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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Etna, PA

Home Care Etna, PA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Chalfant House Historic Landmark gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Etna, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Etna, PA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“I love working for these guys. Pretty flexible and my bosses are understanding that life”

I love working for these guys. Pretty flexible and my bosses are understanding that life happens. They go out of their way to help their caregivers and their elderly clients. Best company to work for! Love you guys.
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The Best Care !�
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“I work for always best care of Fox Chapel I meet the greatest people. I”

I work for always best care of Fox Chapel I meet the greatest people. I have the best boss and I absolutely would refer anybody who has a Caring Heart to be an employee of this company. I also refer anyone who needs someone of the Caring Heart in their life to help them with their daily living needs. Always best care is there for you I'm happy to be working for this company.
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“I love working for these guys. Pretty flexible and my bosses are understanding that life happens. They go out of their way to help their caregivers and their elderly clients. Best company to work for! Love you guys.”

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“I work for always best care of Fox Chapel I meet the greatest people. I have the best boss and I absolutely would refer anybody who has a Caring Heart to be an employee of this company. I also refer anyone who needs someone of the Caring Heart in their life to help them with their daily living needs. Always best care is there for you I'm happy to be working for this company.”

Izzy S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Etna, PA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Etna, PA

Types of Elderly Care in Etna, PA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Etna, PA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Etna, PA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting EcoPark with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Etna, PA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Alioto's Restaurant Sports Bar or visit Etna, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Etna, PA

Benefits of Home Care in Etna, PA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Etna, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Etna, PA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your PA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Etna, PA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Etna, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Etna, PA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Etna, PA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Etna Senior Center
  • Rita's Home Care
  • Whitetail Springs Memory Care Community
  • IntegraCare The Pines of Mount Lebanon
  • Assisted Living Locators Greater Pittsburgh Area
  • Paramount Senior Living Bethel Park
Home Care Etna, PA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Etna, PA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Etna, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Etna, PA

Latest News in Etna, PA

Westinghouse moving to Etna to develop transportable nuclear battery

ETNA, Pa. (KDKA) -- Westinghouse is moving into Etna to develop its transportable nuclear battery.Westinghouse signed a lease for the 87,420-square-foot building at 51 Bridge Street to create a technology accelerator that will support the commercialization of its eVinci microreactor, the Shapiro administration announced on Tuesday.The company is investing at least $18 million and creating more than 40 new jobs as it advances the technology being developed for the microreactor and manufactures other components.The eVinci ...

ETNA, Pa. (KDKA) -- Westinghouse is moving into Etna to develop its transportable nuclear battery.

Westinghouse signed a lease for the 87,420-square-foot building at 51 Bridge Street to create a technology accelerator that will support the commercialization of its eVinci microreactor, the Shapiro administration announced on Tuesday.

The company is investing at least $18 million and creating more than 40 new jobs as it advances the technology being developed for the microreactor and manufactures other components.

The eVinci microreactor is designed to provide about 5 megawatts of electricity every day for eight-plus years without refueling, which the Shapiro administration says is equivalent of up to 10,750 tanker trucks of diesel fuel.

The battery will provide clean energy for various applications like off-grid communities, remote mining, defense facilities and data centers.

The Department of Community and Economic Development gave Westinghouse a funding proposal for a $1 million grant to support the site. Westinghouse has also committed to keeping over 3,100 employees at its seven facilities across the state, including its global headquarters.

"Today's announcement is just the latest in a long line of Westinghouse innovations – each one a result of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanian's legacy as an energy leader," Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a news release.

"I believe Pennsylvania should play a central role in efforts to connect the dots and invest in clean sources of energy, and that's why my Administration's energy policy ensures we have a diverse and reliable portfolio of energy resources that fosters innovation, protects our communities and our planet, and creates jobs. Together, we can usher in a new chapter of innovation and energy leadership here in Pennsylvania."

Madeline Bartos

Madeline is a digital web producer for KDKA. She has worked for the station since 2019.

Westinghouse to Develop Innovative eVinci™ Microreactor in Latest Clean Energy Win for Pennsylvania Under Governor Shapiro’s Leadership

Westinghouse will invest at least $18 million in Allegheny County to create more than 40 new high-paying jobs while retaining over 3,100 employees at its seven facilities across the Commonwealth, including its global headquarters.Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has focused on economic development, innovation, and job creation efforts – with his Administration facilitating over $1 billion in new private sector investments in Pennsylvania. Etna, PA – In the latest win for Penns...

