< Previous30 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2020 The high school environmental sustainability class participated in the 2019 Fall Design Challenge through the Energy Innovation Center in Pittsburgh. This year’s challenge was to design an Esports arena within any of the open rooms at the EIC. After touring the building and assessing the open spaces, students began to plan for where they would build. Students then met with experts from Dagostino Electronics Gus Frerotte (former NFL quarterback and NFL liaison), and Don Marenelli (CMU theater professor and actor) to present their preliminary ideas and collect feedback. At the final presentation on December 6, each school proposed their idea for where and how the Esports arena should be built and supplied. Students had to break the construction into phases and provide prices for modifications, equipment and utilities. EIC CEO, Bob Meeder, was on hand for the final presentations and provided feedback to the students about their proposals. Meeder indicated that the Esports arena will become a real fixture at the EIC and that all the students involved should take pride in the final product as their input will be taken into consideration in the final design. Teacher Ron Neurohr is the class and project advisor. The high school hand bell and show choirs were honored to perform for travelers at the Pittsburgh International Airport on December 6. Audiences enjoyed hearing their beautiful sounds of the season under the direction of teacher Terisa Sharlow. In an effort to share the Spread the Word campaign and promote inclusive practices, the high school’s Students in Action team presented to the three elementary schools throughout December. The team, consisting of student leaders, Robert Moran, Lexi Hottenfeller, Nadia Pollinger, Giana Yellock, Taylor Wilsher, Bria Allen, Emma Hamm, Luke Boni, Kayleigh Bayer, and Ava Pustover, facilitated a total of six presentations that focused on the importance of using respectful language, displaying kind actions and including others who may be different than us. The K-5 students were excited to meet the high school student leaders as they pledged to use their words carefully and show respect for all individuals. Kateri Meinert and Kennan Grabner serve as the group’s sponsors. Sustainability put to the challenge Sounds of the season reach far and wide Students perform holiday selections for travelers at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Spread the Word campaign reaches elementary schools Students in Action members present their message to elementary students. Challenge participants were Dylan Sabo, Erica Prologo, Samantha Goldstrohm , Nick Bandi, Curtis Venturini, Caleb Miller, Willard Douglas, Theodore Wineland and Dan Wagner led by teacher Ron Neurohr.February/March 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 31 The creative talents of the middle school art students were on full display as they dedicated their time to completing submissions for the Wyland Challenge. The challenge is a national art competition sponsored by internationally known environmental artist Wyland and the Wyland Foundation. It promotes the protection of natural resources such as oceans, lakes and streams - along with the creatures that live within. Art teacher Sharon Harn organized the students and their submissions. Middle school art students demonstrate talents in national competition ABOVE: Classes begin laying out their art submissions. LEFT: Sixth-grader Vincenzo Bardelli created this piece. Students in Frau Patterson’s German I class at the middle school excitedly counted down the days until Weihnachten (Christmas) with the class adventkalendar (advent calendar). Along the way, they celebrated St. Nikolaustag - a German holiday where children put their shoe outside in anticipation of finding a treat that has been delivered while they slept. Nearly 30 middle school show choir students performed and led senior residents at Willows Assisted Living in a Christmas sing-a-long in December. They performed chorale selections from their holiday concert and dressed in their show choir outfits and Santa hats. They also performed at a North Fayette senior luncheon at the Community Center in Donaldson Park. The show choir is under the direction of teachers Terisa Sharlow and Andrew Peters. St. Nikolaustag celebrated by German I students Excitement filled the air as students discovered holiday treats in their shoes. Sounds of the middle school show choir reach the community Willows Assisted Living residents join students in a holiday sing-a-long. 32 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2020 Wilson students and staff enjoyed welcoming first responders from Findlay Township on December 3 for their annual appreciation luncheon. Members of the school community recognize and appreciate the efforts of first responders who work to keep residents safe. All three elementary schools demonstrated the importance and history of Veterans Day in November when they paid tribute to family, friends and staff who have served in the armed forces. Honorees were touched by the heartfelt ceremonies and recognition organized by students and staff. The celebrations were a fitting and meaningful culmination of students’ research of American history. Annual first responders’ luncheon held at Wilson First responders gather in Wilson Elementary’s collaboratorium for an appreciation lunch. Veterans Day tributes held at elementary schools RIGHT: Students at Wilson Elementary honor veterans with a Wall of Valor. FAR RIGHT: