Tips for Talking to Your Parent About a Move to Independent Living

If you live in the Pittsburgh area or youve visited here, you understand what people mean when they say the city blends the best of small-town friendliness with the benefits of big-city living.That welcoming atmosphere is also part of what makes Steel City an attractive retirement destination. It offers all the three Cs culture, cuisine, and cost of living in great supply. In this article, weve compiled a list of the top 5 reasons that make Pittsburgh one of the best places to retire in Pennsylvania.#1 Comfortable Cost of LivingWhen deciding whether or not Pittsburgh is the right place to retire for you, its important to consider the financial aspects of the city. Whats the general cost of living, and how does it compare to other locations? Does Pennsylvania tax retirement income?The short answer? Choosing senior living in Pittsburgh, PA, is a smart financial move. In general, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is lower than the national average, and the city, along with the entire Keystone State, offers some notably tax-friendly advantages for retirees. Most retirement income including Social Security income and payments from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are tax-exempt. Pension income is also exempt from taxes, and when it comes to taxable purchases, from groceries to golf clubs, the states average total sales tax rate is among the 20 lowest in the country.#2 Dont Miss AttractionsIn addition to being kind to your bottom line, retiring in Pittsburgh, PA, presents a world of opportunities for seniors to explore, experience, and grow. Youve earned your freedom and your free time, and the metro area is a place where you can make the most of both! Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium  These two attractions are definitely not a one and done experience. With 77 acres to explore, youll want to visit the zoo and aquarium regularly to browse beautiful, well-designed exhibits that foster understanding, respect, and appreciation of wildlife. Its a wonderful experience for both adults and children perfect for a days adventure with the grandkids. State Parks  If you love the great outdoors, rest assured, Pittsburgh has plenty of wonderful state and municipal parks to enjoy close to home. Whether youre into boating, hiking, biking, kayaking, or even camping, getting your fill of fun will be less than a half-hours drive. Carnegie Museum of Art  Known as the first contemporary art museum in the country, Carnegie Museum of Art likes to refer to its collection as the Old Masters of Tomorrow. Its one of the Pittsburgh regions finest examples of culture and is beloved not only for its 30,000 art objects, but also for its superb interactive programming that allows patrons to engage with the collection. Very cool. The Andy Warhol Museum  Artist Andy Warhol hails from Pittsburgh, PA, and The Andy Warhol Museum celebrates his career with the worlds largest collection of his artworks. In fact, its one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums anywhere. Whether youre a lover of pop art or not, you cant help but be mesmerized by Warhols bold, colorful pieces.#3 Marvelous CuisineFoodies looking to retire in Pittsburghyoure in luck. Pittsburgh dining options score high when it comes to variety, quality, and downright deliciousness. Pittsburghers (yes, thats what theyre called) hold certain dishes in high esteem, including pierogis, square-cut pizza, smiley-face cookies, potato patch fries, chipped chopped ham, and pepperoni rolls. Be sure to put the Strip District on your dining list, too, where you can enjoy the whole gamut of eateries before heading to Station Square for high-end riverfront shopping.Looking to spend time dining close to home? Luxury retirement communities like Friendship Village of South Hills offer the best of both worldsstellar on-site dining and close proximity to the citys downtown restaurants.#4 Excellent Health CareThe Pittsburgh region and its residents are fortunate to have the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for health care. Its one of the top medical facilities in the country, an important benefit for seniors. For over 15 years, UPMC has ranked among the top 20 best hospitals in America according to U.S. News & World Report hospital Honor Roll. In addition to the flagship hospital, it boasts 40 hospitals in the system, along with 700 clinical locations, including outpatient sites and doctors offices. Living in the Steel City, youll never be far from superior health care.#5 Superb Senior Living at Friendship Village of South HillsThe 5th top reason for retiring in Pittsburgh, PA, is having the pleasure of living in a welcoming community with a resort-like feel and a wonderful carefree attitude. Thats the life that awaits you at Friendship Village of South Hills. You can enjoy an active, vibrant lifestyle and reside in a beautiful independent living- LinkOpens in New Tab apartment. And youll have peace of mind  knowing youve chosen to make your home in a Life Care- LinkOpens in New Tab community that offers higher levels of care if and when your health needs change.A Great Life Awaits You in Pittsburgh Theres so much to love about retiring in Pennsylvania. When you become a resident of Friendship Village of South Hills, all the wonderful experiences the Steel City has to offer will be close at hand. If youd like to learn more about life in our welcoming community, simply complete the form below or click here and well be in touch.

