SE WA ALTC – COG strives to be a leader in evidence based programing and interventions. Evidence-based programs (EBPs) offer proven ways to promote health and prevent disease amount older adults. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits, so you can be confident they work. People who participate in EBPs can lower their risk of chronic diseases and falls – or improve long-term effects of chronic diseases or falls. Below are several programs that SE WA ALTC – COG oversees or administers. Contact the ADRC Office for your county to see what programming is available.
The Bridge Model (Bridges) - The hospital experience is taxing and confusing for patients and their families, particularly those with limited economic and social resources. This complexity often leads to disengagement, poor adherence to the plan of care, and high readmission rates. The Bridge Model is a person- centered social work-based, interdisciplinary transitional care intervention that addresses these challenges as it helps adults safely transition from the hospital back to their homes and communities. The Bridge Model combines 4 key components—patient engagement and self-efficacy, primary care integration, appropriate use of community resources, and coordinated care that is weaved throughout effective clinical case management.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program(s) (CDSMP) – CDSMP or Living Well with Chronic Conditions is a six-week workshop that provides tools for living a health life with chronic conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, asthma and heart disease. Through weekly sessions, the workshop provides support for continuing normal daily activities and dealing with the emotions that chronic conditions may bring about.
Early Stage Memory Loss Workshops (ESML) – Staying Connected is a health promotion and social support program developed for individuals experiencing memory loss and their care partner. Staying Connected consists of four weekly 90-minute discussion sessions in which participants learn methods for coping with memory loss, communication, and staying engaged in social and pleasant activities. Upon completion of the program, individuals feel empowered being armed with new information and strategies for success. The series is facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Enhance Fitness - An evidence based group exercise class that improves your balance, flexibility, bone density, endurance, coordination, and mental sharpness and decreases your risk of falling. The classes are for one hour, three times per week. They focus on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility. Everything older adults need to maintain health and function as they age.
Health Home Program - A Health Home is not place. It is a set of services to support you if you have serious chronic conditions and more than one medical or social service need. Health Home services can make things go more smoothly between your medical and social service supports. This may help reduce visits to hospitals and emergency rooms as well as support your overall well-being and self-care.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based class series over six weeks designed to help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a family member or friend. The series is facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Association. Topics include:
- Identifying and reducing personal stress
- Communicating feelings, needs, and concerns
- Communicating in challenging situations
- Taking care of you
- Problem solving and goal setting
- Mastering tough caregiving decisions
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) – SAIL is a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 60 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness is the single most important activity adults can do to stay active and reduce their chances of falling. The activities in the SAIL Program can help improve strength and balance, if done regularly.
Star-C Program – STAR-C is a program designed to help caregivers who are caring for and living with someone with dementia. Field tested by the University of Washington, this six-week program has been shown to reduce depression in caregivers and decrease unwanted behaviors in the person with dementia.