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Local caregivers, older adults and college students to benefit

United Way of Southwestern PA, with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Family Services of Western PA, and AgeWell Pittsburgh, in partnership with Jefferson Regional Foundation, recently launched Care Shared, a program to offer a hand to local family caregivers.

United Way Launches Caregiver Program

Participating students from CCAC South help caregivers by spending a few hours a week with a local senior.

“This program is a win, win, win, for everyone involved,” said Heather Sedlacko, director, programs for seniors and people with disabilities, United Way. “The caregivers get a much-needed break, while older community members and college students have the opportunity to learn from each other.”

There are 15 spots available for South Hills seniors and their family caregivers to participate in the program, where work study college students will spend time weekly with the older adults. This time allows the seniors’ caregivers, including spouses, adult children, friends – anyone who makes it possible for older adults to live healthy and safe in their homes—to take a break. Participating family caregivers have noted the program is very helpful and allows them to have alone time, plan appointments, go shopping and more. At the same time, the senior and student are having meaningful conversations and making connections.

“United Way brought all of these great partners together to solve a critical problem in our community. We are thrilled to be part of this solution that benefits local students, seniors and caregivers. The initiative will provide real-world learning and mentorship opportunities to our students,” said Charlene Newkirk, CCAC South Campus President. “This partnership allows CCAC students to use their federal work study allocation to gain important knowledge and learn valuable lessons from participating seniors.”

Research has shown there is risk in isolation for seniors. Higher levels of social integration, however, are linked to a host of health benefits, including better survival rates after heart attacks, slower memory decline, and more resistance to the common cold.

“Often times, family caregivers neglect their own health and needs, and we know social connections are so important for seniors. Jefferson Regional Foundation partnered with United Way and our other great community partners to address this growing issue in our community,” said Charles Modispacher, president, Jefferson Regional Foundation. “This pilot program is a bold and effective first step in solving this need for local families.”

This program — modeled after successful programs at Temple University and the University of California, Los Angeles — is the first of its kind in the Pittsburgh region.

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