Beautifully nestled within the majestic hills and lush greenery of Upper St. Clair is a community within a community known as Friendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community.  Here the activities are abundant, the friendships are forever, and peace of mind is a common theme among the residents who call Friendship Village of South Hills home. These friendships now carry into assisted living and memory care, the newest additions to the Friendship Village of South Hills community. Married more than 40 years, John and Jeri Williams describe the path that led them to living at Friendship Village of South Hills as truly unique. Jeris father once lived in the skilled nursing suites and she will never forget the exceptional care he received. Jeri and John remember fondly taking Jeris father to the train tracks near campus to watch the trains go by. Many years later when John and Jeri made the decision to move to Friendship Village of South Hills, they chose an apartment that overlooks those same train tracks. It brings tears to Jeris eye when she speaks about it.  John and Jeri observed the construction process of the new addition at the community, consisting of 50 assisted living and 32 memory care apartments, with great hope. John began to see a need for additional care, and they are thankful they can stay at Friendship Village of South Hills, while also receiving the advanced care they need. Shortly after opening, John moved to assisted living and eventually transitioned to memory care. Jeri stayed in their independent living home and continues to visit John every day.  The full continuum of care allows Jeri to still enjoy her hobbies, knowing that John is receiving the care he needs. I dont see myself living [anywhere else]. I see Friendship Village of South Hills as my family. I am very comfortable here, explains Jeri. We [the community and Jeri] were successful together to help John get back to doing things that were automatic. His quality of life has increased due to the number of assigned team members to help him with his daily living activities, as well as all of the activities and socialization. John added that his favorite part about Friendship Village of South Hills right now is the happy hour.  We provide peace of mind and a sense of security to our residents and their loved ones because we offer all levels of living, explains Upper St. Clair native, Jessica Ciancio, director of assisted living and memory care. Executive director Bryan Welty noted, Many of our residents live in the same geographical region as their adult children with access to our full continuum of care in a luxurious setting.  Assisted living residents enjoy modern, spacious apartments with an abundance of natural lighting and plenty of common spaces for friendships to blossom. Outdoor courtyards offer an al fresco dining option that overlook the natural beauty of Upper St. Clair.  Memory care private apartment suites and common areas provide ample natural lighting, a testament to the attention to detail the community performed to ensure each resident is well provided for, both mentally and physically. A family-style kitchen and dining area assists with sparking smells of familiar home-cooked meals. Residents can do chair yoga or participate in a variety of fitness classes. They can also plant gardens of flowers and vegetables among the fountains in the outdoor courtyards. Stanley Buswell grew up one mile from Friendship Village of South Hills. He and his wife, Carol, have four kids, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Stanley and Carol began to need extra care, but wanted to keep their active lifestyle. Their decisions to move to Friendship Village of South Hills was the best thing they could have done. Stanley explained, The [team members] here are unbelievable. They are so patient and kind. Theres always someone there to help with anything, often going above and beyond. He doesnt know what he would do without the team member support. Stanley lives in assisted living, while Carol resident in memory care. Stanley visits Carol daily and enjoys having dinner with her every night. Stanley described his favorite thing here is, making friends and the lifestyle we have. Its family here. Resident Anne Hoffman is a humble woman and is immensely proud of her five wonderful children, 15 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. While touring the brand-new assisted living area with her daughters, Anne immediately knew Friendship Village of South Hills was the right place for her to call home. Anne is originally from Pittsburgh and received her degree in secretarial work from Ohio University. After school, she helped run the family business with her late husband until she was 82 years old! In recent years, she started to notice a decline in her eyesight and knew she needed extra help, especially with her medications. After she fell and broke her hip, she decided it was not safe for her to live alone anymore and moved into assisted living. Friendship Village of South Hills gives me confidence knowing that someone is here to check on me, said Anne. I have my independence, but also the security that someone is here.  At 95 years of age, Anne still enjoys taking her daily walks and sitting outside on the benches. She loves the activities at Friendship Village of South Hills and regularly participates in chair yoga. She plays bridge and gin rummy nightly with some friends she has made. I always want to participate in activities. Its what keeps you young, said Anne. She also enjoys attending church services.  Something that stood out about this place to her daughters was that the team members listen to the residents families and they truly care about what they think and how they feel. The team here works with you and they are very accommodating. We are thankful mom is here, agreed all four daughters.  Unlike other senior living communities, Friendship Village of South Hills does not have a large community fee for assisted living and memory care.  Linda McCaig, former resident council president, agrees that Friendship Village of South Hills celebrates the lives of seniors. As a generational Pittsburgh family with three children, Linda who resides in independent living, knows the community better than anyone else. Her mother was one of the first to put a deposit down for an apartment, back in 1984, and Linda was once the marketing director and activities coordinator for Friendship Village of South Hills.  We have something that no one else offerswe care about one another, she stated. The friendships are warm and deep here. When asked what she would like the community of Upper St. Clair to know about this place, Linda replied, Wed like people to come and see it for themselves, and that we welcome everyone. Our residents are also happy to have our new assisted living and memory care building and have the peace of mind knowing we have access should we ever need it. We know many others can benefit from it and the lifestyle offered here at Friendship Village of South Hills.

