Westmoreland 55+ Magazine | Fall 2025 Issue

FREE

Fall 2025

Don’t Miss the 2025 Health & Education Expo Also in this Issue...

2026 Medicare Advantage Plans | Fall Events Twilight Wish | Integrity Retirement Solutions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Phone: 724-940-2444

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Contents 4 8

Cover Story: Don’t Miss the 2025 Health & Education Expo “I Have Everything Taken Care Of!” Kevin Bock, Owner, Integrity Retirement Solutions

10 Business Spotlight: Kerry Sholtes 11 17th Annual Celebrating Champions 12 Twilight Wish 14 What Seniors Need to Know—Medicare Advantage Plans 2026 Crystal A. Manning and Dvonya Sedlacko-Stephens 16 Life Options Pittsburgh 18 Have Some Fun! 18 Westmoreland County Events

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Westmoreland 55+ Magazine is online at

www.westmorelandfiftyfiveplus.com!

Here you can find resources, exclusive articles, and local events, plus enjoy the full issue at your fingertips anytime, anywhere!

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Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

Email: info@westmorelandfiftyfiveplus.com www.westmorelandfiftyfiveplus.com

President & Publisher Laura Lyn Arnold Publisher Emeritus & Contributor Marion Swanson Piotrowski Westmoreland 55+ Publication Manager Sharon Yezerski

Sharon@WestmorelandFiftyFivePlus.com

Executive Editor Emily King Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive Mary L. Simpson Joanne Good Tracy Dripps Design & Production Kostilnik & Assoc. Graphics, Inc. Web Master Swanson Publishing, LLC Westmoreland Fifty Five Plus Magazine is published four times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge throughout the Westmoreland County area. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $35 for one year.

The mission of the Swanson Publishing, LLC is to connect the people of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest senior publication, Westmoreland Fifty Five Plus Magazine. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, health, and recreational needs of seniors in our area.

The contents of Westmoreland Fifty Five Plus Magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher.

Westmoreland Fifty Five Plus reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

AGE YOUR WAY, IN YOUR HOME. Get medical in-home care & more!* • Primary & Specialist Care • LIFE Health & Wellness Center • Transportation

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• Medication Delivery • On-Call Nurse and Doctor 24/7 • Physical & Occupational Therapies

• CO-PAY • DEDUCTIBLES • PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

* For a comprehensive list of services and eligibility requirements, and to learn more about the LIFE program, please visit our website SeniorLIFEPA.com. Stock photography used in this advertisement. **Members on Medicaid who live in the community.

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

BY CALLING OUR GREENSBURG LOCATION

724.838.8300 TTY: 711

Navigating Financial Success Together Call Us for a Free Consultation | 724-858-1122

Building Your Wealth

Preparing for Retirement

Securing Your Legacy

Lisa Krall

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

ParkAveWealth.com

143 Hartman Road, Suite 9, Greensburg, PA 15601

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. 143 Hartman Road, Suite 9, Greensburg, PA 15601

Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

| Fall 2025

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Accessing information for Caregivers, Older Adults, and Persons with Disabilities.

Free Admission Information Resources Health Screenings Vaccination Clinic Refreshments Entertainment Door Prizes

Transportation available through GO Westmoreland.

To schedule a ride, call: 724-832-2706 Please bring a non-perishable food donation to benefit the Westmoreland Food Bank.

For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging at: 724-830-4444 or 1-800-442-8000 Promoted by the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging, Westmoreland County Commissioners, and Trib Total Media.

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Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

RETIRING? DOWNSIZING? or Thinking about buying or selling your home?

I’m your SRES Karla Casertano, REALTOR/SRES Coldwell Banker 412-287-5541 E: casertanoREagent@gmail.com Website: casertanoREagent.com

A Senior Real Estate Specialist, or SRES, is a REALTOR who has received extensive training in helping buyers and sellers age 50+.

Let me help you through the process of buying or selling your home, making the transaction less stressful and more SUCCESSFUL. Contact me today!

Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

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Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

Don’t Miss the 2025 Health & Education Expo

Concordia Lutheran Ministries Whatever senior care/living services you need in Westmoreland County, Concordia has you covered. Compare Concordia at Bethlen, Concordia at Weatherwood and Concordia Home Health and Hospice of Bethlen to see what makes us the best of the best.

