On October 21, seven communities participated in a conference call to update each other on what is happening in their respective communities and shared some information with each other about their activities related to care transitions.
Here are some highlights:
Broome County - Aging Futures: Meets several times each year - strong in the planning function and in advising other groups on aging issues. Changed structure to mimic elder friendly communities so we can look holistically at senior issues. New York Connect is being brought in as well as community foundations. Received a new grant for rural mobility management - using Americore volunteers for transportation.
Culpeper, VA – Aging Together: we continue – Sallie Morgan, though retired from AAA is now Chair of Aging Together (and ED of Mental Healt Alliance). Partnership is in process of getting own 501c3 status. Sill working on several initiatives in transportation, business community relations to raise aging issues (including a successful "boot camp for non-profits"), caregiver support, a second annual aging conference, and talks with hospitals about fall prevention and care transitions initiatives - among other activities.
Fremont, CA – Pathways to Positive Aging: Community Ambassador Program still strong and growing - now developing “CAPS on TRACKS” – offers more specialized trainings for ambassadors (tranportation, health promotion, housing, transitional care, etc). Other work includes: programming with Residential Care Facilities to improve quality, development of care transitions initiatives; and outreach programs to identify frail, homebound older adults.
Houston – Care for Elders: Direct workforce initiatives continue; participating a national economic security campaign with NCOA; completing evaluation of Hospital to Home program targeting congestive heart failure (with great outcomes).
LaGrange, IL – Aging Care Connections - Building strong volunteer base – about 200 volunteers for community action teams (CATS) and also have a strong community ambassador program. Other initiatives include: intergenerational connections for workforce development (engaging middle schoolers), and a new economic security initiative.
Maui - Aging with Aloha Partnership: Pilot project on workforce development funded by Maui County with U of Hawaii to implement trainings and certifications for Home Health Aides and CNAs. ALSO: Partnership replication work has begun on other islands!
San Francisco, CA - Long Term Care Coordinating Council: Implementing the Alzheimer's Strategic Plan. Also looking at “liveable communities for older adults with disabilities” bringing new partners and new energy to the table. Facing a challenge in California with the risk of eliminating Adult Day Health Centers (ADHCs) as a Medicaid benefit in the state CA, which affects 55,000 ADHC participants.
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