Donaldson brothers Dylan and Skylar Pilardi-Roberts celebrated their pap pap Frank Roberts during the Veterans Day ceremony. BELOW: McKee students welcomed family and friends who served in the armed forces.February/March 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 33 On November 7, McKee students welcomed Oakdale and North Fayette firefighters to thank them for all they do to protect the community. The firefighters shared safety tips, provided demonstrations and took students on tours of the fire trucks. During the assembly, kindergartners presented the firefighters with special care bags along with the collection from the Halloween themed days sponsored by McKees’s student council. McKee families warm up to reading for Arctic Adventure Principal Melissa Wagner dressed the part and read to students. Tours of the fire trucks are a huge hit with the students. McKee Elementary held its annual Reading Night on November 14 with over 105 families and 200 students in attendance. The evening’s theme this year was “Arctic Adventure.” It was held in conjunction with the book fair and students came dressed as arctic explorers or in pajamas. Special guest readers, including Melissa Wagner, principal; Mark Kern, school resource officer; and a number of teachers, read Arctic-inspired stories. Professional storyteller Mike Perry shared frosty tales while music teacher Ashley Tomaceski shared music and stories. There were also related crafts and the PTA hosted hot chocolate and ice cream treats. High school teacher Mike Short and his art students created an igloo entrance that led into the Igloo Café and life-size Arctic animal shadows displayed interesting animal facts. Student Council also got involved and collected canned goods for the West Allegheny Food Pantry. Wilson Elementary students celebrated their annual Log House Day on November 26 with a variety of hands-on activities that both educated and entertained. The historic log house, located on school grounds, provided the historical significance for the day. Activities included tin punching, square dancing, pioneer songs, storytelling and silhouette creations. Students also enjoyed making and sampling applesauce, popcorn, butter and Johnny cakes. Wilson Log House Day educates and entertains Wilson students learn how families lived without modern conveniences. McKee students enjoy visit from firefightersfor weekly events , school closings , and delays . V isit W est A llegheny O nline : www . westasd . org B OArd Of s chOOl d irectOrs A dministrAtiOn Mr. Robert Ostrander, President Mr. Mark Rosen, Vice-President Mr. George Bartha Mr. Joel Colinear Mr. Edward Faux Mr. Kevin Hancock Mrs. Tracy Kosis Mrs. Debbie Mirich Mrs. Tracy Pustover Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Shattuck, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Tammy Adams, Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services Dr. Shana Nelson, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning Mr. George Safin, Business Manager Dr. Frank Hernandez, High School Principal Mrs. Katharine Roche, High School Academic Principal Ms. Cheryl McHone, High School Assistant Principal Mr. David McBain, Director of Athletics/ Administrative Associate Mrs. Patricia Nolan, Middle School Principal Ms. Megan Huchko, Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Erin Dierker, Donaldson Elementary Principal Mrs. Melissa Wagner, McKee Elementary Principal Mrs. Rachel Gray, Wilson Elementary Principal Mrs. Toni Baldanzi, Supervisor of Ancillary Programs Mr. Kenneth Fibbi, Director of Facilities and Operations Mrs. Karen Ruhl, Community Relations Coordinator W est A llegheny s chOOl d istrict All material has been prepared, written or edited by Karen Ruhl, School Community Relations Coordinator, West Allegheny School District (724) 695-5274 Family Support Committee benefits students all year Holiday gifts are collected and packaged for family pick up. The Family Support Committee, which is comprised of District social workers and counselors, coordinates opportunities for food and clothing assistance to students and families. The committee meets early in the school year to identify those who need support, specifically around Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break and summer break. The primary focus is to provide supplemental food support to students who do not have access to a free breakfast or lunch when school is not in session. This year’s holiday gift collection for the winter break included food, clothing, personal care products and presents for younger children. The effort provides support for 175 West Allegheny children and families. Committee services are solely financed by donations and they welcome any donations from businesses, groups, or individuals who would like to help support West Allegheny students and families. Benefactors include West Allegheny staff, McKee PTA, Wilson PTA, WAMS Turkey Trot, National Honor Society, WA family donors, Girl Scout troops, Shop with A Cop - North Fayette Police Department, Shop with A Cop - Findlay Police Department, Dick’s Sporting Goods and The Clinton Light-Up Committee. On December 6, the District hosted its annual Gold Card Club holiday breakfast and concert for over 170 members. Guests were filled with holiday spirit as they enjoyed the sounds of the high school brass ensemble, middle school jazz band, percussion ensemble and the high school show choir. Administrators, school board members and JROTC students helped greet, serve and assist guests. Gold Card Club members ring in the holiday Gold Card Club members enjoy a tasty breakfast prepared by the food service department. 