A group of individuals involved with and concerned about older adults and their caregivers. Organized by one person, in 2006, passionate about issues surrounding older adults and their caregivers.

Alzheimers Association Baldock Health Care Center Caring Companions Excela Health Faith In Action HCR Manor Care Home Instead Senior Care IntegraCare

Mental Health America of Westmoreland Co. Seton Center Friendly Visitors Senior Helpers Redstone Highlands Weatherwood Manor Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging

 Address issues of concern for seniors and their care  Increase awareness of existing support services  Make navigating the systems a little easier  Develop educational programs for older adults and caregivers about resources and services  Provide opportunities for networking among persons involved with older adults  Foster stronger relationships and collaboration among those providing support to older adults

Monthly meetings Special seminars & presentations Dedicated people donating their time & talents. Some paid sponsors for the Caregiver Resource Booklet

May 22, 2007 at 1:00PM at Juniper Village & May 23, 2007 at 7:00PM at Weatherwood Manor Audience: Caregivers, Seniors, Families & anyone interested in aging and mental health issues Purpose: to hear from caregivers regarding their experiences, challenges and what assistance, guidance & supports could make their care-giving journey easier

Home Health Long Term Care Assisted Living Local Hospitals Social Workers Alzheimer’s Association Area Agency on Aging Mental Health America

Lack of knowledge of what services are available Frustration at having to make numerous calls to find help

Continue to meet, network, and learn from each other Develop a resource directory & website Continue to hold educational events

Handling a diagnosis or crisis Tips for a successful doctor’s visit Support services for at home When living at home is no longer an option Caring for your loved one at the end of life Financial and legal concerns Resources

Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging Heartland Home Health Precision Care Pharmacy Excela Health

Developed by Brandon Bock:

FOR: Seniors & Caregivers FREE interactive seminar The panel included: Physician ~ Attorney Financial and Veterans Affairs Advisor ~ Agency on Aging Tuesday, September 14, 2010 ~ 6:00-8:00 p.m. Juniper Village at Huntingdon Ridge OR Thursday, September 30, 2010 ~ 6:00-8:00 p.m. Green Meadows at Latrobe Short presentations followed by question and answer periods.

March 20, 2012 Downsizing & Getting Organized April 17, 2012 Reverse Mortgages 6:00-7:30 PM Harold Zion Lutheran Church

Distribution of Caregiver Resource Booklet: Local Hospitals Food bank Personal Care Home Administrators Conferences Home Delivered Meals Senior Centers Mental Health Case Managers

Aging Care Managers Pharmacists Senior High Rises AARPs Physicians Local Representatives Westmoreland County Disabilities Task Force Faith In Action

Annual Health & Education Expo: sponsored by Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging, Westmoreland Casemanagement & Supports, Inc. and Westmoreland Community Action. Provides free health screenings & resource information to hundreds of seniors LINK- Westmoreland County Behavioral Health & Developmental Services is a collaborative partner in this effort to provide information about services & supports to individuals over the age of 60 and persons with disabilities

A regional group affiliated with the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health & Aging Coalition Encompasses 10 counties, but Westmoreland, Allegheny & Washington counties are most active Meets bimonthly at various locations Participants include individuals from behavioral health, aging, geriatric inpatient, psychiatric nursing, education and training, & case management

“It Takes Two to Tango: Increasing Collaboration Between the Aging & Behavioral Health Systems” May 2011 Keynote speaker-NJ Jacob, attending psychiatrist at Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic’s Geriatric Program spoke about psychotropic medication and harmful drug interactions with older adults

Breakout sessions Substance Use in Older Adults PCPs and Depression Screenings Addressing caregiver Issues Accessing Services through the AAA Dementia & Delirium Multi-County Panel-Increasing Collaboration between Behavioral Health & Aging Depression & Anxiety End of Life/Shared Decision Making

All in the Family: Assisting Older Adults & Their Families with their Behavioral Health Needs Keynote: Norma Thomas, “Treatment of Hoarding” SOME OF THE BREAKOUTS Suicide Prevention in Older Adults The Rule: Helping siblings overcome family conflict while caring for aging parents Animal care-What happens to pets if you need to leave your home

WORKING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THE WELLBEING OF OLDER ADULTS