Let’s face it, caring for our loved ones at home can be stressful if we never have time to care for ourselves, as well. Volunteer assistance and support is offered to caregivers who want to keep loved ones at home despite disabilities or chronic illnesses, yet may not have the funds to arrange for the other types of fee-based in-home services. The following programs are volunteer based.
East End Cooperative Ministry
6140 Station St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 361-5549
eecm.org
East End Cooperative Ministry changes the lives of those facing the impacts of poverty. This interfaith ministry offers 24-hour shelter for single male and female adults who are experiencing homelessness. EECM works alongside individuals to help them build strong foundations, meeting housing needs first to become stable and move to higher levels of self-fulfillment through case management and employment services.
Highmark Blue Neighbors
(800) 988-0706 (you must leave a message to receive a callback)
highmarkblueneighbors.com
Highmark Blue Neighbors provides social support to seniors in the areas covered by Highmark. For Highmark Medicare members, we offer regular friendly visits or phone calls from a trained and cleared neighborhood volunteer. For all seniors, we offer our dial-in programs for free. They are accessible from any phone — even land lines.
Hope Grows
183 Shafer Rd.
Moon Township, PA 15108
(412) 369-HOPE (4673)
hopegrows.org
Hope Grows provides emotional and mental health services and counseling to family caregivers throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Through on-site and virtual programming, phone and in-person counseling, support groups, therapeutic respite activities, and educational resources, our mission is to inspire hope through nature while empowering family caregivers to seek wellness of mind, body, and spirit. The Iris Respite House Bed & Breakfast and Healing Gardens encourage guests to relax, recharge, and tap into therapeutic resources tailored for their well-being.
In Service of Seniors: Pittsburgh
Wesley Family Services
221 Penn Ave.
Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
(412) 345-7420
wfspa.org/service/isos-oyhs/
In Service of Seniors: Pittsburgh provides volunteer-based assistance to Allegheny County residents age 60 and older to help residents stay living safely and independently in their homes. Caring, trained volunteers provide the following services free of charge: friendly visits, transportation to grocery stores, medical appointments and errands; assistance reading mail; and home safety checks. Staff members also provide information and referral services to connect callers with appropriate community resources.
Senior Companion Program of Allegheny County
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Area Agency on Aging
(412) 350-5460 or (412) 350-4258
alleghenycounty.us/services/seniors
Senior companions are older adults who help other older adults live independently. They provide support to family caregivers and assist with daily tasks and errands such as accompanying them to doctor’s appointments. Most of all, senior companions fill the role of a friend for other seniors who need companionship; and they provide a watchful eye to notice when a senior needs extra care. Those who volunteer as senior companions discover that few things feel as good as knowing you’re needed.
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
H. J. Heinz Campus
1010 Delafield Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
(412) 360-6000 or (866) 482-7488
pittsburgh.va.gov
The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s Aspinwall location offers a respite program for veterans living at home. Respite care can also be provided at a VA contracted nursing home. Veterans must be actively enrolled in a VA primary care clinic or other outpatient service to be eligible.
VA Respite Care provides periodic relief to caregivers through scheduled short-term admissions to a Community Living Center. Eligible veterans can be admitted for a maximum of 30 days per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30).