Adult children of aging parents are all too familiar with what it means to have those difficult conversations. Theres the one where you ask Dad to stop driving. Or try to convince Mom she needs a walker. Perhaps one of the toughest conversations to have is talking to your parents about assisted living.Many seniors choose to move into senior living communities on their own during their younger, more active years so they can easily transition to assisted living. However,  its not uncommon for aging parents to hold on to the notion of remaining independent or believing that loved ones can help with the home care they need. Thats often the case even when its clear a parent requires the kind of daily care that assisted living facilities are best suited to provide.WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TALK ABOUT ASSISTED LIVING?The answer to that question varies. Its no surprise that the effects of getting older can sneak up. Maybe youve noticed Mom is having trouble with activities of daily living (what clinicians call ADLs) like dressing, mobility, hygiene or toileting alone. Those are signs that shouldnt be ignored. If at all possible, its even more considerate to have the conversation with her about elder care before the need arises and to continue an open dialogue as the situation evolves.TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONVERSATION WITH YOUR PARENTTalking to your parents about assisted living isnt easy for any adult child, but its so vitally important. Here are few pointers to keep in mind as you begin:Casual Is Best: Keep your talks from seeming confrontational. Have them over a cup of tea on the porch and dont overwhelm Mom or Dad by getting too many family members involved in the discussion. Experts suggest making your initial conversations loose and casual. Get an idea of your parents attitude and desires he or she may be more open to the idea than you expected.Write It Down: This isnt a time for chatty spontaneity write down your thoughts in advance to help you stay on point and keep emotions in check. Plan to engage in several conversations of this nature and go slow. If things start to get heated, retreat and bring up the topic another time.Employ Positivity: Sometimes a parent just needs to hear out loud what they already know. But its important to word it in a positive, caring way like, Mom, youve done everything for our family and youve always been strong for us now its your turn to get a little extra help so you can relax and enjoy life worry-free you deserve it. For many aging adults, it can be a relief to have someone tell them its OK to lean on others.Sell the Benefits: There are so many wonderful advantages to assisted living in addition to daily attention by trained health care team members. Remind your Mom or Dad about the pleasure of being served delicious meals instead of having to cook; having friends and great activities just outside their door; and how nice it would not to worry about paying bills, cleaning the house, repairs, etc.Do Your Due Diligence: Sit down at the computer together and spend time browsing several senior living community websites. Youll quickly come to see that not all communities are alike in their philosophies and especially in what they offer. A community offering Life Care like Friendship Village of South Hills will allow your mom or dad to receive increasing levels of care, including long-term care, with virtually no increase in monthly costs.Seek Out Referrals: Look to friends and co-workers for recommendations. Youll be amazed at how many people in your age group have gone through exactly what youre experiencing. Their tips, advice and referrals are invaluable.Take a Tour Together: Assisted living communities love to show off the various living options and amenities they offer. Definitely plan to visit a few different communities with Mom or Dad to compare and contrast. You may even be able to arrange to have lunch together in the dining room, which is a great way to get a feel for the culture, meet some residents and sample the food

Summertime is here in Allegheny County, and if youre like most older adults, youre looking for ways to enjoy all the summer has to offer. Fortunately, theres no shortage of summer activities in and around Pittsburgh to choose from, especially if youre looking for a day trip. However, here at Friendship Village of South Hills, weve narrowed down some of our top choices.  WHEN TO VISIT THE PITTSBURGH AREAIf youre looking to take part in activities for seniors in the Pittsburgh area, some of the best months to visit are mid-June through mid-September. Allegheny County offers plenty of events and attractions available all season long, meaning youll find ample ways to stay engaged and active.PITTSBURGH SUMMER FESTIVALS TO ATTENDFor more than 60 years, the Three Rivers Arts Festival has been held in Pittsburgh each summer. This 10-day celebration features musical, dance and theater performances in addition to art and film exhibitions. This celebration of the arts features world-class artists across disciplines and is free to the public.Music lovers have a wide variety of summer festivals to choose from in Pittsburgh. From the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival to the Deutschtown Music Festival, your summer will be full of great music from an assortment of genres. Also be sure to stop by Downtown Pittsburgh during the Pittsburgh Black Music Festival to celebrate the heritage of black music. This festival features themed days dedicated to jazz, gospel, hip-hop/R&B and even funk, blues and soul.Want to find a new favorite dining location? Put Pittsburgh Restaurant Week on your calendar. This biannual celebration showcases the various dining options across the city. During the summer, restaurants showcase new offerings, discounted meals and feature drink specials throughout the week.OTHER SUMMER ACTIVITIES NEAR PITTSBURGHFestivals arent the only way to stay busy this summer. The Pittsburgh area features a multitude of attractions to experience. