Live and work in Entrepreneurship Remain in community
McKeesport
Blueroof Technologies Inc, is a non-profit corporation that will use innovation, invention and entrepreneurship to help senior citizens remain at home in their communities and to provide youth the opportunity to train and become responsible and productive citizens.
The main components of Blueroof Technologies are:
· Economic Development
· Smart House Technology
· Housing for Seniors
· Technical Education for youth
· Entrepreneurship
Blueroof Technologies
Concepts began as result of findings uncovered by a Allegheny General Hospital Community Project
Germinated an idea of combining technology with practicality
City of McKeesport
Population: 24,000
Unemployment rate: 7.2 % (PA is 6.1%)
Subsidized housing: 20%
Seniors (over age 60): 25 %
NORC: naturally occurring retirement community
The McKeesport Aging Program
A Collaboration Between
Center for Neurosciences Research, Allegheny General Hospital
~ 25% vandalism; ~ 20% home theft; ~ 10% DOA; ~ 6% intoxication, DUI
Keeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase II
In-Home Safety Surveys for seniors in independent-living arrangements (houses, apartments)
Room-by-room assessment of electrical, gas, heating, lighting, smoke alarms, fire-protection, ambulation hazards, home security, emergency notification methods, general home repair
As of August 2002, 168 seniors included:
102 Caucasian and 29 African-American (22%) women
27 Caucasian and 10 African-American (27%) men
Preliminary findings indicate need for fall risk-reduction (e.g. stair treads, grab bars), bathroom accessibility, improved fire safety (e.g. working smoke alarms), improved home security (e.g. glass-block windows), improved outside access (e.g. handicapped ramps)
Keeping Elders Safe in Their Homes – Phase III
In-Home Personal Health Assessments for seniors in independent-living arrangements (houses, apartments)
Personal and family medical history, review of systems, current medications (Rx’ed and OTC), physical and cognitive status (MMSE, clock drawing), ADLs (including driving), health habits (nutrition, exercise, sleep, smoking, alcohol, MD visits, financial (health insurance, living will, advance directives, food assistance), family/social activities, use of available senior programs
As of August 2002, 170 seniors included (Phase II + 2)
Preliminary findings indicate need for depression screening, ADL assistance (e.g. shopping), more social contacts, wills/advance directives, education about Rx’ed medications and community programs
Giving Back to the Community – I MAP Participants and Community at Large
All Phase II/III participants given a package containing two 60-watt light bulbs, two night lights, flashlight with batteries, smoke detector (if needed), baking soda (for stove fires), non-skid bathtub mat, compartmentalized pill box, rubberized bottle opener, ruler with magnifying glass, pen, pencil, key chain with MAP telephone number, home safety and Senior Citizens Against Crime booklets
In 2000, three open community evening programs held at McKeesport High School
Aging Well
Community Safety for Seniors
Common Problems in Aging: Medical and Legal Concerns
Giving Back to the Community – II Home Improvements
Home improvements accomplished for 34 sites, based on deficiencies identified in Phase II study; several other sites awaiting availability of funds
Electrical upgrades, grab bars, access ramps, glass block windows, new bathrooms, roof repairs, etc.
Basic support ($2500) from McKeesport Community Development Block Grant, now entering its third year
Additional support from other community agencies (Action Housing, McKeesport Housing Corporation, Nazareth Housing Services, Twin Rivers Council of Governments)
Giving Back to the Community – III Personal Health Improvements
Personal-health improvements targeted for Phase III participants
Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (ADL assistance)
Meals-on-Wheels
Local community senior facilities and food-bank services
Property-tax rebate programs
Utility company energy-assistance programs
Given Neighborhood Legal Services Association pamphlet on elder-law (wills, advance directives, financial issues)
MAP Collaborations – I
Clinical Epidemiology of Dementia in General Practice National Institute on Aging, AG16705, 4/99 – 3/04 Mary Ganguli, M.D., M.P.H., UPMC / WPIC, P.I.
Assessing workup and diagnosis of dementias in primary-care-practice patients in relation to their functional impairments
The earlier the diagnosis and treatment of incipient dementias, e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, the longer seniors can remain in independent-living arrangements
MAP Collaborations – II
McKeesport Center for Smart Aging Robert A. Walters, P.E.., PSU McKeesport
Develop business and research center for “smart” products for seniors
