Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West

11/19/2025

🫁 Reducing the Risk of Pneumonia in Seniors: What Every Caregiver Should Know

As the colder months approach, pneumonia becomes a greater threat—especially for seniors. Pneumonia is not only more common in older adults, but recovery can take much longer, particularly for those with other health conditions or frailty.

At Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West, we know prevention is key. A few proactive steps can help protect your senior loved ones:

✅ Handwashing and sanitizing—the simplest and most effective prevention.
✅ Good dental hygiene—gum infections can lead to pneumonia.
✅ Immunizations—especially for flu and pneumococcal pneumonia.
✅ Quitting smoking—to support lung health and immunity.
✅ Healthy lifestyle habits—nutrition, rest, and movement keep the immune system strong.

👀 Watch for symptoms like cough, chest pain, fatigue, or even confusion and falls—especially in older adults, where signs of pneumonia can be subtle.

At Comfort Keepers, our trained caregivers support seniors with personalized care and health monitoring. Through our Interactive Caregiving™ model, we work with clients, not just for them—supporting mind, body, nutrition, and safety in the comfort of home.

Learn more about how we help seniors thrive at home:
👉 www.ck314.com

11/11/2025

💡 Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s? You’re Not Alone.

Challenging behaviors like confusion, aggression, or anxiety aren’t personal — they’re symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. And while they can be overwhelming, they can be managed with the right support and strategies.

At Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West, we understand the emotional weight caregivers carry. That’s why more than 85% of our caregivers have completed dementia certification courses recommended by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America — equipping them with the tools to provide compassionate, informed care that truly elevates the human spirit.

Some proven approaches include:
✔️ Staying calm during outbursts
✔️ Maintaining a consistent routine
✔️ Encouraging physical activity and joyful participation
✔️ Practicing mindful, compassionate communication

🎵 Even singing a familiar song or folding laundry together can defuse a tense moment.

💬 “It’s not personal. It’s the disease.” This mindset can make all the difference — for both caregivers and families.

If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, help is available. Our team is trained to provide uplifting care tailored to the unique needs of each client and family.

📞 Reach out to your local Comfort Keepers office to learn more about in-home support for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

10/27/2025

🧠 Too much sitting could increase Alzheimer’s risk — even if you exercise.

New research shows that being sedentary for long stretches of the day may negatively affect brain health. This is a powerful reminder that movement matters—especially for seniors.

At Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West, we help older adults stay active, connected, and engaged through our unique Interactive Caregiving™ approach. Whether it’s taking walks, dancing in the kitchen, or simply doing daily activities together, we support the mind, body, and spirit.

💬 Even small moments of movement and connection can make a big difference.

If your loved one is sitting more and moving less, it might be time for extra support at home. We're here to help your family make every day a little more joyful, connected, and healthy. 💙

📞 Contact us today to learn more: 412.787.0709

Stay up-to-date on this research and more at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/too-much-sitting-tied-higher-alzheimers-lrdce/?trackingId=JussKlYXTFqZisMMMP5WUQ%3D%3D

Pulled from “Overheard: Sitting Risky” by Anita Srikameswaran Now a Pitt PhD assistant professor of neurology, Marissa Gogniat was a postdoctoral fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center when she analyzed data from 404 people 50 and older who continuously wore an activity tracker for 10 da...

10/20/2025

💗 Meet Kathy — One of the Many Adult Children We Support

Kathy is 56. She’s balancing her career, raising teenagers, and trying to care for her mom, who’s showing early signs of dementia.

She’s overwhelmed — but she’s not alone. Many of our clients are referred by adult children like Kathy who need trusted, compassionate support for their parents.

When I speak to each and every one of our caregivers, I remind them of this:

You’re not just there for the client.
You are giving the client’s family the biggest gift of all — peace of mind.

You’re giving people like Kathy the chance to simply spend time with mom — not as a caregiver doing laundry or assisting with bathing — but just as a daughter again.

That’s the heart of what we do at Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West — and why families trust us during one of the most important chapters in their lives.

If this sounds like someone you know, we’re here to listen and guide.

10/08/2025

🧠 Boosting Brain Health & Connection Through Word Games 🎲

Did you know that something as simple as playing a word game can elevate the human spirit for seniors?

At Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West, we believe in nurturing the mind, body, and spirit—and word games offer a fun, meaningful way to support cognitive health, reduce isolation, and bring joy to everyday life.

✨ Here’s why word games matter for seniors:

Strengthen memory and focus

Improve mood and reduce stress

Promote social connection and storytelling

Offer a sense of accomplishment and purpose

From classics like Scrabble and crossword puzzles to apps like Wordscapes and Wordle, there’s a game for every stage of engagement.

👥 Bonus? These activities create quality moments between caregivers and clients—one word at a time.

Let’s continue to find creative, joyful ways to connect and care.

🔗 Learn more about our approach to Interactive Caregiving™ at www.ComfortKeepers.com

10/02/2025

🌟 Supporting Seniors with Dementia: 10 Joyful Activities That Make a Difference

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia is both an act of love and a journey of patience. At Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West, we believe every day holds the potential for meaningful moments — no matter the challenges.

