United Way Resources for Older Adults

Resources for Older Adults

Having accessible resources is an essential feature of an age-friendly, livable community as it keeps residents connected
in a meaningful way.

Everyone benefits when older adults are able to remain in their homes. That belief drives our commitment to building an inclusive community that encourages older adults with diverse needs to age in place and maintain a good quality of life.

DIABETES PREVENTION

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country. More than 37 million adults in the nation have diabetes – over 50,000 reside in the Lehigh Valley. A coalition of Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, the Diabetes Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, works to help lower the rate of diabetes in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.

Woman smiling in front of a swimming pool

“You need to educate yourself.”

With a family history of diabetes, Annette is determined not to let this chronic disease control her life.

“My paternal grandparents and father have died of diabetes complications. So, when I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes at the age of 40, I remember thinking, ‘I will not be a victim,’” said Annette. “I have learned during this journey that I am in control of my mind, body and spirit. I have the tools I need to keep me healthy and happy. You need to educate yourself.”

As volunteer Chair of the Diabetes Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, Annette works with United Way to make sure all older adults living in the Greater Lehigh Valley can access the resources they need to prevent and manage diabetes, which affects one in four Americans over age 60.

“This is the time of our lives where we still feel young and vibrant and are able to keep ourselves moving by exercising and engaging in healthy activities. Keeping fit in our 50’s will only benefit us as we mature into our 60s and 70s,” added Annette.

Diabetes Coalition of the Lehigh Valley Facebook Group

CDC’S Prediabetes Risk Test – Take the Test | Diabetes | CDC

NovoCare® – Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

Lehigh County Area Agency on Aging
610-782-3200

Northampton County Area Agency on Aging
610-559-3270

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM SITES:

Greater Valley YMCA
425 South 15th St.
Allentown, PA 18102
610-351-9622

Vida Nueva at Casa Guadalupe Center
(Neighborhood Health Center of the Lehigh Valley)
218 North 2nd St.
Allentown, PA 18102
610-841-8400 Ext. 2003

Coordinated Health Hospital of Allentown
1503 N Cedar Crest Blvd.
PA 18104
610-861-8080 Ext. 28262

Slatington Public Library (via Bechtel’s Pharmacy – 302 Main St, Slatington)
650 Main St.
Slatington, PA 18080
610-767-4121

Vigilant Fire Company (via Bechtel’s Pharmacy – 302 Main St, Slatington)
110 S. Walnut St.
Slatington, PA 18080
610-767-4121

Weis Markets #182
5020 Rte 873
Schnecksville PA 18078
610-799-2413

Hartzell’s Pharmacy
300 American St.
Catasauqua, PA 18032
610-264-5471

St Luke’s University Health Network
1530 Eighth Ave.
Suite 102
Bethlehem, PA 18018
484-526-2100

Bethlehem Health Bureau
10 E. Church St.
610-865-7083

DIABETES EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES:

Helwig Health and Diabetes Center
(LVHN Allentown)
1243 S Cedar Crest Blvd
Suite 2800
Allentown, PA 18103-6230
610-402-3422

Helwig Health and Diabetes Center
(LVHN Bethlehem)

190 Brodhead Road
Suite 205
Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-402-6790

ShopRite of Bethlehem
4701 Freemansburg Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18045
610-865-2439 Ext. 3001
dietitians.shoprite.com

Weis Markets #182
5020 Rte 873
Schnecksville, PA 18078
610-799-2124
weismarkets.com/nutrition

Diabetes Chat Circles occur monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Meetings are conducted virtually.

To attend a coalition meeting, contact Carmen Bell.


FALL PREVENTION

One in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls every year. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for people over age 65, and a leading reason for emergency room visits in the United States each year. Falls can cause brain injuries, hip fractures and other devastating consequences.

For Fall Prevention Tips magnets in English or Spanish, please contact Carmen Bell.

Allentown Health Bureau
610-437-7598
Injury Prevention Programs for seniors include “A Matter of Balance” class and Senior Home Safety Visitation Program

Bethlehem Health Bureau
610-997-3562
crichan@bethlehem-pa.gov
“A Matter of Balance” classes and other senior safety programs

Lehigh Valley Active Life
1633 West Elm Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-437-3700
“A Matter of Balance” classes, blood pressure checks and exercise classes

St. Luke’s University Health Network
1-866-STLUKES (785-8537)
FREE balance screenings

Lehigh Valley Health Network
“Safe Steppin’ Program”

ThinkFirst – Provides a presentation highlighting simple preventative measures.

William McQuilken
William_D.McQuilken@lvhn.org
Trauma Prevention Coordinator LVHN

Lehigh County Area Agency on Aging General Intake Line
610-782-3200

Northampton County Area Agency on Aging General Intake Line
610-559-3270

AARP HomeFit Guide

STEADI – Older Adult Fall Prevention by the CDC

Fall Prevention Center of Excellence

Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool (HSSAT)

Additional resources from the National Council on Aging to help you and your loved ones prevent a fatal or disabling fall:

MATTER OF BALANCE

Allentown Health Bureau
610-437-7598

Bethlehem Health Bureau
610-997-3562
Email: crichan@bethlehem-pa.gov

Lehigh Valley Active Life
1633 West Elm Street Allentown, PA 18102
610-437-3700

St. Luke’s University Health Network
InfoLink: 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537)

SENIOR HOME SAFETY VISITATION PROGRAM

Lehigh County Agency on Aging
610-782-3200

Northampton County Agency on Aging
610-559-3270

Silver Sneakers
Greater Valley YMCA branches of Allentown, Easton, Phillipsburg, Nazareth, Slate Belt and Suburban North

BALANCE SCREENINGS (TUG TEST)

St. Luke’s University Health Network
InfoLink: 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537)

Meetings of the Fall Prevention Coalition occur the second Friday of every month from 9 -10 a.m.

To attend a coalition meeting, contact Carmen Bell.

“Our research shows that older adults report good or excellent quality of life when they are connected to each other, feel respected and have access to resources they need.

Carmen Bell
Director of Healthy Aging for United Way

Carmen says: "Our research shows that older adults report good or excellent quality of life when they are connected to each other, feel respected and have access to resources they need."

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