< Previous{ Staying in the home One resource that is growing in popularity among caregivers abiding by a parent’s wishes to age at home are in-home care agencies. Typically, aids from these agencies help with things such as bathing, dressing and assisting with household tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry. Hankey Farms resident Lillian Valla used one such agency, Renaissance Home Care in Imperial, for several years to keep her 94-year-old mother, Lillian O’Hara, in her Oakdale home. A Renaissance aide would visit O’Hara three times a week to assist her with personal care and cleaning, though O’Hara was still able to do her own laundry in the basement due to a chair lift. As her mother’s health declined, Valla increased the Renaissance visits to a daily basis. After an evening fall by her mother, however, Valla made the decision to move her to a facility. Valla found O’Hara, whose off-the-hook phone prohibited a call to Life Alert, on the floor when she visited the next morning. Oftentimes, a medical condition is what prompts a family to begin reconsidering an aging loved one’s living situation. Mary Jo Dietrich, a registered nurse who runs At-Home Senior Services in Coraopolis with her husband, David, says that many families enlist their services as their loved ones are about to be discharged from a rehabilitation center following a hospital stay. Oftentimes, these family members have suffered a stroke or injury that requires caregivers to take on a new medical role that they may not be comfortable fulfilling themselves. Mary Jo says that, in the rush to get their loved ones home, families oftentimes don’t fully realize the full extent of what is now involved until the last minute. She and her husband have come to know it as the “deer in the headlights” moment. “It’s so fast,” says Mary Jo about the process. “During the discharge to home, depending on what needs to be taught, the family says ‘Yes yes yes’ because we’re so excited to get them home. Then they get home and they freeze because they don’t know what to do.” She recommends that families have an emergency plan in place ahead of time and consider contacting an at-home agency on the first day that their loved one is admitted to the hospital. From there, the agency can work with the family to track their loved one’s progress and determine whether the family needs an at-home aid or should consider assisted living. If a resident nurse is training family members on medical tasks, she says at-home aids can take on those responsibilities. She also says, though, that once the need exceeds 10 hours per day, families should consider the economics and whether assisted living makes more sense. For those looking ahead, she suggests purchasing long-term care insurance by age 60, and looking at whether the insurance carries a homemaking portion that can cover at-home care. Given the familiar surroundings coupled with the higher cost of assisted living, many more seniors prefer the option to stay in their homes as long as possible, says Mary Jo. As for caregivers, Mary Jo says many call them as a last resort and view doing so as an admission of defeat, even though having the added assistance can help a caregiver get back to work or continue on with their lives outside of caregiving. She recommends families consider all possibilities when making decisions regarding their aging loved one. “Sometimes it’s just about knowing what you can do,” she says. { New trends in assisted living As more seniors age and are looking at transitioning into assisted living, companies and developers are embracing new concepts to meet varied needs, interests and means. In recent years, a number of expansive senior complexes have opened in the area that encompass everything from independent homes, to assisted living hi-rises, to memory care units. One of those communities, Tapestry Senior Living, is housed in the former Embassy Suites hotel on Cherrington Parkway in Moon Township. The community offers secure senior care in a uniquely designed setting. Past visitors to the hotel would likely remember its large atrium with a garden and water feature flowing through its center. In all, Tapestry has 112 assisted living apartments, 93 memory care apartments and 19 enhanced senior living apartments. According to business development manager John Sciulli, Tapestry’s staff members are trained in a “Positive Approach to Care” cognitive technique developed by world-renowned therapist Teepa Snow. The community isn’t lacking in amenities, either. It has four varied dining options ranging from fine cuisine to a coffee shop on the main level. It also has a full-service salon and theater. As well, Tapestry utilizes a state-of-the-art SilverSphere Safety Alert Monitoring system with motion sensors in each room that can alert staff to falls and night roaming. According to Sciulli, Tapestry is an industry leader in response time for alarms, with an expected five-minute turnaround for safety checks and even bed changes. Incontinence sensors trigger an alert at the nurses’ station. 