Learn more about how we can help at www.ConcordiaLM.org. www.ConcordiaLM.org • 724-352-1571 Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

| Fall 2025

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ADVERTORIAL

“I Have Everything Taken Care Of!”

by Kevin Bock, Integrity Retirement Solutions, LLC

I hear this all the time—but in reality, no one who walks into my office truly has everything covered.

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ost people assume that once they’ve seen an attorney and signed some legal documents, they’re done. But here’s the truth: important pieces are often overlooked.

(We don’t provide legal advice, but we work hand-in-hand with qualified estate planning attorneys to spot what may be missing.)

Common Gaps We See All the Time:

Retirement Talk with Kevin Bock has a new Radio schedule.

Saturday 11:30 am and 5:00 pm, Sunday 6:00 am on 1320 AM WJAS

NEW! Saturday and Sunday Noon to 1:00 pm

on WJFA 910 AM, WJFG 1480 AM, 98.7 FM, and 107.5 FM

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Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

1. Incomplete Legal Documents – Many people stop at a Power of Attorney. But you may also need a Will, Living Will, or Physician’s Directive. Sometimes even a Trust (Revocable or Irrevocable).

2. Weak Power of Attorney – Documents may lack critical language, leaving your chosen agent powerless when you need them most.

3. Conflicting Beneficiaries – Your Will doesn’t control your retirement accounts, life insurance, or bank accounts with named beneficiaries. If these don’t match up, your assets may go to the wrong people.

4. Hidden Risks & Oversights – From probate to inheritance taxes, many families face surprises that could have been avoided with proper planning.

The Bigger Picture: Retirement & Care Costs Estate planning isn’t just legal documents. It’s about life planning.

Does your attorney or CPA fully understand the true cost of care in retirement? Probably not.

• Healthcare Costs: A Fidelity study found the average couple will spend $330,000 on healthcare in retirement—and that’s without long-term care.

• Long-Term Care Costs: Skilled nursing can exceed $11,000 per month; in-home care can top $21,000 per month.

• Probate & Taxes: Probate can cost up to 5-7% of your estate. Inheritance taxes in PA run from 4.5% to 15%. With proper planning, these can often be reduced—or eliminated.

• Retirement Accounts: Taxes can consume up to 54% of your IRA or 401(k). Even if you didn’t list Uncle Sam as a beneficiary, he’s still getting his share.

Estate & Retirement Planning Checklist

“I Have Everything Taken Care Of!” ... Or Do You?

Legal Documents

• Do you have a Power of Attorney, and does it contain the correct language?

• Do you have a Will in place?

• Do you have a Living Will or Physician’s Directive?

• Do you need a Revocable Trust or Irrevocable Trust?

Beneficiary & Account Review

Here’s the good news:

• Do your Will instructions match the beneficiary designations on: 401 (k)/IRA, Life insurance & annuities, Bank accounts (POD, TOD, ITF), Brokerage accounts?

• Protect your family from unnecessary taxes and fees.

• Do you understand that your Will does not control accounts with beneficiary designations?

With the right planning, you can: • Leverage idle money to cover care costs and still earn returns.

• Keep more of your legacy in your family’s hands—not the government’s.

If you’re ready to make sure everything is truly taken care of, call us at 724-837-3553 to schedule your appointment today. n

Financial & Care Planning

• Do your advisors understand the true costs of care (independent living, personal care, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, in-home care)?

• Do you have a plan for covering the average healthcare cost in retirement ($330,000+)?

Kevin Bock does not provide legal or tax advice. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. A broad range of retirement solutions and insurance products are offered through Kevin Bock,PA insurance license number 352896.

Contact Us Today!

724-837-3553

IntegrityRetirementSolutions.com

• Do you have a strategy for long-term care costs (up to $12,000+/month for skilled nursing or $23,000+/month for 24/7 in-home care)?

• Is your “idle money” being leveraged to help with care costs, earn a fair return, and remain accessible if needed?

Probate & Taxes

• Have you taken steps to avoid or reduce probate costs (typically 5-7% of estate value)?

• Have you planned for inheritance taxes (4.5%-15% in PA)?

• Did you know inheritance taxes can be optional with proper planning?

• Have you reviewed strategies to reduce or eliminate taxes on 401 (k), IRA, and retirement accounts (which can shrink legacies by 45-54%)?

