University Times

To assist the elderly and their families through the health care and finance maze, the Institute on Aging, a collaboration of Pitt and UPMC Health System, has established a toll-free call center.

The 24-hour non-emergency number, 1-866/430-8742, will help callers access services, information and resources both within and outside of UPMC Health System.

The institute also launched a web site, www.aging.upmc.com; and access by e-mail is available through aging@upmc.edu.

“The opening of this call center comes at a time when the demand for care of the elderly is increasing,” said Neil Resnick, director of the institute and professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at Pitt.

Some 13 percent of Americans today are over age 65. But in western Pennsylvania, nearly 18 percent of the region’s population is 65 or older. Older Americans represent the fastest growing segment of the population. According to the National Institute on Aging, by 2030 the number of people ages 65 and older will double to reach 70.3 million, constituting 20 percent of the U.S. population.

By contacting the call center, the public can acquire information on a variety of subjects impacting the elderly. These include specialized clinical care, home care, long-term care, respite and other topics. Patient education material also is available.

A caller may be referred to any of three UPMC Health System geriatric assessment centers.

The toll-free telephone and web site service can help people:

• find a physician specializing in geriatrics and treatment programs and schedule appointments;

• learn about specific diseases and treatment options;

• identify research studies and clinical trials;

• identify community re-sources for social services, insurance, housing, transportation and other concerns;

• learn about programs that provide caregiver support and care coordination for older adults.

The call center also can help a person living elsewhere coordinate care for a parent living in western Pennsylvania.