's attributes, memories and common times that were shared together. Sometimes they include the deceased's favorite poems, book passages, scripture verses, quotes, expressions, lines from songs or items that were written by the deceased. Whatever is selected, it generally reflects the loved one's lifestyle.These questions should get you thinking: How did you and the deceased become close? Is there a humorous or touching event that represents the essence of your passed loved one? What did you and others love and admire about the deceased? What will you miss most about him or her? Some of the simplest thoughts are deeply touching and easy for those congregated to identify with. For example, "I'll miss her smile," or "I'll never forget the way he crinkled his nose when he laughed," are just as good as "I admired her selflessness.""I can't speak in front of people."It may not be easy, but you can do it. A funeral is one time you'll surely have a kind and empathetic audience. They feel for you and are on your side. You'll only have to speak for five to ten minutes, but your gift will live in the hearts of the deceased's family and friends.If you're worried about choking up or breaking down in the middle of your eulogy, you can take a moment to compose yourself, then carry on, as Schaeffer recommends, or you can have a back up person ready to step in. Give a copy of your eulogy to the minister or funeral director so that person can finish the eulogy if you're unable to continue.Tips Be honest and focus on the person's positive qualities Humor is acceptable if it fits the personality of the deceased. "If you are inclined to be a perfectionist, lower your expectations and just do what you can given the short time-frame and your emotional state," writes Schaeffer in "Labor of Love." Keep it brief. Five to ten minutes is the norm, but it's a good idea to verify that with the minister or funeral director. Leo Saguin recommends interviewing family and friends in his book "How to Write and Deliver a Loving Eulogy." Put the eulogy on paper - at least in outline form. Eulogy or Sharing Time?If you're planning the funeral, you might want to consider "sharing time" as an alternative to a eulogy. In sharing time, the people congregated pass a microphone or take turns standing up to share their thoughts. It's like a lot of mini eulogies and is more spontaneous.Links Offering Examples Mona Simpson, sister to Steve Jobs, delivered a heart wrenching eulogy that was posted in The New York Times on October 30, 2011 - Click here to read it in its entirety. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's eulogy for President Ronald Reagan was telecast at his services in 2005 as she remembered her friend. Click here to read it in its entirety. Books Offering Help, Examples and Inspiration Books Offering Help, Examples and Inspiration "The Book of Eulogies: A Collection of Memorial Tributes, Poetry, Essays, and Letters of Condolence" by Phyllis Theroux (editor) "How to Write and Deliver a Loving Eulogy" by Leo Seguin "Final Celebrations: A Guide for Personal and Family Funeral Planning" by Kathleen Sublette and Martin Flagg "In Memoriam: A Practical Guide to Planning a Memorial Service" by Amanda Bennett and Terence B. Foley "My Deepest Sympathies: Meaningful Sentiments for Condolence Notes and Conversations, Plus a Guide to Eulogies" by Florence Isaacs "Remembering Well: Rituals for Celebrating Life and Mourning Death" by Sarah York "Readings for Remembrance: A Collection for Funerals and Memorial Services" by Eleanor C. Munro (introduction) "Remembrances and Celebrations: A Book of Eulogies, Elegies, Letters, and Epitaphs" by Jill Werman Harris (editor)
How To Choose Speakers For A Funeral
What makes a funeral service memorable? Most often, it's the words that are spoken and the special people who say them. So when you gather with family members to plan a ceremony to help you celebrate the life of a loved one, it's wise to choose your speakers with care. There are several speaking roles to think about. Choosing the right person for each of these roles is important.Ceremony LeaderYou will need one person to take charge and oversee the ceremony. This person is responsible for starting and finishing the service, performing official duties within the ceremony, and coordinating all the activities in between. This person is called the officiant.If your loved one was involved in a religion, the clergy from his or her church may be the logical choice. If the person who died (the deceased) was not a member of a specific church, you can invite clergy from another church or an officiant with no church connection to perform a religious ceremony.Most clergy will follow an order of service dictated by their religious rules. This typically includes prayers, readings and blessings for the deceased and saddened family members.If a non-religious ceremony seems right, or family members are having trouble choosing the clergy, a professional funeral celebrant may be the solution. A celebrant will work with you to design a fully customized ceremony that can meet a variety of needs. Your funeral director can help arrange for an officiant.Guest Speaker or EulogistAnother important choice is the person or people who will write and deliver a speech a eulogy about the life of the person who has died. The speech is ideally given by someone who knew the person well enough to gather and share memories and highlights of his/her life.Sometimes the choice is obvious within the family. There is often one person who seems to be the unofficial family spokesperson. In other cases, the family needs to look further to find the right person to have the honor. Another family member, a lifelong friend or a trusted co-worker might have the perfect combination for the job a deep knowledge of the person who died and good writing and public speaking abilities. In some cases, the officiant, who may be a priest, minister, or professional celebrant, will give the eulogy.Many families choose to have more than one speaker to cover different aspects of their loved ones' life. One way to do this is to follow the main eulogy with a couple of shorter presentations; perhaps a grandson reading a letter or a daughter reading Mom's favorite poem. In all, no more than 30 minutes should be planned for the Eulogy part of the service.One last word of advice about eulogies: keep in mind that even though a family member may wish to speak at the funeral to help with the healing process, he or she may be too emotionally distressed to speak when the time comes. It's a good idea to have another speaker ready to step in and finish the speech if necessary.Reader(s)Many services include readings from the Bible or other sacred texts. These may be read by clergy or other guests. When planning the service, ask the clergy or celebrant whether guest readers are required or allowed. This could be a welcome honor for a family member or close friend who is not up to the task of writing or presenting a long speech. If you have guest readers, make sure they have the verses ahead of time in order to practice and double check any tricky words.Open MicrophoneIt has become popular to open the floor to allow guests to share additional memories with the group. While this practice can provide more information about the life of the deceased and create a deeper feeling of community, it's not without some risk. Clear time limits should be set and respected. The ceremony leader must be prepared to politely guide participants who speak too long, or the ceremony can start to drag.Final WordsThere are formal and informal rules, rites and traditions involved in almost any funeral or memorial ceremony. Especially if your service occurs in a place of worship, there will be guidelines to respect. Make sure you meet with the selected officiant ahead of time so you understand what to expect and have a chance to discuss any special requests.Most important, remember whose life you are celebrating. Their stated wishes, or your understanding of what they would prefer, should always guide your decisions.