Fall is upon us and it brings no shortage of fun festivities. At Friendship Village of South Hills, were looking forward to all that the changing of seasons brings.The Beauty of Fall in Upper St. ClairOn the list of our favorite things about living in a Mid-Atlantic state like Pennsylvania, getting to experience four distinct seasons would have to be near the top. Autumn in St. Clair can be quite stunning. Fall serves as a transition from the hot, lazy days of summer into the holiday season and winter months ahead. From the start of the season in September until the end of the season in late November, we get to experience the days start to cool down and get shorter while the foliage erupts into a glorious blaze of color.In addition to the changes in weather and our natural surroundings, fall also brings back-to-school season, the return of fall sports, and some very special holidays including Veterans Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Yes, theres a change in the air and plenty to celebrate, so weve rounded up some of our favorite fall celebrations and activities below. What (and how!) you choose to celebrate is up to you.Fall Festivities Around PittsburghIf youre interested in getting out and about to take advantage of this new season, there are plenty of fabulous events happening around Pittsburgh this fall. Drive-in theaters. Drive-in theaters are making a comeback. And what better season to enjoy an outdoor movie than fall? With a number of drive-ins around the greater Pittsburgh area showing different films throughout the fall, youre sure to find a movie that sparks your interest. Leaf peeping. Take in the peak of fall foliage at some of our best local parks and sites. Stick to spots in our neighborhood like Clair Park or the Upper St. Clair Waterfalls, or venture out a bit more and explore places like Schenley Park, Raccoon Creek State Park, the Cathedral of Learning or Fallingwater. Doors Open Pittsburgh. Spend a Saturday learning about the architecture of some of our citys historic buildings as well as newer ones in this annual event. Wine tasting cruise. Enjoy a beautiful fall evening with a different point of view from the river! Savor wines of Italy and the sights of downtown Pittsburgh during a wine tasting cruise. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is a delight any time of year, and this fall is no exception. With performances of Beethovens Fourth Symphony, Mendelssohns Scottish, Tchaikovskys Fiery Little Russian, Griegs Beloved Piano Concerto and an evening of swing music inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, the season is filled with music to tickle your ears. Light Up Night. Close out the fall season with Pittsburghs annual Light Up Night as we prepare to usher in the holiday season. How to Celebrate Fall at HomeIf youd prefer to stick closer to home, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the changing seasons.   Foliage gazing. While there are plenty of beautiful places around the state to take in the changing autumn colors, theres no need to get in a car at all. Take in the festive foliage with a simple stroll around the neighborhood. Football fun. For many, fall isnt complete without football. Whether cheering on the Steelers or your favorite college team, an in-person watch party or virtual tailgate with friends and family is a fun way to celebrate one of the highlights of the season. Seasonal baking. If the turning seasons have you thinking about warm baked goods or the flavors of pumpkin spice, a little autumnal baking can help set the stage for a beautiful fall day. Share your treats with friends and family or keep them for yourself we wont tell! Festive decorating. If your home is your happy place, you can get it and yourself into the fall spirit with a little seasonal fluff and buff. From door wreaths and welcome mats, to throw blankets and pillows or a vase fall blooms, help usher in this season with small changes around your home that make you happy. Celebrate Fall at Friendship Village of South HillsWhether you hit the town or prefer to stay close to home, celebrate fall with a community of friends at Friendship Village of South Hills in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania. From the >seasonally inspired menus in our restaurants, to our on-site events and group outings, our residents will be making the most of fall all season long.Schedule an in-person or virtual visit to learn more about life at Friendship Village of South Hills. Please fill out the form below or give us a call at 724-941-3100.

