200 Laurel Lake Drive / Hudson, Ohio 44236 / (330) 650-2100 / www.laurellake.org
Despite weak economy, support for low-income senior wellness program stays
strong
Laurel Lake, AMHA and Catholic Healthcare Partners announce $133,000 in grants to continue innovative wellness programs for low-income seniors for ninth straight year
February 5, 2008 -- Support for the Personal Health Partners (PHP) program in two federally subsidized senior housing facilities in the Greater Akron area will remain strong in 2009, thanks to the continuing support of three partner organizations.
Program founder Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson has announced a lead grant of $83,000 for 2009, to be paired with two $25,000 grants from the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) and the Catholic Healthcare Partners ElderReach Fund. The funding will continue life-enhancing programs for seniors and disabled individuals living in the Stephanie Keys Towers in Stow and Sutliff I Apartments in Cuyahoga Falls.
The program has proven so successful that Laurel Lake will expand it to a third senior housing site, to be announced later this year.
The PHP program 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 an on-site nurse and wellness programs is enabling these individuals to better manage their health, implement behavioral changes, and lead happier, more independent lives.
To date, the Personal Health Partners program has positively impacted more than 400 seniors and disabled individuals. Currently, 74% of residents at the two AMHA sites are active in the program. Average age of participants is 66.
PHP has grown exponentially from its modest beginnings as a simple wellness program – one registered 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:
Comprehensive health assessment, monitoring, instruction, 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, along with 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 a local podiatrist.
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.
Establishment of a Community Garden tended by Sutliff residents, with fresh produce given away to 95% of residents and plans to expand garden plots in 2009.
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 Sunnydell Farm for sale 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.
"Happiness How-To" workshops and other 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, free tickets to Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet performances, trips to F.A. Seiberling Naturerealm.
Monthly 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 volunteers.
Bi-weekly visits from the Stow-Munroe Falls Library to offer book selections.
Installation of small putt-putt golf course at Sutliff.
Transportation to see free plays and musicals at Stow-Munroe Falls High School.
"Spring Clean-ups" at Sutliff I, 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.
"Respecting Choices" seminars on DPOA, Living Wills, hospice facilitated by Senior Independence.
Donation of furnishings and equipment for more comfortable community living.
Over the years, Laurel Lake Retirement Community 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.
To learn more about Laurel Lake, the Laurel Lake Foundation and ways to support current and future needs, please contact Development Director Barbara Boyce at 330-655-1435 or visit Laurel Lake's website at www.laurellake.org.