Legacy Protection • Have you created a plan to ensure your heirs receive the maximum benefit, rather than leaving a large share to Uncle Sam and probate courts?

• Do you have a process in place to review and update your plan regularly?

Voted Five Years in a Row as Best Financial Planner in Westmoreland County.

CALL US TO FIND OUT WHY.

Tip: Most people who think they have “everything taken care of’ are missing multiple steps. Working with qualified financial and estate planning professionals ensures nothing is overlooked.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Senior Transition Specialist & Real Estate Agent • Senior Transition • Real Estate Specialist • Licensed Realtor • Senior Advocate • Master Marketer

Contact Kerry Today!

Kerry@Melissamerriman.com Cell: 724-858-8108 Office: 724-861-0500 www.merriman-team.com

Kerry Sholtes

A TRUSTED GUIDE FOR LIFE’S BIG TRANSITIONS

I understand the emotional and practical challenges of moving from a beloved home into senior living. My passion is helping seniors and families through this process — every step of the way — with care, clarity, and compassion.

Whether downsizing, relocating, or planning for the future, I offer more than real estate expertise. I bring a heart for service and a hands-on approach to getting things done.

WHAT I OFFER

• Personalized and professional real estate services • Marketing packages to attract the right buyer, including professional staging and photography • Guidance on local senior living options • Tours and introductions to trusted communities • Recommendations for low-cost, reliable handymen and movers • Home clean-out and donation coordination • Medical equipment knowledge • Access to estate planning attorneys and financial advisors • Coordinated timeline planning to reduce stress for families

WHY CHOOSE ME?

• 20+ years in health care and senior care • Compassionate, client-centered approach • Extensive local network of senior services • Proven track record in real estate success • Committed to supporting you

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Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

Annual GR

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Creating Better Communities Presented by UPMC Senior Services and UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation

Celebrating Champions of Excellence in Service to Others The 17th Annual “Celebrating Champions” dinner and silent auction takes place Thursday, October 16, at The Westin Pittsburgh. Co-hosted

by UPMC Senior Services and UPMC Western Behavioral Health, the event recognizes esteemed individuals and organizations who have improved the quality of life in our region. This year’s distinguished honorees are united in their service to older adults and behavioral health.

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uests will have the opportunity to greet honorees during a cocktail reception, place bids on items in a robust silent auction, and enjoy a superb dinner. The highlight of the evening is the awards presentation, which celebrates the extraordinary impact that this year’s honorees have made throughout our region and beyond. The event is made possible by sponsorship from UPMC For Life, Oakdale Seniors Alliance, Gumpher Electrical Service, Concentra, and many other generous businesses and individuals.

The Grand Champion Award is the highest honor presented and is bestowed upon a person who has provided exceptional leadership in improving the wellbeing of countless individuals across our region. Tracey Conti MD, MBA, is our 2025 honoree. Dr. Conti most recently served as the UPMC Andrew W. Mathieson Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC. She held several roles in the department, including vice chair for education and practice integration, program director of the UPMC McKeesport Family Medicine Residency Program, and executive vice chair.

The 2025 Community Champion Award, given to acknowledge an organization that has demonstrated transformative leadership in improving communities in and around the Pittsburgh region, is being presented to Kane Community Living Centers.

Caring for elderly people and adults who require skilled nursing care has been the responsibility of Kane since 1958. In 1984, four separate geographic areas were selected to expand nursing care to residents of Allegheny County into their communities. Four Centers in Glen Hazel, McKeesport, Ross Township, and Scott Township continue to provide convenient alternatives for families who remain active in their loved ones’ lives. Similarly at Kane, residents can remain engaged with their life-long communities.

The Caregiver Champion Award recognizes extraordinary individuals whose commitment to the realm of caregiving significantly enhances the

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wellbeing of others. Our 2025 Caregiver Champion is Allegheny Family Network, led by Ruth Fox, chief executive officer.

More than 40 years ago, Ruth began her career as a nurse and an active volunteer in her community. She was involved in various initiatives, from homeless and housing coalitions to community mental health and support programs, all while practicing as a nurse. In 1998, Ruth transitioned into the mental health field at Community Human Services here in Pittsburgh. During her ten years there, she rose to become the director of residential programs.