Local Services By This Author
Senior LIFE Greensburg
LIFE Programs 123 Triangle Dr, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 15601The Senior LIFE program, also known as Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE), is a comprehensive healthcare and support services program designed to help older adults aged 55 and above live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible, rather than moving to a nursing home. Senior LIFE is a Medicare and Medicaid approved long-term care program that offers a wide range of medical and non-medical services to eligible individuals. It is a one-stop solution for all healthcare needs, providing a dedicated team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and home care coordinators. The program aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors by enabling them to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the necessary care and support.Eligibility and CostTo be eligible for Senior LIFE, individuals must meet certain age, location, and medical criteria. If eligible for Medicaid and living in the community, there are no monthly premiums, deductibles, or copayments for any approved drug, service, or care provided by Senior LIFE. For those eligible for Medicare but not Medicaid, a monthly premium is charged. Private pay options are also available for those who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.Services ProvidedSenior LIFE offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to each member's individual needs. Upon enrollment, members and their families work with an interdisciplinary team to develop a personalized care plan. This plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted as the member's needs change. The services provided by Senior LIFE include:Medical Services:- Primary care physician and nursing services- Specialist consultations- Medication management- Diagnostic services (e.g., lab tests, X-rays)- Hospital and nursing home care (when needed)Therapies:- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies- Rehabilitation servicesPersonal Care:- Assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming)- Meal preparation and nutritional counseling- Light housekeeping and laundry servicesSocial and Emotional Support:- Social work services and counseling- Recreational activities and socialization opportunities- Dementia care and support Transportation:- Door-to-door transportation to and from the Senior LIFE center and medical appointmentsPalliative Care:- Specialized care for members with life-limiting illnesses- End-of-life care and supportSenior LIFE CentersSenior LIFE operates health and wellness centers in various locations, which serve as hubs for members to receive services. These centers are staffed by healthcare professionals and offer a warm, inviting environment for members to socialize, receive hot meals, see their doctors, and participate in therapies and activities.Interdisciplinary Team Approach - One of the key strengths of the Senior LIFE program is its interdisciplinary team approach. Each member's care is coordinated by a dedicated team of professionals who work together to address their unique needs. This team-based approach ensures that members receive comprehensive and integrated care, with seamless communication and collaboration among all providers.Quality of Life and IndependenceThe goal of Senior LIFE is to enhance the quality of life for older adults and promote their independence. By providing a wide range of services and support, the program aims to help seniors remain active, engaged, and living safely in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, avoiding or delaying the need for nursing home placement. Senior LIFE offers a comprehensive and coordinated approach to caring for older adults, providing a one-stop solution for all their medical, social, and personal care needs. With its dedicated team of professionals, personalized care plans, and commitment to promoting independence and quality of life, the program serves as a valuable alternative to nursing home care for eligible seniors.Contact us to learn more!
