Senior Issues

There are many issues facing today's senior citizen and here at JCAAA we try to help the senior citizens of Jefferson County as much as we can. By being an advocate for the senior citizen, we have set up many programs and services. Below are a few articles of interest that might help senior citizens with some of the issues of today. If you keep checking back, more articles will be posted as well.


General Tips for the Elderly
Walk to Better Fitness and a Healthier Lifestyle
Better Breathing For Your Lungs
Elderly Depression
Elder Abuse
Pennsylvania Senior Law Helpline
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Lifting Weights Helps Restore Aging Muscles
Care Giver
Family Care Giving

We have also listed a number of websites that we feel are helpful. Also, more sites will be added as time goes on, so please check back often.

AARP
Administration on Aging
Apprise
Faith in Action
Health and Human Services
Social Security
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)
Jefferson-Clarion County Head Start
Medicare
N4A
PA Department of Aging
PA Department of Health

Caregiver Support

Our lives can sometimes seem very predictable. We care for our homes and families and go to work. Perhaps we call our parents each night or visit them every other Saturday. But life can change at any moment. Age-related disability such as heart attack, stroke, arthritis, and may require family members to provide on-going care to aging family members. Fitting in extended care giving can be a challenge and be quite stressful. Here are some tips from the Administration on Aging's National Family Caregiver Support Program's website:

          Plan Ahead: write doctor appointments on calendars and coordinate other trips at the same time.

          Learn about available resources: Call your local aging office to see what services and help are available. They, in turn, can direct you to even more resources.

          Take one day at a time: Reduce stress by prioritizing what needs to be done just for today.

          Accept help from others: Allowing someone to help you or even to listen to your thoughts can ease a lot of stress and give caregivers time to refresh him/herself.

          Be good to yourself: Get enough rest and make sure you schedule time to do things that revive your spirit. This helps you to be a better caregiver.

These tips and more can be found at www.aoa.gov For more information on Family Care giving call the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging.

Back to Top

Family Care Giving

Becoming a family caregiver can be an emotionally draining experience. It can become even more difficult when we are faced with caring for family members while holding down a full-time job, managing our own homes, taking care of our children, and trying to take the time to care for ourselves.

It is very important to learn techniques to care for yourself while caring for others. Organization is one method that proves to be very helpful. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Mark all doctor visits on a calendar.
  • Develop an emergency contact system, which will consist of people in the area that would be willing to help should you need the extra help.
  • Select a certain day of the week that will be spent running errands.
  • Schedule some time for yourself for the things you enjoy.
Your health is important to this care giving experience. Stopping to take a break and have some "me" time is very important and should not leave you feeling guilty.

For More Information call:  800-849-8036

Back to Top

Walk to Better Fitness and a Healthier Lifestyle

By Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging - Nora Dowd Eisenhower

    Summer is a great time for Pennsylvanians to increase their fitness level for a better quality of life. Fitness should involve more than just improving your appearance; it is really about maintaining your health. Please remember to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise Regimen.
    Aerobic exercise - loosely defined as any physical activity that makes your muscles, heart and lungs work harder - is best. Walking is one of the safest, most effective and easiest forms of exercise. Experts say 30 minutes of walking 3-5 times a week can bring about significant improvements in your fitness level.
     Walking can lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure while helping to maintain bone density and strengthen muscles. It also boosts your metabolism, helping your body burn more calories. Exercise releases mood-elevating endorphins.

Back to Top

Better Breathing for Your Lungs

     Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) is an illness that results in devastating lifestyle changes. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

     Understanding the disease and providing support are the key elements in helping you find the strength to carry on your battle with lung disease. You can make a commitment to maintain the stability of your lung disease. Your stamina and energy can be improved with proper management and treatment.

     Clearfield Hospital team approach at the Better Breathing Center focuses on increasing your strength and endurance allowing you to perform daily living activities and leisure activities with less fatigue and shortness of breath. Those who may qualify for the program include those with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, lung transplant/reduction, and occupational/environmental disease. Talk with your doctor about a referral to the program.

Back to Top

Pennsylvania Senior Law Helpline

     There is a free, confidential telephone legal service that provides legal information, advice and referrals to seniors, 60 years and older, throughout the state. The Helpline is open Monday-Friday, from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

     The Helpline assists with a wide range of legal questions and issues, including:

  • Consumer problem (credit, debt, bankruptcy)
  • Health care, including Medicare Part D
  • Estate Planning (Wills, Powers of Attorney)
  • Pensions - Government and Private
  • Family Law (Divorce, custody, Domestic Violence)
  • Housing (Landlord-Tenant, Deeds, Utilities)
  • Many other area of the law

    •      One out of every 5 residents of Pennsylvania is age 60 or older, making this the state with the third highest percentage of people over 60 in the United States. The Helpline represents a much-needed resource for Pennsylvania's seniors, many of whom are highly vulnerable and/or geographically isolated.

         The Helpline is launching a new phase, with the goal of expanding its services as well as its reach. In the coming months the Helpline will: increase hours to six hours a day, expand services to include such products as a website, e-newsletter and educational materials, and reach out to language and cultural minorities to increase their access to needed legal services. We provide interpretation service for 150 languages through Language Line. Call 1-877-727-7529 or contact the website at www.seniorlawcenter.org.

    Back to Top

    [Home]