Elderly Services

As we advance into the later years of life, our needs and desires change. Catholic Charities' Elderly Services Program recognizes these changes and works to help the elderly of Southwestern Pennsylvania maintain their vitality and independence. Whether it be through educational programs celebrating later life or through weekly visits that provide relief to a family member caring for an elderly or infirm family member at home through our Respite Care Program, Elderly Services makes a difference. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the Elderly Services Program. Call 412.456.6915 for more information.

Elderly Services provides the following programs:

  • Respite Care: Offers short-term relief to a family member caring for an older or disabled person at home. Trains volunteers for companion-type service and matches volunteers with family caregivers in need of up to four hours of respite care weekly.
  • Elderly Information and Referral: Informs elderly persons and their families about available community resources and connects them to parish-based volunteers and social ministers. Provides necessary tangible assistance.
  • Elderly Outreach Training: Provides education and training for the establishment of elderly outreach groups. Offers ongoing support to these volunteers who do work with seniors in the community.
  • Two projects that benefit older persons and are undertaken annually are the "Wisdom, Age and Grace: A Celebration of Later Life Conference" and Catholic HEART Workcamp.
    • Wisdom, Age, and Grace: A Celebration of Later Life: This diocesan-wide spring conference offers a day of education, inspiration, and celebration for older persons and those in ministry to them. Conference offerings include a keynote address and morning and afternoon workshop selections that address enhancement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
    • Catholic HEART Workcamp: Elderly Services collaborates with Catholic HEART Workcamp, a national organization based in Orlando, FL, that organizes week-long summer camps during which youth volunteers complete home maintenance tasks for those in need in cities across the United States. Elderly Services matches campers with older residents throughout Allegheny County whose homes or properties are in need of light repairs, painting, cleaning or yard work.
  • Challenges: Options in Aging : The Lawrence County Area Agency on Aging, a program of Catholic charities, offers a variety of services to senior county residents such as counseling, legal services, educational classes, and respite care. Call 724.658.3729.

For more information about any of these Elderly Services programs, call your local county office of Catholic Charities or 412.456.6915.