40 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020 To further connect with the area, Tapestry executives offered its community to Moon Township Parks and Recreation’s Senior Connection recreation program. The 55-plus social group had reached more than 430 members and outgrown the space it was using at the Carriage House at Robin Hill Park. Now, seniors in the group meet in a 2,000 square- foot converted ballroom that’s been outfitted specially for the group. Tapestry even erected a dedicated covered entryway specifically for Moon Connection members and a front desk inside the ballroom. During Senior Connection, members can enjoy games, activities, art classes, a lending library and more, Monday through Friday. Tapestry CEO Christopher Blum stated that the collaboration fosters a link between Tapestry and the greater community. “We love the idea that we’ve helped design something for the Senior Connection to continue to grow for years to come,” he said. Continued on page 42 ABOVE: The former Embassy Suites Hotel in Moon Township is now Tapestry Senior Living, an assisted living community with 112 assisted living apartments, 93 memory care apartments, 19 enhanced senior living apartments, a theater and more. BELOW: Tapestry has turned one of the hotel’s former ballrooms into the official meeting place of Moon Township Parks and Recreation’s Senior Connection program. Here, Beverly Gross, Helen Barcaskey, Jon Barcaskey and Janet Heidet wrap up a game of mahjong. January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 41Moon Township Senior Connection at Tapestry Senior Living 550 Cherrington Parkway, Moon Township Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Register at www.moonparks.org/ programs/seniors.asp# or call (412) 262-1703 x 415 on Monday-Thursday, 1-4:30 p.m., or Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Ongoing Programs: • Tuesday Tea Parties, Tuesdays, 1-2 p.m. • Piano Playing and Sing-Along with Margie, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon. • Trivia Challenge Game with Prizes, Thursdays, 1-2 p.m. • Adult Paint by Number with Acrylics, Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Upcoming Special Events: Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, Jan. 28, 10:30a.m.-noon, $5/person, celebrate National Blueberry Pancake Day, line dancing to follow, register by Jan. 20, $5/person. Elvis Movie Fest, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free, “Jailhouse Rock,” “Harum Scarum,” “Spinout,” fresh popcorn, hot coffee, tea. Lovebug Miniature Therapy Horse Presentation, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., informative and interactive presentation about how horses provide comfort and support, photo ops, pizza, beverages, BINGO with prizes, $7/person, register by Feb. 7. Carnegie Science Center & Mummy Exhibition Bus Trip, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m. departure from Moon Township Senior Connection, 4 p.m. return, motor coach transportation provided, includes admission to the “Mummies of the World” introduction seminar and exhibition, register by Feb. 17, $52/person. Less than two miles away on Brodhead Road, the Apple Blossom Senior Living Community also opened this past fall with 14 independent living cottages, 104 personal care apartments and a 32-unit memory care unit for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. As of this writing, the complex was 50 percent pre-leased. One of the first residents to move into a personal care unit at Apple Blossom was the previously mentioned Lillian O’Hara. The shy and independent O’Hara made friends with a woman moving into the apartment next to her on the same day and is now enjoying her new life at the community. Her daughter commented that her mother is able to be alone if she chooses in the one-bedroom unit with a kitchenette and living area, but that it’s a relief to know that help is always on the other side of her door. Construction has also begun on a third facility in Moon called Luna Ridge that will be managed by Harmony Senior Services. The company, which is a division of the Roanoke development company Smith Packett, will manage the 189-unit, 200,000 square foot complex. The new senior residence will be part of the Village at Market Place, a mixed-use development containing businesses, homes and retail establishments. One portion of the complex will be located above Montour Run Road on land vacated by the Super K-Mart and Gander Mountain stores. Luna Ridge will be divided into 84 independent living residences, 69 assisted living units and 36 memory care units. It will offer various amenities that have become standard at such facilities, including dining options, a pub, fitness center and spa. Comments from HSS CEO Terry Howard provide an interesting perspective on the growth of elaborate, almost resort-like developments for the senior population. Howard, who has been in the business since 1982, stated that in the 1980s and 1990s “people didn’t really understand all of the elements of senior living.” As consumers became more educated and the public markets opened up with equity, senior facilities became much more sophisticated. Additionally, after the 2008 collapse, said Howard, this market was the only real estate group with positive rent growth. It began to attract much more capital and venues such as hospitality groups wanted a piece of the action, helping to create a high-end vacation atmosphere. Howard says the “next big wave” in senior care will be secure and amenity-driven residential complexes with a price point scaled down for the middle market. “Nobody has really cracked this code yet,” stated Howard. One such popular option are apartment complexes for those aged 55 and older. Lafayette Square, which opened two years ago in the Hankey Farms neighborhood in North Fayette, has been at capacity for months with a wait list for new residents. Another, Clover Communities apartment complex, is scheduled to open in the fall in Robinson Township and is already one-quarter pre-leased. Kathleen Codick, a Clover Group leasing consultant, reported that the Cedar Ridge Senior Apartments will be a four-story, 124-unit building with an option of two- bedroom, one-and-a-half baths units, a feature not available at Lafayette Square. Another unique amenity will be a coffee bar lounge on the fourth floor of the building. Codick said that before construction even began on the property, a woman living in Florida heard about Cedar Ridge and began calling her weekly to secure a lease. For more on Cedar Ridge