Program founder Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson has announced a lead grant of $108,000 for 2010, to be paired with $30,000 from the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) and $25,000 from the Catholic Healthcare Partners Mercy Outreach Fund – a 23% increase in funding over the previous year.

The Personal Health Partners program provides life-enhancing services for seniors and disabled individuals living in the Stephanie Keys Towers in Stow, Sutliff I Apartments in Cuyahoga Falls, and a third location – the Twinsburg Senior Apartments in Twinsburg – added last Fall.

To date, PHP has served more than 400 seniors and disabled individuals, with a participation rate of 74% at these campuses. Average age of participants is 66.

AN OVERVIEW OF PHP
Personal Health Partners was established in 2000 when Laurel Lake first actively surveyed the problems low-income housing residents have in effectively managing their health care due to lack of finances, access to transportation, awareness of resources and other challenges. The result was frequent hospital emergency room visits and crisis hospitalizations, rather than preventive care and proper management of chronic conditions. Free access to on-site nurses and wellness programs has enabled these individuals to better manage their health, implement behavioral changes, and lead happier, more independent lives.

PHP has grown exponentially from its modest beginnings – one nurse providing blood pressure checks, on-site nutrition/fitness programs and healthcare advocacy. Today, two RNs work with a host of government agencies, schools, local businesses and community volunteers to provide an astonishing array of programs and services, including:

• Comprehensive health assessment, monitoring, support, referral and follow-up by a registered nurse, in the home and through on-site Wellness Clinics.

• Free exercise classes including Arthritis Foundation classes, yoga and walking groups, and bus transportation to Laurel Lake Retirement Community for aquatic exercise classes in the swimming pool.

• Healthy lifestyle classes to support personal health goals, such as medication management, weight management, and breast health.

• Screening programs including diabetes risk, colon cancer risk, hypertension and hearing.

• Annual flu shot clinics coordinated with Summit County Health Department.

• Podiatry services provided by local podiatrists.

• Monthly newsletters with healthy living themes and lifestyle tips.

• Assistance in preparing for medical visits and patient advocacy.

• Establishment of on-site Food Pantries and holiday food distributions, with food drives conducted by the Hudson High School Service Learning Program and local Stow and Hudson families.

• Community garden projects funded by Summit County Master Gardeners partner grants, with fresh produce shared among residents.

• Group purchasing and delivery of low-cost, restaurant-quality food through Angel Food Ministries and Good Food for All, orchestrated with several local churches.

• Fresh produce delivered weekly in season by local farmers for sale on-site to residents, and Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Coupons for discounts at specified farmer’s markets.

• Teaming with Mobile Meals to monitor status and needs of shut-ins.

• Guided imagery and relaxation classes to help residents develop skills to manage stress and improve their own sense of happiness.

• Voter registration drives to encourage participation in the democratic process.

• Field trips including boat rides on the Cuyahoga River, visits to local parks, and ticket donations from Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet sponsors to attend performances.

• On-site social activities organized by Laurel Lake resident and staff volunteers including ice cream socials, barbecues, holiday parties, and musical performances.

• "Legacy Project" memoir writing project for residents, facilitated by Hudson High School Service Learning program student volunteers.

• Bi-weekly visits from the Stow-Munroe Falls Library to offer book selections.

• Transportation to see free plays and musicals at Stow-Munroe Falls High School.

• Spring clean-ups with students weeding, preparing garden plots, picking up trash, washing windows and flipping mattresses for residents.

• Summit County Medical Reserve Corps disaster training for both PHP nurses.

• Donation of furnishings and equipment for more comfortable community living.

• Installation of amenities such as a mini putt-putt course, benches, etc.

Over the years, Laurel Lake has established a reputation for excellence in Northeastern Ohio as a premier retirement community and one with a strong focus on mission and service to older adults. Laurel Lake’s core values of compassion, excellence, human dignity, justice, sacredness of life, and service guide its leadership and contribute to the unique and caring spirit of the community.