Westinghouse will invest at least $18 million in Allegheny County to create more than 40 new high-paying jobs while retaining over 3,100 employees at its seven facilities across the Commonwealth, including its global headquarters.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has focused on economic development, innovation, and job creation efforts – with his Administration facilitating over $1 billion in new private sector investments in Pennsylvania.

Etna, PA – In the latest win for Pennsylvania’s clean energy sector, Governor Josh Shapiro joined Westinghouse today to announce that the Pittsburgh-based company will further develop the eVinci™ microreactor in Allegheny County. As part of its project, the company will invest at least $18 million and create more than 40 new high-paying jobs to develop the transportable nuclear battery technology, which will provide clean energy for a variety of applications including off-grid communities, remote mining, defense facilities, and data centers.

Westinghouse signed a lease for the 87,420-square-foot building at 51 Bridge Street in Etna borough to create a technology accelerator that will support commercialization of the microreactor. In addition to advancing the technology being developed for the eVinci™ microreactor, Westinghouse will also manufacture certain components at this facility that do not involve any nuclear materials. These new manufacturing jobs will be created within the next three years.

Since January, Governor Shapiro has announced over $1 billion in new private sector investment in Pennsylvania as a direct result of his Administration’s work.

“Today’s announcement is just the latest in a long line of Westinghouse innovations – each one a result of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanian’s legacy as an energy leader,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “I believe Pennsylvania should play a central role in efforts to connect the dots and invest in clean sources of energy, and that’s why my Administration’s energy policy ensures we have a diverse and reliable portfolio of energy resources that fosters innovation, protects our communities and our planet, and creates jobs. Together, we can usher in a new chapter of innovation and energy leadership here in Pennsylvania.”

Westinghouse received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $1,083,250 Pennsylvania First grant to support the site. In addition to the new jobs created by this project, Westinghouse has committed to retaining over 3,100 employees at its seven facilities across the Commonwealth, including its global headquarters.

“Westinghouse built the world’s first commercial pressurized water reactor in Southwestern Pennsylvania more than 60 years ago, so it’s only fitting that they will continue to develop advanced nuclear technology here,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This unique and innovative project will create high-paying engineering and tech jobs in Pennsylvania while also breathing new life into an old, underutilized industrial building. This is a tremendous win and an example of the enormous opportunity for energy innovation in the Commonwealth.”

The eVinci™ microreactor builds on decades of Westinghouse innovation to bring carbon-free, safe, and scalable energy wherever it is needed for a variety of applications, including electricity and heating. Each eVinci™ microreactor is designed to provide approximately 5 megawatts of electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for eight-plus years without refueling – the equivalent of up to 10,750 tanker trucks of diesel fuel. Each microreactor is also 100 percent factory built and assembled before it is shipped in a container to any location.

“Westinghouse is grateful for the support we have received from Gov. Shapiro, Sec. Siger, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Borough of Etna, to help bring this advanced nuclear technology to the world,” said Patrick Fragman, Westinghouse President and CEO. “We have deep roots in Pennsylvania and we are excited to continue building the future of clean energy right here.”

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Stefani Pashman, joined the Governor, Secretary Siger, and Westinghouse at today’s event to emphasize the importance of economic development in the Allegheny County community.

“We are thrilled to welcome the development of Westinghouse’s eVinci microreactor to Allegheny County,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “We’re proud to be an energy powerhouse, and excited to see Westinghouse harness the determination and grit for which our community is known. Innovation is in our DNA and so it’s no surprise that the future of clean energy will utilize those very characteristics in our county. We look forward to the many opportunities this project will create for our residents.”

“I congratulate Westinghouse on today’s announcement about the company’s plans to advance its eVinci™ microreactor clean energy project here in Pittsburgh,” said Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Stefani Pashman. “We’re bullish about the region’s leadership in energy innovation and transition because we have a complete and dynamic ecosystem to support it — one grounded in innovation, brain and muscle power, STEM expertise, and world-class manufacturing capacity. We’re proud this ecosystem includes Westinghouse ? a company that has and will continue to push the frontiers and bring to life what’s next in energy. The eVinci™ microreactor project is just one of the latest examples.”

At the Keystone Space Conference in Pittsburgh, Westinghouse Electric Company and Astrobotic signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore collaboration on space technology programs for NASA and the Department of Defense. Westinghouse is developing a scaled-down version of the eVinci microreactor to power spacecraft in orbit or for deployment on the surface of planetary bodies such as the Moon or Mars.