Ruth’s unique combination of professional and personal experiences makes her exceptionally qualified to serve as the chief executive officer of Allegheny Family Network. As a parent of four children, one of whom was diagnosed at age eight with major depression and agoraphobia, Ruth has a firsthand understanding of the challenges families face.

Proceeds from the dinner and auction support two outstanding causes, the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund and the UPMC Western Behavioral Health Foundation. In its 17-year history, this event has contributed more than $2.4 million toward philanthropic care. n

Tickets on sale now!

To reserve your ticket, contact Debra Panei, director of development, UPMC Senior Services, at 412-864-3524 or paneid@upmc.edu.

The extensive silent auction, with something for everyone, gets underway September 16. To participate, visit 2025CC.givesmart.com.

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55+ FEATURE

A life-changing encounter with a group of senior citizens at a Bucks County, Pennsylvania diner was the inspiration for national non-profit, Twilight Wish Foundation.

In 2003, Twilight Wish founder Cass Forkin noticed a group of elderly women counting out their change to pay for their buffet lunch, and as a gesture of kindness, anonymously paid for their meal. The women, grateful and touched by this generosity, insisted on knowing who treated them to their meal. Their gratitude for such a simple gesture inspired Forkin to found Twilight Wish Foundation later that year. Twilight Wish became the first national non-profit focused exclusively on honoring the wishes of deserving, low-income seniors. Over 22 years and 7,140 wishes later, Twilight Wish is at the forefront of changing the culture of aging in our society.

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e fulfill wishes in four categories: Simple Needs, Celebrating a Life, Living Life to the Fullest, and Veterans’ wishes. Many of the wishes we grant fall under our Simple Needs Program. Through this program, we provide basic needs items which will improve the quality of life for those seniors. Items such as hearing aids and lift chairs allow seniors to maintain their dignity and independence, even making the difference in whether or not some seniors can continue to live on their own. Without access to items such as these, seniors often experience isolation, loss of independence, and depression.

Celebrating a Life wishes are meaningful and nostalgic wishes granted for hospice patients and/or recipients with limited life expectancies. These wishes can be for family reunions, visits to hometowns, a chance to return to a job or career one more time or any similar wish that validates and brings joy to the recipient. Living Life to the Fullest wishes are experiences that a senior always wanted to have

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Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

Wesley Family Services serves as the host for PA Link in Armstrong, Indiana, and Westmoreland Counties connecting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to vital services and supports, as well as supporting professionals who work with these populations by providing networking, resources, and educational opportunities. but never had the opportunity or wants to have one more time. Examples include riding in a motorcycle sidecar, having a book published, going to a Pirates game, or visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo. One-third of all the wishes we grant are for veterans. Veterans’ wishes can fall under any of the other three programs, but we differentiate them as it gives us an opportunity to thank them for their dedication and selfless service to our country.

Twilight Wish recipients must be 65 and older or a permanent resident of a nursing facility. In addition, recipients must have an annual income of less than 200% of poverty level. For 2025, that is less than $31,330 for a household of one. Recipients must also have a history of giving back to their community through military service or volunteerism.

The Westmoreland County chapter has granted many amazing wishes over the years under the direction of chapter director Jamie Bostard who also serves as treasurer on Twilight Wish’s Board of Directors. Recently, they gifted North Irwin resident Virgie Smith, who is known as “Grandma Moose,” a magnifier for her typewriter so she can continue to create flyers and invitations for the bus trips she still organizes.

Another special wish granted was for Paul Svetahor, a resident of Greensburg. Paul, 82, is an Air Force veteran who wanted to continue his education and go back to college for cyber security. Despite his age, he is very eager to learn and having a laptop allowed him to continue his education and improved his quality of life.

If you are interested in donating or volunteering for the Westmoreland County chapter, please contact Jamie Bostard at 412-849-4057. To nominate a senior to have their wish granted, please visit our website at www.twilightwish.org. n

For more information, call 800-753-8827 or email Suzy.Chertik@wfspa.org

Reach over 30,000 seniors with an ad in Westmoreland 55+.

Call us today to find out how.

