Family & Caregivers
UPMC Senior Care Resources Sessions
A Wealth of Information on Senior Care
Caring for a loved one comes with its own set of challenges, which is why UPMC created Senior Care Resources Sessions. Designed to support UPMC staff, many of whom care for aging loved ones, these educational sessions provide practical information on a wide range of senior care topics, including how to prevent falls, options in long-term care and tips to help caregivers balance their own needs with those of their loved ones.
Watch and Learn About Topics that Affect Most Caregivers
Senior Care Resources Sessions are provided by experts in aging from UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh. Although they are open only to UPMC employees, the sessions cover content that is of universal concern to most caregivers. Below are recorded videos, transcripts and information of past programs that can help you gain insight into a broad range of topics.
Video 1: Managing Fall Risk in Your Home
Topics and Speakers
Additional Resources
Video 2: Advance Planning
Topics and Speakers
Transcript of Advance Planning Webcast
Video 3: Retirement and Long-Term Living Options
Topics and Speakers
Video 4: Long-Term Living Options Living Independently at Home
Topics and Speakers
Transcript of Long-Term Living Options Webcast
Video 5: Medicare Part D: Enrolling and Managing Your Drug Benefits
Topics and Speakers
Transcript of Medicare Part D Webcast
2011 Updates Provided by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:
Bridging the Coverage Gap 2011
FAQs: Medicare Premiums and Coinsurance Rates for 2011
Video 6: My
Aging Parents: When and How to Ask for Help
Topics and Speakers
Frequently Asked Questions
Transcript of My Aging Parents Webcast
Contact the Aging Institute if you have any questions about the topics or resources
discussed in this session.
My Aging Parents: When and How to Ask
for Help
Topics and speakers:
- The Physiology of Aging -- Challenges That Older Adults Face
Eric Rodriguez, MD
Geriatrician
- Social and Emotional Aspects of Aging -- Where to Turn for
Help
Rick Morycz, LSW, PhD
Geriatric social worker
- EAP -- Your Resource for Support at Work
Cliff Cohen
Clinical director, Employee Assistance Program
- Session Facilitator
Sandra Caffo
Acting director of account services, Employee Assistance Program
Frequently Asked Questions:
- I don’t think my elderly father should drive anymore,
but he refuses to give it up. What steps can I take?
AAA sponsors driver safety evaluations and classes for older drivers.
Check with the Institute on Aging for information about these programs.
If your father has medical issues that affect his driving so that you
believe he is endangering himself or others, you should talk with his
physician. He or she can evaluate your father’s abilities and
decide whether or not to inform the state to revoke your father’s
drivers’ license.
- I have durable power of attorney for my father. When should
I exercise that?
Durable medical power of attorney is exercised when a person can no
longer speak for himself or herself, for example, when they are hospitalized
and not conscious or coherent. In this situation, the person with durable
power of attorney has the responsibility to make medical decisions
for the patient in accordance with the patient’s own wishes.
- My mother and father refuse to move out of their house
even though it’s too much for them handle. I have discussed
this with them, but they won’t consider moving. What can I
do?
“Aging in place” is a term that refers to older adults
living independently in their homes. There are many community resources
that allow people to live in their homes as long as they possibly can.
Experts agree that with proper support, this is an optimum living situation
for older adults. However, when there are safety issues and caregiving resources
are being stretched to the limit, then it is time to consider alternatives.
Sometimes a family meeting helps a parent understand their children's
concerns. Try asking a trusted friend, clergy, or other person your
father would trust to speak to him about the issue.
- What is the best way to help prevent further decline of
physical and mental capabilities?
Doing resistance and aerobic exercise (with PCP approval), quitting
smoking, eating a diet that is low in fat, problem-solving activities
such as crossword puzzles, reading discussing current events, and writing,
all can help prevent mental and physical decline.
- How can adult children encourage aging parents to plan
for the future (putting in place plans for long-term care and financial
planning)?
Simply holding a family conference and discussing these issues with
parents shows that you are concerned. It gives all family members the
opportunity to voice their sentiments. Have a variety of possible resources
for parents and help them explore their options. Give them information,
show them concern and care, and then let them make the decision themselves.
- My 88-year-old grandmother has dementia. My mother wants
her to move in with her or go to a nursing home. But she is safe
and fairly competent. Which environment is best for her?
Staying in a familiar environment with appropriate supports can be
fine as long as there are consistent helps and aids (grab bars, for
example, in the bath). Learning new environments can be difficult.
And getting help in the home can help a person "age in place." However,
when an older person becomes functionally disabled due to inability
to dress, bathe, walk, or toilet themselves, or when in-home supports
with caregivers and paid help still leave questions of safety, then
it is time to consider alternative care arrangements. If a familiar
environment cannot be maintained, then staying with a familiar person
may be the next best alternative.
Managing Fall Risk in Your Home
Topics and Speakers
- Moderator
Sandra M. Caffo, LCSW/MFT
Director of Operations
UPMC Employee Assistance Program
- Brief Approach to Evaluation and Management of Falls
Stephanie Studenski, MD, M.P.H.
Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine
Director, Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
- Where, What , and How You Can Prevent Falls: Practical Tips for Living and Moving 'Fall-Free'
Jessie VanSwearingen, PhD, PT, FAPTA
Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh
- The Benefits of Tai Chi in Fall Prevention
Joseph Bozzelli, MMQ
Tai Chi instructor for UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine
Additional Resources
-
PowerPoint supplement to Managing Fall Risk Webcast: UPMC Senior Care Resources PowerPoint presentation - Aug. 2008
- A guide to safe shoes: this shoe guide PDF is viewable in Internet Explorer and Adobe Acrobat.
- Explore the Aging Institute website to get information about other programs not mentioned today.
- UPMC Senior Care Locations for Falls Assessments
Benedum Geriatric Center, Oakland – 412-692-4200
Shadyside – 412-623-2700
Aspinwall (Classic Care) – 800-801-6965
- Center for Balance Disorders – 412-647-2100 (many locations in Pittsburgh)
- Centers for Rehab Services – 1-888-723-4CRS (4277) – For Home Assessment and Strengthening Exercises
- Pittsburgh Claude D. Older Americans Independence Center (to learn more about research studies) – 412-383-1564
- Center for Assistive Technology – 412-647-1310 – For Home Assessment and Assistive Devices
- UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine – 412-623-3023 – Programs include acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic counseling, shiatsu, tai chi, qigong, meditation, yoga and more.
Medicare Part D: Enrolling and Managing Your Drug Benefits
Topics and Speakers
- Introduction
Sandra Caffo, Director, Account Services, Employee Assistance Program
- Medicare Part D: An Overview
Erin McKenna, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, UPMC Health Plan
- How to Work With Your Physician to Manage Your Drug Benefit
Eric Rodriguez, MD, Geriatrician, UPMC Senior Care – Benedum Geriatric Center
- Practical Tips for Medication Management in the Elderly
Christine Ruby, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Geriatrics,
UPMC Senior Care – Benedum Geriatric Center
- Community Resources: Are They Still Available Under the Drug Benefit?
Joyce Schlag, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, Collaborative Care Management,
UPMC Presbyterian
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