Little Sisters of the Poor - Pittsburgh

Little Sisters Of The Poor - Pittsburgh, also known as Sts. Peter and Paul Home, sits in the Brighton Heights neighborhood and has been caring for the city's elderly poor since 1872, and you'll see right away it's a faith-based community run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, with daily life shaped around their Catholic mission and a spirit of hospitality. The skilled nursing facility there has 48 certified beds, all occupied, so there's quite a long waiting list for anyone hoping to get into skilled care, but there are also 40 independent living apartments for low-income seniors who want some independence but still need support. Residents get around-the-clock supervision and have access to a strong 24-hour call system, plus there's hands-on help with bathing, dressing, transfers, and medication management, which many people rely on as they get older, and there's also care for those who can't get around without help, so non-ambulatory individuals are welcome and looked after. Meal preparation happens onsite, and staff pay attention to dietary needs, including allergies and diabetes diets, serving up meals in a dining room that offers all-day restaurant-style service, which is a nice touch for residents who might not want to eat at the same time every day. Walking paths, furnished rooms, telephones in each unit, gardens, community spaces, an arts room, and a barber/salon give folks ways to keep busy, and activities sponsored by the community help keep people connected, while the grounds offer places for quiet or social afternoons, and the chapel is open for spiritual needs. The home runs educational, recreational, and spiritual programs, has ongoing events and newsletters, and welcomes volunteers, youth programs, and even offers a path to become a Little Sister, which is unique. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted, and parking is available for visitors. The Little Sisters trust in God's Providence and the goodness of others to help provide what's needed for residents, and their care is rooted in the legacy of Jeanne Jugan, the order's founder, who aimed to offer a home and a caring family to the neediest seniors. The facility accepts elderly individuals who require assistance, and the care staff, known as the Little Sisters, work to ensure residents live with dignity, community, and respect as they age.