Senior Apartments, see page 13. { Regardless of the direction in which caregivers choose to move forward with aging loved ones, the process can be stressful and costly. Caregivers should seek support from many sources and remind themselves to set aside time for their own health and needs. After nearly a year of transition, Opacic and her family have adjusted to the changes in their lives. The house renovations have provided a private living area for her mother on the lower level, which gives her a sense of independence but still allows her to share dinners and weekend meals with the family. Opacic’s mom is now enrolled in the LIFE Pittsburgh program, which transports her daily to and from a facility where all of her personal care and medical needs are addressed. Her mother has a purpose each day now, said Opacic, adding that she has made new friends at the facility and looks forward to going there. “Establishing new routines for all of us as a family has been crucial to moving forward and creating a new sense of normal,” commented Opacic. • 42 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 43R. T. H. S. Y R. T. H. S. Robinson Twp. Historical Society A very strange contraption The Robinson Township Historical Society has some odd items in its collection at the Robinson Township Municipal Building. Few, however, are quite as frightening as this strange-looking contraption. This permanent wave machine was used in the first half of the 20th century. Half of a century ago, it proudly resided in Angie’s Beauty Shoppe in Moon Run. Heat from the curlers would combine with a chemical solution to set waves and curls permanently. Unfortunately, the curlers were very heavy, and they often caused painful burns. However, Hollywood stars were fans of curly hair and local movie-goers were eager to do anything to achieve that same look - even if it took half a day and a lot of discomfort. The process was so popular that Angie Bogotay invested in the machine for her shop. She ran the shop with her husband, Bill, out of the first floor of their house on Locust Street in Moon Run. He had been eager to leave his job in the coal mines and so obtained his hairdresser’s license. The two were very active in their business, and Angie regularly offered her skills at Kane Hospital and St. Paul’s Orphanage. The scary perm machine never left the shop, however! The Bogotay Beauty Salon was quite a popular shop until construction of I-79 brought an end to it and many other beloved local businesses. Thanks to Bogotay family members, the antique perm machine is now on display at the Robinson Township Historical Society Museum. ABOVE: This permanent wave machine in the Robinson Township Historical Society Museum once sat in the Bogotay Beauty Salon in Moon Run. LEFT: Angie Bogotay works on a client’s hair. STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED Coupons 44 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2020lLegislative Update Legislative Update BY STATE REP. ANITA KULIK The start of the New Year brings with it new hopes and promises. Many of us make resolutions and desperately hope to keep them. While the holiday season seems so busy, it is no less busy as we start a New Year and look ahead to all that lies before us. I still use a paper calendar book and there’s something sweet about opening it up at the beginning of the New Year. Last year was an amazing year serving my district. I am so proud that I get to represent these 13 unique municipalities. Each has so much to offer and, together, they make for an exceptional district! So, to everyone in Scott Township, Carnegie, Pennsbury Village, Rosslyn Farms, Kennedy Township, Robinson Township, Coraopolis, Stowe Township, Neville Township, Ben Avon, Emsworth, Ben Avon Heights and Kilbuck - thank you for a wonderful 2019 and I am looking forward to an exceptional 2020! The New Year in Harrisburg also brings new promises. There is always hope that we, as legislators, will be able to look past party lines and work for the good of all Pennsylvanians. As we look toward another politically divided year on the federal level, I look forward to working across the tables with my colleagues to get things done. This past year, state Rep. Natalie Mihalek joined me on Alina’s Law and she and I are continuing the fight to get this bill passed during the 2020 session. At the time of this writing, a rally is being held in the rotunda of the Capitol on Jan. 14. I will also be hosting a domestic violence program Jan. 23 at Saint Malachy. As well, I am working with state Rep. Jason Ortitay on new animal safety laws and am looking forward to continuing my work with my colleagues from the Allegheny Delegation to keep our county and Western Pennsylvania relevant as we begin work on the state budget. I also will be working to keep my bills on blighted property and landslide assistance moving toward passage. In addition, I am working on my divorce reform bill. January and February begin the state budget process, which is long and will hopefully come in on time and by the June 30 deadline. Priorities for constituents in my district continue to be property tax reform, proper school funding, flood and landslide assistance, and jobs. Infrastructure issues such as our water systems and air quality are growing concerns and will be on my radar in the coming year. I am always grateful to groups like ACCAN and local municipalities for helping to keep me informed. Local community development groups, church groups and other community organizations continue to keep me in the loop on issues affecting those most vulnerable in our district, especially our children and seniors. As I have in the past, I will be out and about in the communities, visiting our seniors and veterans, and talking with teachers, parents and administrators