724-940-2444 Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

| Fall 2025

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ADVERTORIAL

What Seniors Need to Know—Medicare Advantage Plans 2026

By Crystal Manning and Dvonya Sedlacko-Stephens

Significant changes are coming to Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, including increased payments, updates to Part D coverage, and new regulations aimed at improving benefits. As demand for medical services continues to increase, Medicare Advantage plans must carefully align benefits with this increased demand to support members’ health needs today and in the future.

T

he actions taken by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) help protect beneficiaries and taxpayers from waste, fraud, and abuse, while also providing access to high-quality, affordable health care through Medicare Advantage. By finalizing these payment policies, CMS is ensuring that Medicare Advantage continues to offer access to critical services in an efficient, accountable manner, further strengthening the program’s ability to serve beneficiaries.

CMS is maintaining its withdrawal of a previous proposal to expand

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coverage for obesity medications, limiting these drugs to specific scenarios. While disappointing for those needing this coverage, it is a move to prevent resources from being diverted from broader Medicare needs. With the new maximum out-of-pocket for prescriptions in 2025 to $2000, in 2026 to $2100, many carriers may impose a Part D deductible on prescription plans.

Last year, major insurers began withdrawing Medicare Advantage plans from certain markets due to federal cost-containment measures and rising medical expenses, which reduced

Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

profitability. UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna were among the largest carriers that acknowledged the growing financial pressures the industry has faced for nearly two years, and are cutting supplemental benefits, exiting unprofitable markets, and dropping entire product lines ahead of the upcoming annual enrollment period. This change can result in current members being moved to another plan or having to find another plan option. Keep in mind, this may be an opportunity to switch to a Medigap plan.

CMS continues to clamp down on aggressive billing practices by Medicare Advantage insurers. New policies phasing in through 2026 are intended to curb “upcoding”—in which plans use complex billing codes to maximize reimbursements. This aims to limit unnecessary Medicare spending and ensure fairness across all plans.

Additionally, CMS is ending the VBID (Value-Based Insurance Design) program for 2026 due to excessive costs. That means D-SNP plans will need new ways to offer the extra benefits members depend on.

Medicare Advantage plans are expected to undergo significant changes from 2025 to 2026, impacting plan availability, benefits, costs, and

Where to find your copy of Monroeville Giant Eagle 4010 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville 15146 Monroeville Senior Center 6000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville 15146 Penn Hills Giant Eagle 230 Rodi Road, Penn Hills 15235 Youngwood Youngwood Corner Market 1 North Fourth Street, Youngwood, 15697 Hayden’s Pharmacy 505 N. Fourth Street, Youngwood, 15697 Mt. Pleasant Hayden’s Pharmacy same bldg. as Main Street Deli 535 W Main Street, Mt Pleasant 15666 Donegal Hayden’s Pharmacy 3782 State Route 31, Donegal 15628

federal funding. As the full effect of those changes will not be announced until early October, Medicare-eligible individuals should begin planning for the decisions they will need to make during the 2026 open enrollment period (October 15 – December 7), including the following considerations:

Open Enrollment Checklist

• Review your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change letter.

• Compare 2026 plan premiums and out-of-pocket maximums.

• Confirm your primary care doctor and specialists are still in-network.

• Check the drug formulary for your medications.

• Evaluate extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, fitness, etc.).

• Consider your travel needs—does the plan offer coverage outside your area?

• Make a list of your must-have benefits and compare plans side-byside.

• Mark important deadlines for enrollment and plan changes.

Latrobe CVS Pharmacy 1706 Theatre Street, Latrobe 15650 Latrobe Library 1112 Ligonier St, Latrobe 15650

Greensburg Precision Care Pharmacy 434 E. Pgh. Street, Greensburg 15601 McKenna Senior Center 971 Old Salem Road, Greensburg 15601 Greensburg Library 237 S Pennsylvania Ave., Greensburg 15601 Area Agency on Aging 200 S. Main Street, Greensburg 15601

Ligonier Giant Eagle 117 Walnut Street Ligonier 15658 Ligonier Library 120 W Main St, Ligonier 15658

Murrysville Dick’s Diner 4200 William Penn Highway, Murrysville 15668 Market District Giant Eagle 4810 Old William Penn Highway, Export 15632

Harrison City/Jeannette Giant Eagle

Penn Area Library 2001 Municipal Ct, Harrison City 15636

Delmont Delmont Library 75 School St, Delmont 15626 Lamplighter Restaurant 6566 Route 22 Delmont, PA 15626

West Newton/Herminie West Newton Senior Center 103 E Main St, West Newton 15089 (150) Herminie Senior Center 103 Sewickley Ave, Herminie 15637

North Huntingdon Giant Eagle 8901 US 30, North Huntingdon 15642 Shop n Save 12120 US30 North Huntingdon 15642

Penny Lane 2000 Penny Ln Dr, Jeannette 15644

Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid

• Tip: Always check the plan’s provider directory and call your doctor’s office to confirm. Networks can change each year.

