People Able to Lend Support (PALS)

Highmark Medicare members in western and central Pennsylvania and West Virginia can request a visit from a carefully screened and trained volunteer for extra help with non-medical, everyday activities.

Celebrating over 20 years of new friendships

Over the past 20 years, PALS has helped people get the non-medical assistance they need. In that time, PALS has earned seven national, local, and statewide awards. But the real prizes are the lifetimes of relationships that we’ve fostered.

What PALS can do for you

Keep your independence while making a new friend in the process. Our PALS volunteers are available to help Medicare members with a variety of daily activities, like:

— Light household chores

— Transportation to and from doctor appointments

— Help shopping

— Just a friendly chat or visit

Family members and friends are also welcome to request a PALS volunteer on another Medicare member’s behalf. Members who qualify also have access to community activities, like:

— Book Clubs: We supply participants with books each month and can help get a book club started in your area. We also support intergenerational book clubs where teenagers and seniors read and discuss the same books.

— Walking Clubs: If you live in a building for seniors, we can help figure out how many laps it takes to cover a mile and supply you with tools to track your steps and help you stay motivated.

— Quilting Clubs: Participants quilt, crochet, or knit lap blankets that are donated to local organizations.

— Highmark PALS with Pets: We bring certified service dogs to nursing homes to boost the spirits of residents.