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2020WeKnowSnow | skiboyce.com HALFPRICE LIFT TICKETS EVERY WEDNESDAY! ALLEGHENYPARKS.COM OPEN FOR THE SEASON FAMILY SKATE: 4:30-7:00 PM EVERY FRIDAY Enjoy unlimited skiingand snowboarding all season for one low price! Passesare$75-$225for individuals and only $575 for afamily offour* Pricesincrease onDecember1 SEASON PASSES *Does not include equipmentrentals. Extra members may be addedto familypass for additional fee. Additional costs for non-Allegheny Countyresidents. $10 FOR 2 ADULTS WITH UP TO 4 CHILDREN $13 FOR NON-RESIDENTS Enjoy unlimited skiingand snowboarding all season for one low price! Passesare$75-$225for individuals and only $575 for afamily offour* Pricesincrease onDecember1 SEASON PASSES *Does not include equipmentrentals. Extra members may be addedto familypass for additional fee. Additional costs for non-Allegheny Countyresidents. Buyyours today at alleghenycounty.us/parkpasses February/March 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 3536 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2020 I t’s a well-known fact that the senior population in the U.S. will continue to grow over the next two decades, as baby boomers age and live longer than previous generations. According to the PEW Research Center, each day 10,000 people in the U.S. turn 65, which is creating greater demand not only for health services but also care facilities, in-home aides and other related services. A Fox Business projection for the coming decade estimates that industries related to senior care will comprise one of the three biggest emerging markets in the nation’s economy. Many family members, too, are feeling the pressure as the responsibilities associated with The challenges of being a caregiver caring for their aging loved ones falls to them. In so doing, these caregivers are finding themselves confronting a myriad of delicate and difficult legal, financial and personal issues as they try to determine what is best not only for their loved ones, but also for themselves. Such became the case for Findlay Township resident Patti Opacic after her father passed away in early 2019, which left her mother living alone in her Whitehall home where Opacic was raised. Up to that point, Opacic’s parents had managed to remain independent solely because of their reliance on each other and the close proximity of several relatives who checked in when Opacic couldn’t be there. Following her father’s death, Opacic wasn’t sure if her mother was capable of independence in the home. Opacic also knew that her mother didn’t want to live alone. Thus began an eight-month journey for Opacic of exploring various scenarios of care for her mother, which ultimately resulted in the sale of their family’s Whitehall home and renovations to Opacic and her husband, Rade’s, Westbury residence to accommodate her mother’s needs. Opacic’s situation is not unique. Recent statistics from AARP state that there are 43.5 million unpaid, untrained caregivers providing support for loved ones in the U.S., with 21.6 million of these caregivers also holding jobs. An additional AARP statistic reports that 84 percent of caregivers need more information and assistance. The trend is also impacting U.S. companies, which reportedly lose $38.2 billion annually due to employee caregiving responsibilities. Statistics reveal that 92 percent of employed caregivers - most often women - have their employment hours or structure impacted. Seventy-nine percent of caregivers working full- or part- time have missed work in the past 12 months to attend to their care recipient’s needs. The Pittsburgh region represents just a fraction of these numbers, yet the area has a particularly high senior population. A 2016 Forbes Magazine report named Pittsburgh the second highest metropolitan area in the country for seniors, behind only the Tampa-St. Petersburg region of Florida. A significant 18.3 percent of Pittsburgh’s residents are over the age of 65, a number 26 percent higher than the national average. Further complicating matters are Pittsburgh’s older residences, which are often not suited to the changing needs of an aging body. Many of the homes in which seniors continue living, either by choice or because they can’t afford other options, contain steep staircases, bathrooms on the upstairs level and laundry equipment in the basement. Children of failing elderly parents thus often spend more time at these residences assisting with daily tasks, personal care and, in many cases, medical needs for which they have received no training. A 2016 University of Pittsburgh study called “Addressing the Needs of Caregivers at Risk” cited the current situation for caregivers as “unsustainable.” According to Cyndy Glynn, business development director for the Moon Township-based nonprofit Hope Grows, many caregivers get overwhelmed and exhausted to the point that they forget to care for themselves. They often feel alone, forgotten and stressed. Through Hope Grows, caregivers can receive mental health support, resources and counseling. Its clients can get monthly “check-in” phone calls, schedule face-to-face visits, or join small support groups. They can also visit its gardens for some relaxation time. Last year, the organization assisted 418 caregivers, up from 369 the previous year. The number of counseling and support hours in that period increased from 496 to 670. The nonprofit was founded in 2013 by Lisa Story, a professional counselor and