Retirement is an exceptional milestone, one where we can finally pursue our own passions and savor the lifestyle that weve worked so hard to achieve. Many older adults find that life in a senior living community gives them a more sociable, maintenance-free and enjoyable retirement than trying to keep up a traditional family home. This is especially true for the 70% of older adults who will require some kind of long-term care.  As you evaluate your choices, you may wonder if a Life Care community like Friendship Village of South Hills is the right choice for you, or if a month-to-month rental makes more sense. This checklist will help you determine which type of living arrangement is best for your financial situation and preferred lifestyle.  Life Care vs. Rental CommunitiesThere are key financial and lifestyle differences between choosing a monthly rental versus a long-term, future-focused Life Care community.  What is a Life Care Community?Life Care communities like Friendship Village of South Hills offer residents access to higher levels of care within that community, as health needs change over time. Life Care residents enjoy their own private residence, access to a wide range of amenities and on-site, long-term care for life. Residents gain access to care through a contractual agreement that requires an upfront entrance fee, as well as a predictable fee each month. Depending on the contract type, residents need never worry about their monthly fees changing even if their health care needs do.   What is a Rental Community?Rental communities can vary significantly in their offerings. Typically, independent living rental communities are geared toward older adults looking for flexible living solutions. They may offer some services and amenities, but they will generally be less robust than those in a Life Care community. While assisted living or memory care might be available, your monthly fees could surge as you progress into higher levels of care. Any short-term care would be billed at market rates. These costs could be significant. For instance, a 55-year-old couple retiring in 2022 could expect to spend nearly one million dollars in medical expenses in their lifetime if costs continue to rise just 2% per year. Healthcare costs rose 14.5% in 2022 alone. Reasons a Life Care Community Might Be Right for YouPredictable CostsOne of the biggest benefits of Life Care is that it enables older adults to account for future healthcare needs now. This provides them and their loved ones with a clear plan for their long-term care, and can reduce the stress associated with rising healthcare costs. It also allows residents to take control of their care needs now, determining where they will receive care and how it will be paid for before those needs change. Family HistoryFamily medical history should always be a major consideration when choosing a community. Even if you dont need care now, your family history can give you a good idea of what your needs might be in the future. For example, those with a history of Alzheimers or dementia often find the guaranteed access to memory care a significant incentive in preparing for whatever the future might hold. Even without a family history, however, the odds that older adults will need some form of long-term care is high. Its estimated that 70% of seniors will need a high level of long-term support and services.  Comfort and StabilityThe comfort and stability that Life Care provides cant be overlooked. As a Life Care resident at a community like Friendship Village of South Hills, you will receive care in the community where you live. This eliminates the need for a big move later in life, allowing you the freedom to build new relationships within the community. You will also have the certainty of knowing that the costs for this care have already been met, and will require no future changes on your part. Reasons a Rental Community Might Be Right for YouLess Financial CommitmentFor those who dont want to make a long-term financial commitment, a rental community can be a more favorable option. These communities dont require an entrance fee, and there is typically no financial penalty should you decide to move, as long as you give the required notice. Increased FlexibilityWhile rental communities dont have all the assurances of Life Care, they can offer more flexibility. As with any other rental property, you can give notice and move without any additional financial penalties. For those who travel frequently or are still exploring Life Care communities, the flexibility gives them a chance to try community living without a significant financial investment. However, should circumstances or care needs change, renters will need to enter a higher level of care with significantly higher fees (fees that have historically been increasing at a rapid rate). This option may seem good in the short-term, but offers little stability or assurances in the long-term. Explore Life Care Options at Friendship Village of South HillsAt Friendship Village of South Hills, the spiritual, emotional and physical wellness of our residents is our top priority. Nestled in a quiet, wooded area near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, our Life Care community is a sanctuary for seniors looking to get the most out of their retirement. We host lectures, performances, live music and other programming to ensure they have every opportunity to be active and engaged with their neighbors. Our community is also home to multiple dining venues and a fitness center with a personal trainer.