We recently shared a resource filled with 10 engaging activities that caregivers and families can do with their loved ones to promote joy, calm, and connection. Here are a few of our favorites:

🎶 Listening to favorite music
💐 Arranging fresh flowers
📸 Flipping through old family photo albums
🍪 Baking simple treats together
🌿 Watering plants or sipping lemonade on the porch
🧩 Doing puzzles or sorting colorful letters
🚶‍♂️ Taking a short walk outdoors

These activities don’t just fill time — they elevate the human spirit. They spark memories, reduce stress, and bring light into daily routines for seniors and their caregivers alike.

➡️ Want the full list? Send us a message or comment below, and we’ll gladly share the guide.

💬 What activity has made a big impact for your family?

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09/23/2025

🏡 Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home Starts Here

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today—a number expected to double by 2050. That means more families are stepping into the caregiver role, often without a clear guide.

In a recent article by gerontologist Sherri Snelling, she offers a compassionate blueprint for making life at home safer, more joyful, and more independent for loved ones living with dementia.

✨ Here are a few key takeaways:
🔹 Secure areas like garages and basements to reduce wandering risks
🔹 Improve lighting and remove tripping hazards
🔹 Establish daily routines that foster familiarity and reduce anxiety
🔹 Engage loved ones through music, memory-sharing, and art
🔹 Support mobility with walking and tactile activities
🔹 Explore professional in-home care to ease the emotional and physical burden on family caregivers

At Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West, we believe in elevating the human spirit through compassionate, individualized care. Our trained caregivers support seniors with dementia using a joyful, interactive approach that honors their dignity, history, and preferences.

📞 To find out more, connect with your local Comfort Keepers office for personalized in-home care support: 412.787.0709

09/15/2025

❤️ Staying Healthy Just Got a Lot Easier (Thanks to Comfort Keepers!) ❤️

Let’s be honest—keeping up with mom or dad’s health can feel like a full-time job. 🩺💊🥦
Appointments, screenings, meds, meals, movement... it adds up!

Good news: our Comfort Keepers® caregivers can help with all of it 💪

Here’s how we support happy, healthy aging (and reduce stress for families too!):

✅ Go to doctor appointments and help take notes
✅ Encourage vaccines and routine screenings
✅ Prepare healthy meals & promote hydration
✅ Help with exercise (from walks to tai chi!)
✅ Provide joyful companionship that boosts emotional health
✅ Keep an eye out for changes in mood, memory, or mobility

💡 Preventative care isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about living WELL every day.

If you’re starting to feel like you can’t do it all on your own, that’s OK. We’re here to help.

📲 Call your local Comfort Keepers today or visit: www.Ck314.com

Because every moment matters. ❤️

09/11/2025

🏡Reducing Readmissions Starts at Home — And We’re Leading the Way

Hospital readmissions can be life-threatening for older adults — but many are avoidable with the right support at home.

At Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West, we help seniors recover safely and confidently after discharge by offering in-home care that’s designed to reduce readmissions, support independence, and bring peace of mind to families.

✅ Our caregivers assist with medication reminders, follow-up appointments, and implementing discharge instructions.
✅ Through our secure Family Room portal, loved ones can read care notes immediately after each visit, helping them stay in the loop no matter how far away they are.
✅ We also share care plans with doctors and care teams to ensure everyone involved is aligned and up-to-date on the client’s condition.

It’s not just about care—it’s about connection, communication, and consistency.

We’re proud to support hospital systems, physicians, and families by being the bridge between discharge and full recovery. Because helping seniors thrive at home isn’t just our job—it’s our mission. 💜

09/08/2025

Have you seen it? Could not be more proud of our staff and caregivers who dedicate their time, energy and hearts to all they do each and every day. Check it out! Thank you to The Sewickley Herald for sharing our story.

Sondra MacArtney initially thought paying for a caregiver seemed like an unnecessary expense — but turns out it is “wonderful” to have help. “I can’t see well and sometimes I need help with choosing the right colors to wear,” said the 87-year-old, who goes by &ldq...

09/04/2025

🎬 Healthcare professionals — you're invited!

Caregiving, the powerful new PBS documentary produced by Bradley Cooper and narrated by Uzo Aduba, is now showing all week at The Lindsay Theater. It’s an honest, emotional look at the caregiver experience in America — from families to professionals — and the system we all work within.

Join us for a special one-night-only screening with live Q&A featuring the film’s director, Chris Durrance, on
📅 Monday, September 9th at 7:00 PM

Whether you’re a discharge planner, case manager, social worker, physician, or therapist, this is an incredible opportunity to reflect on the care journey we see every day — and gain insight into the personal stories behind it.

🎟️ Reserve your seat:
👉 https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/purchase/26590?siteToken=6avxdqr7sn7fr75807a5k307jm

Let’s elevate this conversation — together.

WETA ARK Media WQED Comfort Keepers of Pittsburgh & Allegheny County: North & West