• Tip: Always double-check your prescription coverage, as formularies can change even if your plan name stays the same.

• Tip: Don’t assume your favorite extra benefits (like dental or vision) will stay the same—read the fine print every year.

This open enrollment season is an opportunity to review any changes to current plans and switch if necessary.

With the anticipated changes, beneficiaries should stay informed and consult licensed advisors or local health insurance assistance programs to understand their options. For guidance, contact Crystal Manning (412-716-4942, crystalmanning33@ gmail.com) or her daughter, Dvonya Sedlacko-Stephens (412-657-3889, djsedlacko@gmail.com). n Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

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Life Options Pittsburgh: Your Trusted Resource for Senior Care

When you or a loved one suddenly need care, the experience can be overwhelming and confusing at best—or a crisis at worst.

Where can you turn? What resources are available to help?

Look to Life Options Pittsburgh (LOP) as your reliable, single-source provider of information and assistance when you need it most.

Our Members — Care • Housing • Financial • More

724-830-9918 | ccarenursing.com

724-686-3500 | www.loyalhannacc.com

412-638-1026 www.brazielbenefits.com 412-646-1959 | www.lifeline-therapy.com

412-823-2210 | www.pointpleasantretirement.com

412-241-7080 | www.alleghenyplace.com

412-380-0711 www.Bridgeshospice.org 724-374-5370 | www.homeinstead.com/332

412-770-9606

www.seniorcareauthority.com/PittsburghArea

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www.LifeOptionsPittsburgh.com

Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

724-832-7248 www.wchaonline.com

Our Motto: There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.

Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady of the United State of America

Our Mission: Life Options Pittsburgh serves the community through education and outreach, by building awareness and prompting strategic, proactive, common-sense approach to understanding what lies ahead as we age.

Our Members — Care • Housing • Financial • More

724-368-8000 412-919-6200

www.4umobility.com

412-818-4000 OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/southwest-pa

Mt. Vernon of South Park

412-798-5320 www.cadencare.com

724-537-5255 | vsilk@brookdale.com

Personal Care & Memory Care Experience the Family Owned and Operated Difference 1400 Riggs Rd., South Park Twp, PA

412-567-3094 mountvernonpersonalcare.com

412-828-1300

www.encompasshealth.com/locations/harmarville-rehab

Sycamore Estates Personal Care Residences

Family Owned and Operated Personal Care 717 Duquesne Blvd., Duquesne, PA

800-272-3900 | www.alz.org/pa

724-327-3553 | www.Allstartherapies.com

412-466-6787 sycamorepersonalcare.com

724-931-2274 | www.westmorelandfiftyfiveplus.com

www.LifeOptionsPittsburgh.com

HAVE SOME FUN!

PUMPKIN BREAD

Westmoreland Co. Events Entertainment

This easy pumpkin bread is a fall favorite, packed with warm spices and the rich flavor of pumpkin. It’s moist, delicious, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Fort Ligonier Days, Oct. 11-13, in the Laurel Highlands. Historic reenactments, 5K walk/run & a grand parade. For a list of events, visit www.fortligonierdays.com/.

Victorian Tea, 11:30 am-4:00 pm, Nov. 1, at Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Rd., Greensburg. Reservations open Oct. 1, call (724) 836-1800 x210. Visit westmorelandhistory.org/events/2025fall-tea/ A Fright at the Rock Opera Friday, Oct.3 and Friday, Oct 17th Doors open at 6:30. $45 includes dinner and show. Call 724-4684545 for reservations. Visit www.thelamplighterdelmont.com/

Expos

Allegheny County Senior Expo, 10 am-1 pm, Thurs., Nov 6, South Hills Jewish Community Center, South Hills Jewish Community Center, 345 Kane Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15243. For details, visit www.seniorexpousa.com/2025-allegheny-county-attendee.html.