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offer guests 23 distinct gardens, a 14-room glass house and more than 15 acres to explore right in the middle of Pittsburghs Oakland neighborhood.The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium features 77 acres of parkland, which includes enough exhibits to fill an entire day. More than 4,000 animals across 475 different species give guests ample opportunity to view creatures from around the world, including 20 species considered endangered or threatened.For a laid-back day on your own, take a trip to Deer Lakes Park. Featuring fishing, trails and the Wagman Observatory, the park offers the perfect destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.MORE THINGS TO DO NEAR PITTSBURGHEven if youve experienced the festivals and attractions, youll have barely scratched the surface of things to do in this exciting area. Here are more great summer activities for seniors to fill out your day trip itinerary. TAKE A TOURExperience local history and enjoy new views of the surrounding skyline with a one-of-a-kind excursion. The Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour gives guests the opportunity to climb aboard a riverboat to see the Steel City from a new perspective. This 90-minute tour down the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny rivers highlights interesting stories from the citys past.EXPLORE A MUSEUMThe Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are among the areas top attractions. Founded in 1895 as the Carnegie Institute, these museums have continued to expand for more than a century. Find collections covering history, science and art throughout the spacious halls of these four museums:The Carnegie Museum of ArtThe Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryThe Carnegie Science CenterThe Andy Warhol MuseumCATCH A BASEBALL GAMEBaseball and summer go hand in hand, and a Pittsburgh Pirates game can be a great experience even if youre only a casual fan. With a wide selection of game dates, theme nights and beautiful views of the city, Americas pastime is a timeless way to spend an afternoon or evening.FIND EVEN MORE TO DO AT FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE OF SOUTH HILLS If you or someone you love is looking to stay busy during retirement, Friendship Village of South Hills may be just what youre looking for. Located about forty minutes from Pittsburgh, youll find a welcoming community of neighbors with whom to share your retirement years. Friendships later in life play a key role in aging well, and our active community will give you the opportunity to meet other adults looking to make the most of their golden years.Contact us or schedule a tour to discover more about what life is like at Friendship Village of South Hills.

Warm weather is the perfect time to explore nearby museums, parks, and film festivals. Here are some fun activities for seniors in the Pittsburgh area.  Here are five suggestions:ENJOY THE PHIPPS CONSERVATORY SPRING FLOWER SHOWDescribed as a green oasis in the middle of Pittsburghs vibrant Oakland neighborhood, the Phipps Conservatory is home to 23 gardens and 14 glasshouses which showcase dozens of floral beauties. The conservatory also hosts numerous events and exhibits throughout the year, including the popular Spring Flower Show, which features seasonal favorites like alluring lilies, cheerful daffodils, bright tulips, and gorgeous hyacinths.EXPLORE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FORESTThe mighty Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is the states premier nature preserve. There are many activities you can enjoy. Add these to your ANF itinerary:  Explore over 200 hiking trails and more than 150 biking trails. Camp at one of the 15 campgrounds featuring different cabin amenities and styles. You can book a premium cabin with electricity or unplug in a rustic, non-electric cabin. Fish in Buzzard Swamp, Twin Lakes or go for a swim in the Allegheny Reservoir This list just scratches the surface of the things you can do in the ANF.VISIT THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUMThis museum is dedicated to celebrating the prolific artists humble origins and unique rise to pop culture fame. This institution is known for having the largest collection of Warhol art and archives in the world.STOP AT THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ARTDiscover artistic masterpieces at the Carnegie Museum of Art. This historic institution is the one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh which includes the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. ATTEND A FILM FESTIVAL Pittsburgh, a city with rich film history, is home to many famous film festivals.  Attend the Three Rivers Film Festival which has screened thought-provoking independent films for 41 years; explore Japanese culture at the Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival which has screened poignant live-action and anime movies like Your Name; and celebrate Jewish culture at the JFilm Festival which shows current and past films for fans of all ages. Editors Note:  Article submitted by Friendship Village of South Hills.  We love to introduce our residents to all of the great activities and attractions of Pittsburgh.  Join a vibrant retirement community that will enhance your social lifestyle.  Learn more at www.friendshipvillagepa.com.