Reimagining the possibilities of life for Pennsylvanians
— By Hilary Appelman Terry Hudon hid the fact he was gay when he served in the Navy, and he understands the isolation that can bring. So Hudon knows how much his visits mean to a gay, disabled veteran at the VA hospital in Aspinwall, just outside Pittsburgh. Hudon, 70, said he believes his visits are the only time the veteran speaks to another gay person. “He just lights up when he sees us,” Hudon said, after a visit with a …
— Our Special Online Sessions Can Help You Balance Them Juggling It All: Tips for Working Caregivers Part 1: Thursday, May 17, 2018, 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET Part 2: Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET Did you know that six out of 10 Americans are taking care of a loved one age 50 or older — and many are doing it while also trying to earn a living? You want to balance your caregiving responsibilities with everything …
— Our online Q&A sessions can help you keep your loved one secure. Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe at Home Part 1: Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET Part 2: Thursday, April 12, 2018, 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET Nearly half of family caregivers are caring for a loved one who still lives in his or her home. Another 35 percent share a home with the loved one in their care. You want a safe and secure home …
— If the First Month of the Year is Any Indication, 2018 Could Turn Pennsylvania Politics Upside Down The history of Pennsylvania politics is full of colorful characters and maneuverings and intrigues that would make the poor little bill in the famous Schoolhouse Rock episode about the legislative process blush. But 2018 could top the Commonwealth’s rather remarkable political past. The headline this month is a ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court invalidating Pennsylvania’s Congressional District boundaries and a further announcement …
— By AARP Pennsylvania State President Joanne Grossi As AARP Pennsylvania’s state president, I have the privilege of helping shape strategic priorities, building community partnerships with key decision makers and serving as AARP’s spokesperson in Pennsylvania. That means I’m fighting for you and your family on issues that matter most. I’m very proud to be part of a team of talented AARP staff and dedicated volunteers working at the state capitol and in communities statewide. I wanted you to know our …
— WASHINGTON, DC—AARP welcomes passage in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives of the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act (H.R. 3759). The legislation, introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and in the U.S. House by Representatives Gregg Harper (R-MS) and Kathy Castor (D-FL), requires the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a strategy to support the nation’s 40 million family caregivers. …
— Join two live webinars to find out how to identify and react to changes in your loved one’s behavior AARP Family Caregiving Online Learning Series Recognizing the Signs Your Loved One Needs More Care Tuesday, January 23, 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET Local Resources for Caregivers Tuesday, January 30, 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET What if your loved one loses interest in a favorite hobby? Or misses an in important date? Or forgets to pay the bills? What …
— The PA General Assembly is currently considering legislation (SB 780 and HB 1648) that would recognize telemedicine as a solution to improving health care access. AARP PA strongly supports the proposed legislation. You can learn more about the issue below. What is Telemedicine? Telemedicine or telehealth embraces the use of computers, cellphones or other communication technology to provide patients with the health care they need, when they need it. It doesn’t replace one-on-one, in-person interactions with a doctor, nurse or …
— As you get together with your family for the holiday season, take the time to celebrate each other, reflect on the past year, and prepare to usher in a new one. Take advantage of the family gathering to check in on each other’s health and well-being and, just as importantly, discuss the needs of loved ones who may need a family caregiver. Start the Conversation From recognizing that a loved one needs help, to determining which family members or friends …
— By Hilary Appelman Earl Harvey moved into his 86-year-old mother’s Atlantic City home five years ago to help get her medical and financial situations in order. He knew that while his mother, who has dementia, did not need to be institutionalized, she couldn’t live alone. So Harvey, 62, a Philadelphia-based publisher who works from home, and whose three children are grown, became her full-time caregiver. “When my father died, he told me, ‘Take care of your mother,’ ” Harvey said. …