LIFE Stories
We pull together both traditional and non-traditional services in order to support the individual and allow them to maintain their independence and live in the community.
John, 90
LIFE Pittsburgh Participant since 2006
John’s Story
John has lived the majority of his life on Pittsburgh's North Side and enjoys attending LIFE Pittsburgh's North Shore Adult Day Health Center Monday through Friday. John has several children who live out of the area and are therefore unable to assist with day to day tasks. Although John lives alone in a senior high rise apartment, he is a very social person and maintains many strong relationships with friends in the community.
John receives daily service from a LIFE Pittsburgh Personal Care Assistant to complete personal care, meal preparation, laundry and light housekeeping. John relies on LIFE Pittsburgh to complete grocery shopping several times per month and he utilizes a Representative Payee program to manage his banking and finances. At the Adult Day Health Center, John participates in many activities, but also enjoys the opportunity to socialize and interact with others.
A Day in the LIFE with John
8am Personal Care Assistant (PCA) arrives at John's apartment to provide personal care, prepare breakfast, assist with his portable oxygen tank and push him in his wheelchair to the van.
10:30am Enjoys participating in a voluntary non-denominational church service at LIFE Pittsburgh, led by the Chaplain.
11:30 Lunch at Adult Day Health Center – prepared daily by LIFE Pittsburgh chef.
12:30pm Personal Care Assistant helps John with a shower in a private, handicapped accessible shower room.
1pm - 3pm Participates in such activities as bingo, cards, trivia and exercises.
3pm PCA meets John at his apartment, and assists him from the van into his home. She assists with personal care if needed, and transfers him to his oxygen concentrator.
5 – 9pm PCA arrives at the senior high rise and assists both John and another Participant who lives in the same apartment building. During this time, the PCA prepares a meal for dinner, does some light housekeeping and laundry. As well, prior to leaving for the evening, the PCA will provide any necessary personal care to get John ready for bed and will prompt any evening medications.
"I'm treated nice at LIFE Pittsburgh and I know there's a lot of people who care about me. I get plenty to eat, and my clothes get clean. I like the benefits and I get good care"
- John
