In a very brief span of time, the use of technology by people over the age of 65 has increased and will continue to increase dramatically over the next few years. In a Pew Research Center survey, (2016) fewer than half of seniors ages 80 and up (44%) reported using the internet and just 28% said they had home broadband service. While, for those in the 65-69 age group, 82 percent report internet usage and more than 66 percent had home broadband.

These numbers indicate that the senior tsunami is now hitting the tech world. Providence Point, Pittsburgh’s premier 62+ Life Plan community sees the shift on a daily basis. According to Bob Kocent, Executive Director of the CCRC located in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, “Residents have access to a robust calendar of classes, programs and events. The growing popularity of classes for iPad, iPod and iPhone tutorials is just one piece of evidence to show that technology is becoming routine for seniors.”

The marketing office at Providence Point points out that visitors to the new ‘interactive’ website have grown dramatically as well. “Our new website has seen a big spike in visitors, and our analytics show that it is the savvy senior creating this change. Retirees are looking at our floor plans, watching our videos, and taking our virtual tours,” said Marilyn Walsh, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. [Read more…]

Providence Point is a robust retirement and LifeCare community welcoming residents 62 and older. Residents have access to a revolving calendar of classes, programs and events. The popularity of classes for iPad, iPod and iPhone tutorials are proof that technology is everyday routine and a must for living at Providence Point. The number of visitors to the new website, that features a Google 360◦ virtual tour, has also risen dramatically.

The website was recently relaunched and includes floor plans for Hamilton Tower, and a video ‘fly-over,” an architectural rendering of the planned expansion of 70 spacious one- and two-bedroom residential living apartments. Using technology to gain information is no longer out of the hands of the older generation. Tech-savvy seniors participate in the community’s social media regularly and were thrilled to experience the tour of their community with Google VR glasses.

The virtual tour allows visitors the option to tour the grandeur at Providence Point from the comforts of home, something our tech-savvy residents are sharing with friends to best demonstrate the attributes of living at Providence Point. [Read more…]

A puppy or kitten playing clumsily with a toy is certainly categorized as cute. Babies, with their contagious smiles and giggling squeals, are adorable. But when it comes to talking about older adults, please refrain from talking about how ‘cute’ or ‘adorable’ they are.

And, do not refer to them as ‘sweetie’ or ‘honey.’ Terms of endearment can carry different meanings and lead to judgments or assumptions at any age. One of the most damaging behaviors of ageism is to begin treating older adults like children, and words are often part of the problem.

Read more.

5-Star Rated Skilled Nursing and Personal Care Centers focus on personalized dementia care for residents.

Following months of planning, education and training, Baptist Homes Society communities announced the development of their third Center of Excellence, this time focused on the care and services provided for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The Center of Excellence is not  ‘place’ but a formalized set of resources, programs and processes to ensure that people living in either community—Baptist Homes or Providence Point—are provided with the best possible care.

The Center of Excellence in Dementia Care was established to provide personalized care for each residence, enhance meaningful programming, educate staff, families and other caregivers, and provide effective ways to monitor and review the services provided. [Read more…]

By Kim Bassett

Each generation develops its own identity as they move through society. Much of this is a cause and effect relationship as they have to adapt to the political and economical climate in order to survive and thrive.

• The Greatest Generation, those who grew up in the United States during the Great Depression and fought in World War II.
• The Baby Boomers, those born between 1946-1964, the post-World War II baby boom, deemed the wealthiest, most active and most physically fit generation, with the perspective and expectation that the world will improve over time.
• Generation X (born between 1964-1980), a somewhat undefined generation born on the precursors to the youngest generation, the Millennials. Generation X started the movement among its younger cohorts for better work-life balance.
• Millennials (those born at the turn of the century between 1980 and 2000) place even more emphasis on a work-life balance, often demanding non-traditional work environments. Millennials are also said to be civically and community minded, almost altruistic in their actions.

I believe this nurturing vein that runs strong in Millennials will be an asset as the Baby Boomers age and their needs become more and more apparent. [Read more…]

Greensburg’s Ryan Hershey hasn’t missed a day in eight years with Newhaven Court at Lindwood

Ryan Hershey hasn’t missed a day of work in his job as a dishwasher at Newhaven Court at Lindwood, a senior living community in Westmoreland County.

Thanks to his perfect attendance, Hershey, 27, will be driving a new Ford Focus to work in the Food Services Department at Newhaven Court at Lindwood.

Hershey was the lucky winner of IntegraCare’s second Continued Attendance Rewards (CAR) Program. His name was selected from among 453 eligible employees who earned 23,410 raffle tickets based on their perfect attendance at nine IntegraCare senior living communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

“I am humbled, glad, and just really surprised,” Hershey said following Tuesday’s announcement, which was made on IntegraCare’s Facebook page.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Ryan,” said Lori Grant, Executive Director of Newhaven Court at Lindwood. “Over the past eight years Ryan has been at Lindwood, he has never called off or has never been late for work. 

“He demonstrates an excellent work ethic and is a great role model for others when it comes to his attendance and dependability,” Grant said. “Ryan is very deserving of such an amazing award.  He has been receiving high-fives and a pat-on-the-back from everyone in the community – even the residents and resident families who watched the live stream on Facebook.” [Read more…]