certified thanatologist, which is one who studies the mechanisms of dealing with death and dying. She started running the organization out of her Shafer Road residence, where she lives with her husband, Charles. The couple was recently approved by the township to transition their residence into the Iris Respite House bed and breakfast for caregivers, to be operated by Hope Grows. As the senior population grows, caregivers face the challenges and consider what services are best STORY BY JILL BORDO PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY Patti Opacic is pictured here with her mother, Draga Bartos, in their Findlay Township home. February/March 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 37 { Legal considerations Aside from the strain on their personal lives, caregivers and their family members can also face complex legal issues with potentially major financial consequences. In Opacic’s case, she worked with the elder care law firm Julian Gray Associates in Greentree (see more information about them on the next page) to deal with issues she says she could have never worked out herself. Jennifer Rose, CELA, an attorney with Julian Gray Associates, uses the word “tricky” to describe the components of transitioning a senior’s assets and finances to set up late-life housing and care. Rose says that it is critical for families to establish a plan for aging sooner than later so as to take full advantage of programs such as Medicaid and the Veterans Administration. “The earlier you plan, the more options you have,” she stated. One of the biggest challenges to family caregivers, said Rose, is unawareness of the fact that they can legally receive a reoccurring income from government sources for providing care. Another example of advance planning is the transfer of a family home to an adult child who has moved in to care for a parent. A specific legal process done at least two years prior to a parent moving into a facility or passing away can prohibit state recovery of the home. According to Michele Conti, an elder law attorney who heads Conti Law in Moon Township, another legal issue that can affect families of those suffering from dementia or another mentally declining state is power of attorney. If a court declares that individual to be incapacitated, and they do not have a power of attorney, their assets can essentially become frozen. At that point, neither they, their child nor even their spouse can access those assets. The financial burden of everything from in-home care to basic necessities can then fall entirely on the caregiver. Obtaining guardianship at that point can take months and cost thousands of dollars. Conti said that’s why she suggests families consult with an attorney to determine power of attorney well before such a situation arises. She writes about power of attorney in her regular column in this edition of Allegheny West Magazine on page 14. “All too often people neglect the power of attorney and go straight to the will,” said Conti. “We have legal parameters from the state about who gets everything when they pass, but the same isn’t true for power of attorney.” She also cautioned being aware if a loved one is pitching in for rent, as the government can consider those payments gifts, which can in turn affect their Medicare assistance if they do decide to move into an assisted living facility. Continued on page 40 Helpful Tips for Caregivers: 1) Stay organized and have a system for tracking care details. Keep a notebook or Online journal of the care recipient’s health issues, medications and test results. More importantly, if multiple people are acting as caregivers, have a centrally located daily log for updates by anyone visiting. You may think you’ll remember to share information, but don’t take a chance. Write it down. 2) Prevent falls through easy and inexpensive measures such as removing throw rugs, keeping floor paths free of books, cords and other objects, and maintaining good lighting, especially in stairwells. 3) Invest in equipment or technology that gives a care recipient more independence and makes your job easier. From grab bars in the bathroom to electric chair lifts, the right equipment can be life-altering for everyone. Research other ways to simplify care such as pre-sorted daily medicine packets, which are provided by many pharmacies. 4) Accept help from family and friends when they offer it. Remember: if your health suffers or you become injured, your care recipient will also suffer. 5) Use Online tools. Many websites provide videos on everything from dressing wounds of care recipients to relaxation techniques for caregivers. The AARP Caregiver Resource Center is one good option (www. aarp.org/nolongeralone). The Pennsylvania Homecare Association offers helpful videos (learningcenter.pahomecare.org) as well as a free magazine called Secrets No One Told You About Family Caregiving.38 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2020 { 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, aides 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 loved ones 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 aide or should consider assisted living. If a resident nurse is training family members on medical tasks, she says at-home aides 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. February/March 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 39 To further connect with the area, Tapestry executives have 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 for 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. Next >