about our schools. I will also be discussing issues with local business owners and taking part in community activities. That said, it is imperative that you, as constituents and citizens of the Commonwealth, stay in touch with me. I am available to meet with anyone wanting an appointment, whether it be at my office, your group location or your business. I look forward to another year of moving our communities forward and building relationships with the good people I represent. Hearing from you is the most important thing to me because it helps me do the job that I have been elected to do. I wish all of you a truly blessed start to 2020 and look forward to all the wonderful things this year has to hold! State Rep. Anita Kulik represents Pennsylvania’s 45th District. Her office is located at 1350 Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis. She can be reached at (412) 264-4260. Visit her online at www.pahouse.com/Kulik. A New Year and new opportunities January/February 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 451XFirebeatFirebeat BY JOE KULIK Recently, a former member of the Kennedy Township Independent Volunteer Fire Company passed away. On the day of the funeral, several of us gathered in front of the firehouse as the funeral procession passed by on the way from the church. Later that day, a gentleman approached me while I was at a store and inquired as to what had happened and what we were doing at the firehouse. I thought it may be a good topic for this column, particularly since many of you may have observed a “last call,” or some other aspect of a firefighter’s funeral traditions. When a firefighter passes away, every firefighter feels the loss. Volunteer companies from one community work together in many different ways, from training, to responding to calls, to working together on fundraisers. The Kennedy VFD is no exception. We have joined with various other local companies to hold fundraisers over the years. This is a quite common occurrence among departments. I have also worked at the fundraisers of other departments and many firefighters will attend other departments’ events to show support. If a fire occurs in our township, we know that we can count on neighboring departments to respond to assist us. As such, firefighters from different communities get to know each other and build a bond. There is a true brotherhood among the women and men who serve in local companies. When a firefighter passes, a great deal of work is started by the appropriate officers and department members. You will see tributes in the nature of black ribbons hanging on the station and on the trucks, along with a memorial to the firefighter with his or her turnout gear placed in front of the station. The department attempts to assist the family with whatever may be needed. It is also quite common to see members of the department serve as an honor guard at the funeral, or at least appear for a firefighter prayer and service to show respect for the departed. While members of that person’s department may appear, many other departments also will show up to take part in the service. Many departments have a chaplain, but if there is not one a designated officer will read the Fireman’s Prayer. While there are some different variations to this prayer, the general prayer is as follows: When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife. After the prayer, each firefighter will offer a prayer and a salute to the deceased, being part of a procession that is meant to allow a tribute and thanks for the service offered. You may even hear some of the firefighters say, “Thank you, we will take it from here,” as a final word. Often, members of the deceased’s department or another neighboring department will serve as pallbearers. If desired, and available, it is common to have a bagpipe player present. I have had people ask why this tradition exists, especially since bagpipes are seen as part of the Scottish or Irish heritage and not of other ethnic groups. The roots of this tradition do come from Irish and Scottish immigrants who often could only find work in the new world of America by taking jobs that others did not want, including being responsible for running into a burning building. As these immigrants served in firefighting, this tribute to the fallen firefighters soon was adopted as a tradition for all firefighters, regardless of their ethnic roots. Of all aspects of the funeral, to me the most touching is the last call done at the firehouse. The funeral procession heads from the church, or funeral home, to the firehouse, where the hearse stops in front of the station. There, two trucks on either side of a road sit with their ladders raised and an American flag draped between them. Allegheny County 911 will then send out a final call. The pages go off, the fire siren blows and a final tribute is given to the firefighter, acknowledging his last call and the service he has performed for the community. You will see this happen while many firefighters line the road, offering a final tribute and a final salute. A firefighter’s funeral consists of a number of traditions. There is a certain amount of ceremony. There is a communal sense of loss and grief. It is, above all else, a way to offer a final tribute to someone who has served their community, someone who was willing to run into a burning building while everyone else ran away. A firefighter, especially a volunteer willing to leave work, a family dinner or a warm bed to protect others, deserves this type of tribute. Joe Kulik has been a member of the Kennedy VFD since 2002. The funerary traditions of a firefighter Imagine your website working as hard for your business as you do. 412.205.8998 | DDSWebDesign.com Websites that get results. 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