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The Healthy Aging Program was initiated in April 2003 with substantial
support from the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation. The program's
primary goals are to help seniors remain in their own homes, avoid
institutionalization, and enjoy a good quality of life.
The elderly overwhelmingly want to remain in their own homes, as independent
as possible, for as long as possible. They worry about health problems
and physical changes, and once comfortable homes that suddenly seem unmanageable
or unsafe. The greatest concern of all is whether one will be able to
continue life at home on one's own.
The Healthy Aging Program meets the need for a program that maximizes
an individual's ability to manage the tasks of daily living and experience
a good quality of life. Minimizing unsafe elements in the home; maintaining
strength, flexibility, humor and one's overall health; managing chronic
health problems and physical limitations - these are key factors that
reduce institutionalization and enable the independent community living
so desired by older adults.
P R O G R A M S E R V I C E S
Healthy Aging Program services include:
Healthcare Facilitation
- Physical, mental status and functional skills assessments
- Collaboration and advocacy with participants' health care providers
- Coordination of medical services and physical therapy, home care, palliative care
- Home visits
Wellness Promotion
- Health education. Topics include diet and nutrition; weight
management; smoking cessation; understanding and managing medication;
benefits of exercise
- Recreation, mental stimulation and socialization activities
- Individual and group exercise (chair yoga, reiki, ballroom dancing, etc.)
Safe Environment Promotion
- Assessing apartments and contents for environmental
safety factors including:
- Grab bars properly placed and properly installed.
- Rugs and carpeting contain no holes, taped to the floor securely.
- Bathroom mats have non-skid backing.
- Anti-slip rubber mats in showers and tubs.
- Clear pathways from the bed to the bathroom.
- Telephone next to the bed.
- Kitchen shelves low enough to reach without a stepladder.
- No cords or wires in the walk ways.
- If needed, rails on sides of the bed.
- If needed, rails or raised seats on the toilet.
- Night-light by the bed.
- Doorbell loud enough to be heard.
- Peephole in the apartment entry door to see who wants to enter the home.
- Assistance with the set-up and/or reorganization of apartments
- Assistance obtaining minor equipment and modification
The Healthy Aging Program is open to New York City seniors, with a particular focus on residents in several Manhattan neighborhoods. Participants receive a newsletter and activities calendar, plus invitation by mail or email to special events and presentations.
For more information on participating in or referring someone to the Healthy Aging Program, please call us at (212)980-1700.
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