Senior Expo, 10 am-1 pm, Thurs., Oct. 16, Live! Casino & Hotel Pittsburgh, 5260 US-30 Greensburg, PA 15601. For info, visit www. eventbrite.com/e/pittsburgh-fall-senior-expo-tickets.

PREP TIME

COOK TIME

SERVINGS

10 MIN

70 MIN

8-15 SLICES

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended. Optionally, fold in walnuts or chocolate chips.

5. Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ingredients 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup pumpkin puree 2 large eggs 1 cup sugar ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter ¼ cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Notes: Storage: Store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Festivals

Delmont Apple & Arts Festival, 10 am-6pm, Saturday, Oct. 4 & 11 am-5 pm, Sunday, Oct. 5, Shields Farm in Delmont. Family fun, craft vendors, entertainment, and plenty of food. For info, visit delmontapplenarts.com/.

Hikes

Hobgoblin Hikes, 7-9 pm, Sat., Oct. 18, Twin Lakes Park & 7-9 pm, Sat., Oct. 25, Cedar Creek Lakes. To register, visit www.westmorelandcountypa.gov/756/Hobgoblin-Hikes.

Shopping

Fall Vendor Market, 5-9 pm, Thus., Oct. 9, Public Works Dr. North Huntingdon Township. For details, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/fallvendor-market-tickets.

Ligonier Country Market, 8 am-noon, Saturdays, thru Sept. 27, corner of Springer Rd. and W. Main St., Ligonier. For info, visit www.ligoniercountrymarket.com/.

Support Groups

Caregiver support group meeting, 2nd Wed. of each month, 1:00-3:00 pm, (Oct. 8, Nov. 12, no meeting in Dec.) at the McKenna Center for active adults, 971 old Salem Rd. Greensburg PA, All caregivers are welcome to attend. For info, call (724) 830-4484 or toll-free at 1-800-442-8000.

Memory Cafe @ the JCC, 1st Monday of each month from 1-2:30 pm at the Squirrel Hill JCC. Upcoming meetings (Oct. 6, Nov. 3 & Dec. 1), 5738 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh. Registration is required.

Please RSVP by contacting Hillary at hgreen@jccpgh.org or (412) 278-1787 or Hayley at hmaher@jccpgh.org or (412) 697-3552.

Parkinson Caregivers Support Group, 1:30-3 pm, 1st Monday of the month, (Oct. 6, Nov. 3 & Dec. 1), Redstone Highlands, 12921 Redstone Dr. Contact Lisa at (724) 832-8401, ext. 3353. For info, visit redstone.org/communities/parkinsons-programs.

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Fall 2025 | Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

WWW.REALLYGREATSITE.COM

Fall Word Search Find the fifteen (15) words below in the word search.

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PIE HARVEST LEAVES SCARECROW

CROW HAYRIDE MAPLE CHESTNUT

THANKSGIVING HALLOWEEN TURKEY CORN MAZE

Proudly providing quality care as a family-owned and operated home Beautifully Renovated for Comfort, Safety and Privacy Spacious rooms Large, light-filled rooms with solid wood furniture and 50" TVs

of South Park Personal Care Residences

On-Site Physical Therapy

Partnership with FOX Rehabilitation will provide on-site PT/OT/Speech therapy

Restaurant Style Dining

Our in-house chef prepares weekly, nutritious menus from fresh ingredients

Medical Coordination

Choose on-site medical care or we can support doctor appointment coordination

Community Engagement Daily social engagement activities and community-based programs

Standard fee amenities included: Personalized support for all activities of daily living Fully furnished private room with linens 50” flat-screen TV with access to 100+ channels Access to high-speed internet access Housekeeping services and Personal laundry service Customized care plan tailored to individual needs Medication management

ALL INCLUSIVE RATES STARTING AT:

Private Suite w/ half bath

Private Suite w/ full bath

Semi-Private Suite

$5500

$5700

$4800

Memory Care Summer 2025

Respite Care10 day min.

Community Fee

$7200

$220/day

1400 Riggs Rd. South Park, PA

412-206-9855

first or the f d e v Wai ts! siden One-Time 30 re

$2000 mountvernonpersonalcare.com

Westmoreland Fifty-Five Plus

| Fall 2025

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