The facility at 51 Bridge Street is owned by the AM Group , a New York-based real estate private equity firm, who purchased it in September 2020 with a plan to redevelop the building for modern use. The AM Group was the recipient of $3.1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding to help redevelop the property. They also received a $450,195 Multimodal Transportation fund grant used for streetscape improvements around the facility.

“We are extremely excited about this investment and the impact it will have on the borough of Etna,” said AM Group Partner Scott Wolkowitz. “This is a great community, led by borough manager, Mary Ellen Ramage, and we are thrilled to do our part.”

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team (GAT), an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the Governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

The 2023-24 bipartisan, commonsense budget spurs job creation, invests in manufacturing innovation, cuts red tape for businesses, and provides the funding to make the Commonwealth more competitive on a global scale. For more information, visit Governor Josh Shapiro’s Budget website.

For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT: Governor’s Press Office, [email protected]

From Etna to Mars? Westinghouse launches microreactor facility in Etna

Westinghouse Electric Co., whose inventions and workers are scattered across the Pittsburgh region, added a cavernous manufacturing space in Etna to its footprint.The Cranberry-based nuclear firm leased the space at 51 Bridge Street earlier this year and is working to convert it into offices, testing labs and a manufacturing floor by the beginning of next year. Between 100 and 150 workers will be located there, company officials said. They will be engineering, designing and marketing Westinghouse’s smallest big project: a micror...

Westinghouse Electric Co., whose inventions and workers are scattered across the Pittsburgh region, added a cavernous manufacturing space in Etna to its footprint.

The Cranberry-based nuclear firm leased the space at 51 Bridge Street earlier this year and is working to convert it into offices, testing labs and a manufacturing floor by the beginning of next year. Between 100 and 150 workers will be located there, company officials said. They will be engineering, designing and marketing Westinghouse’s smallest big project: a microreactor.

The 87,000 square-foot building was once a pipe manufacturing facility.

In a way, it will remain such.

Westinghouse plans to use it to make heat pipes for its micro reactor, the eVinci.

On Tuesday, the ground inside Westinghouse’s new eVinci accelerator, as the company now calls it, was still dirt and rocks, except for plastic tiles snapped into a floor in the center, and a podium for invited speakers, Gov. Josh Shapiro and county Executive Rich Fitzgerald among them.

The technology, which was just selected for testing at Idaho National Lab, uses nuclear fuel to generate heat, which then powers a turbine and makes electricity. Westinghouse now refers to it as a nuclear battery to elicit the idea of something you can drop into place and leave to supply power for eight years without refueling. Its selling points are factory construction, truck bed delivery and autonomous operation.

The eVinci reactor’s electric output is 5 megawatts, enough to power about 1,000 homes.

At a gathering to announce the development Tuesday, some talked about the symbolism of Westinghouse, a company founded over a century ago, growing a new technology for the modern age — carbon-free nuclear power that can be deployed like a battery. Maybe even in space.

In June, Westinghouse and Astrobotic announced they’re exploring putting an even more micro version of the eVinci microreactor onto Astrobotic spacecraft.

“Think about it,” said Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger. “We're talking about a Pennsylvania-developed micro reactor loaded onto a Pennsylvania developed lunar lander to create a stable source of energy on the moon.”

Westinghouse’s CEO Patrick Fragman, in his remarks, went further: “not only on the moon but also on Mars and beyond.”

In terms of earthy markets, Mr. Fragman touted eVinci’s potential to supply power to universities, mining operations, industrial plants, data centers, defense facilities and emergency relief efforts.

At first, the Etna facility will be used to manufacture the heat pipes for the test reactor at Idaho National Lab, which should be completed in 2026. Then it plans to shift to commercial production of heat pipes.

The company has already begun the licensing process with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is similarly engaged with nuclear regulators in Canada, where it released a feasibility study about deploying eVincis at mining sites and remote locations.

Jon Ball, president for eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse, said that while the rest of eVinci’s components will be manufactured elsewhere, mostly at other Westinghouse facilities, the reactor’s “key guts” will come from Etna. He envisions producing enough heat pipes to supply six eVincis a year by the end of the decade.

Westinghouse is leasing the space from The AM Group, a New York-based developer that bought the property in 2020, demolished everything inside and renovated. The project received about $3 million from the state through its redevelopment assistance capital program along with property tax abatement.

Anya Litvak: [email protected]

First Published October 25, 2023, 2:30am

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