MOUNT CARMEL - Senior citizens of the area will soon have a new option for their long-term care, according to Family Home Medical, a locally owned home health agency, which has introduced Our Family Homes.
"You might not recognize one of Our Family Homes if you walked past it - they look like normal, well-kept homes and there are no signs out front - but in reality, you would be seeing one of the most innovative approaches to senior care in Pennsylvania," said Warren Altomare, Family Home Medical owner.
A unique alternative to nursing home institutionalization, the Our Family Homes program is rooted in a belief that seniors should be able to age in the community and not in a facility.
The living environment involves three seniors sharing a private, single-family home in a normal neighborhood. Family Home Medical will be providing home care services around-the-clock to enable their residents to age in the environment that is most comfortable to them - a home.
"We believe that our seniors citizens should have the opportunity to age with dignity and respect, and the place that happens best is in the community," said Altomare. "We're excited to be bringing this much-needed option to the seniors of our area. We have seen tremendous interest already and are currently accepting applications for our homes."
Development of the service will also provide a welcomed boost to the local employment scene. Family Home Medical is currently hiring caregivers to staff Our Family Homes.
"Our community needs more employment opportunities," said Family Home Medical COO Kathleen Hoffman. "Our Family Homes will provide not just a high quality living and care environment for our seniors, but high-quality jobs for the people in the area."
Family Home Medical advised that availability is limited and that interested seniors or those caring for a loved one should contact them regarding residency. Potential employees are also encouraged to submit resumes to Family Home Medical for consideration, as hiring decisions for new homes are being made currently.
"Our goal is to have one of Our Family Homes in every neighborhood so our seniors can remain in the community," said Altomare. "Neighbors should be able to stay your neighbors for your entire life."
Call 339-4049 or toll free at 1-877-339-4049.