Seniors

Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 June 2015 16:49

By Michelle Taylor

On May 12, Southwestern Medical Center, Jefferson Hospital, and Attorney Joe Covelli hosted a senior citizen resource fair. While interesting and informational, the fair also had specialty vendors geared towards senior citizens.

There was a blood pressure screening booth where many visitors got their pressures checked and learned if their blood pressure was within normal limits and what they can do to prevent their pressure from becoming too high.

Progressive Mobility and Medical was represented by Sally Edwards. This vendor helps to provide senior citizens and handicapped people with the necessary tools they need to help them move around with ease. They provide specialty canes, power chairs, stair lifts, and installation.

Automated Security Alert sent Zach Nigerelli to inform citizens about their lifesaving product. ASA provides emergency relief to older community members with not only necklaces and wristbands, but mobile two-way pagers that connect directly to an emergency dispatcher and can be used anywhere in the United States. The company also provides medication reminder safes. These boxes alert the patient when it is time to take their medication and will alert authorities and emergency services if medication isn't taken within a half an hour.

Mark Williams, Department of Health Services, helps the older community with welfare, elder abuse, helping the elderly with staying in their homes, caregiving, transportation, and medications. He has even implemented a mail carrier program designed for mail carriers who see mail piling up in the mailbox of a senior citizen or handicapped individual. The carriers should check on the individual and, if necessary, notify emergency services or authorities for help.

Tara Rush and Anna Progar were there on behalf of Amedisys. Amedisys specializes in in-home medical care with multiple stages of therapy, disease management, wound care, and hospice. All of these services are covered by most insurance companies with prescription.

Attorney Joe Covelli was one of three guest speakers. His topic was on investments and inheritance tax. His advice is to give away your assets to help decrease the taxes to be paid out, stating, "You can't be taxed on what you already own."

Judge Guy Reschenthaler and Judge Ronald Arnoni of Bethel Park were the other guest speakers. They spoke on the topic of senior scams. They covered fraud, fishing, internet scams, sweepstakes/lottery scams, real estate scams, catfishing, and home improvement scams. Their advice is to close credit cards that you don't use instead of cutting up the card, shred documents, and never hire someone who comes to your door. They also suggest to register on the National Do Not Call List at 888-382-1222 and to report any scams and elderly abuse by calling 866-623-2137.