Senior LIFE Uniontown
LIFE Programs 89 West Fayette Street, Uniontown, Pennsylvania, 15401The Senior LIFE program, also known as Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE), is a comprehensive healthcare and support services program designed to help older adults aged 55 and above live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible, rather than moving to a nursing home. Senior LIFE is a Medicare and Medicaid approved long-term care program that offers a wide range of medical and non-medical services to eligible individuals. It is a one-stop solution for all healthcare needs, providing a dedicated team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and home care coordinators. The program aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors by enabling them to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the necessary care and support.Eligibility and CostTo be eligible for Senior LIFE, individuals must meet certain age, location, and medical criteria. If eligible for Medicaid and living in the community, there are no monthly premiums, deductibles, or copayments for any approved drug, service, or care provided by Senior LIFE. For those eligible for Medicare but not Medicaid, a monthly premium is charged. Private pay options are also available for those who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.Services ProvidedSenior LIFE offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to each member's individual needs. Upon enrollment, members and their families work with an interdisciplinary team to develop a personalized care plan. This plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted as the member's needs change. The services provided by Senior LIFE include:Medical Services:- Primary care physician and nursing services- Specialist consultations- Medication management- Diagnostic services (e.g., lab tests, X-rays)- Hospital and nursing home care (when needed)Therapies:- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies- Rehabilitation servicesPersonal Care:- Assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming)- Meal preparation and nutritional counseling- Light housekeeping and laundry servicesSocial and Emotional Support:- Social work services and counseling- Recreational activities and socialization opportunities- Dementia care and support Transportation:- Door-to-door transportation to and from the Senior LIFE center and medical appointmentsPalliative Care:- Specialized care for members with life-limiting illnesses- End-of-life care and supportSenior LIFE CentersSenior LIFE operates health and wellness centers in various locations, which serve as hubs for members to receive services. These centers are staffed by healthcare professionals and offer a warm, inviting environment for members to socialize, receive hot meals, see their doctors, and participate in therapies and activities.Interdisciplinary Team Approach - One of the key strengths of the Senior LIFE program is its interdisciplinary team approach. Each member's care is coordinated by a dedicated team of professionals who work together to address their unique needs. This team-based approach ensures that members receive comprehensive and integrated care, with seamless communication and collaboration among all providers.Quality of Life and IndependenceThe goal of Senior LIFE is to enhance the quality of life for older adults and promote their independence. By providing a wide range of services and support, the program aims to help seniors remain active, engaged, and living safely in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, avoiding or delaying the need for nursing home placement. Senior LIFE offers a comprehensive and coordinated approach to caring for older adults, providing a one-stop solution for all their medical, social, and personal care needs. With its dedicated team of professionals, personalized care plans, and commitment to promoting independence and quality of life, the program serves as a valuable alternative to nursing home care for eligible seniors.Contact us to learn more!
Senior LIFE Ebensburg
LIFE Programs 429 Manor Drive, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, 15931The Senior LIFE program, also known as Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE), is a comprehensive healthcare and support services program designed to help older adults aged 55 and above live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible, rather than moving to a nursing home. Senior LIFE is a Medicare and Medicaid approved long-term care program that offers a wide range of medical and non-medical services to eligible individuals. It is a one-stop solution for all healthcare needs, providing a dedicated team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and home care coordinators. The program aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors by enabling them to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the necessary care and support.Eligibility and CostTo be eligible for Senior LIFE, individuals must meet certain age, location, and medical criteria. If eligible for Medicaid and living in the community, there are no monthly premiums, deductibles, or copayments for any approved drug, service, or care provided by Senior LIFE. For those eligible for Medicare but not Medicaid, a monthly premium is charged. Private pay options are also available for those who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.Services ProvidedSenior LIFE offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to each member's individual needs. Upon enrollment, members and their families work with an interdisciplinary team to develop a personalized care plan. This plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted as the member's needs change. The services provided by Senior LIFE include:Medical Services:- Primary care physician and nursing services- Specialist consultations- Medication management- Diagnostic services (e.g., lab tests, X-rays)- Hospital and nursing home care (when needed)Therapies:- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies- Rehabilitation servicesPersonal Care:- Assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming)- Meal preparation and nutritional counseling- Light housekeeping and laundry servicesSocial and Emotional Support:- Social work services and counseling- Recreational activities and socialization opportunities- Dementia care and support Transportation:- Door-to-door transportation to and from the Senior LIFE center and medical appointmentsPalliative Care:- Specialized care for members with life-limiting illnesses- End-of-life care and supportSenior LIFE CentersSenior LIFE operates health and wellness centers in various locations, which serve as hubs for members to receive services. These centers are staffed by healthcare professionals and offer a warm, inviting environment for members to socialize, receive hot meals, see their doctors, and participate in therapies and activities.Interdisciplinary Team Approach - One of the key strengths of the Senior LIFE program is its interdisciplinary team approach. Each member's care is coordinated by a dedicated team of professionals who work together to address their unique needs. This team-based approach ensures that members receive comprehensive and integrated care, with seamless communication and collaboration among all providers.Quality of Life and IndependenceThe goal of Senior LIFE is to enhance the quality of life for older adults and promote their independence. By providing a wide range of services and support, the program aims to help seniors remain active, engaged, and living safely in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, avoiding or delaying the need for nursing home placement. Senior LIFE offers a comprehensive and coordinated approach to caring for older adults, providing a one-stop solution for all their medical, social, and personal care needs. With its dedicated team of professionals, personalized care plans, and commitment to promoting independence and quality of life, the program serves as a valuable alternative to nursing home care for eligible seniors.Contact us to learn more!