Senior Health Initiative: What is Public Health’s Role?
The Western Partnership will support a single county pilot project in Jackson County which will help inform the local public health’s role in helping communities meet the health and wellness needs of their maturing citizens. This pilot project is charged with increasing knowledge of and access to health programs and services for older adults in an effort to maintain health, enhance quality of life, and promote independence. With local leadership from the Jackson County Health Director and support from several local and regional partners, the Western Partnership will work to identify a process and recommendations for enhancing services and programs that reach out to the growing older adult population of North Carolina.
Resources
Loving Life for a Lifetime
The "Loving Life for a Lifetime" is the name of the Jackson County pilot conceptualized by the Western Partnership in 2007 and brought to life by project lead, Paula Carden, and public health consultant Heather K. Gates.
- Resources coming soon...
Loving Life Planning Committee
The Loving Life for a Lifetime Planning Committee, comprised of key Jackson County and regional health department staff, Jackson county partners and aging experts, was established to discuss service delivery and options for the future. The committee plans to convene during summer 2008. Below are agendas and minutes from the meetings:
US Administration on Aging (AoA)
The US Department of Health & Human Services Administration on Aging (AoA) provides home and community-based services to older persons through programs funded under the Older Americans Act of 2006 . Below are resources provided by the AoA:
- The following website provides a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of topics, programs and services related to aging.
- The following fact sheet summarizes the Aging & Disability Resource Center initiative, an initiative of the AoA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve access to long-term care support options for persons with disabilities of all ages and their caregivers.
Tools Developed
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT: TWO FULL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO WCU
GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM!!
In order to prepare to meet the needs of older adults in western North Carolina communities, and help promote active, healthy and independent aging, the Western Partnership, in collaboration with Western Carolina University (WCU), is now recruiting for two full scholarships (tuition and books) for the WCU Gerontology Certificate Program! This unique opportunity to take graduate level coursework in Gerontology is available to professionals working in western North Carolina Public Health.
Deadline for application submittal is JUNE 26.
Scholarship Application Form (doc)
TRAININGS ON AGING NOW OFFERED IN JACKSON COUNTY
Two evidence-based programs arecurrently being offered in Jackson County:
- Healthy Living Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)
CDSMP is a skill-building workshop series that helps people with one or more chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, chronic pain, hypertension, cancer, arthritis) learn to manage their condition and their life.
CSDMP FAQ Sheet - Learn more about CDSMP including workshop locations, program questions, and more (pdf)
CSDMP Poster - For printing and distribution (pdf)
CSDMP Poster 2 - For printing and distribution (pdf)
CSDMP Information Brochure - For printing and distribution (pdf) - Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have this concern. It is based upon research conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.
Matter of Balance Program Summary (pdf)
Matter of Balance FAQ (pdf) Answers questions on program design, master trainers and coaches, outcomes, costs and more
MATTER OF BALANCE TRAININGS: June 11 - July 7, 2009
Every Tuesday/Thursday at the Cashier's Community Center
Training for interested trainers will be provided in Fall 2009. - Great Life Series: Power Tools for the Rest of Your Journey
"The 'Great Life Series' is a collection of fun, meaningful adventures in personal discovery created to engage mind, body, and spirit (in Sylva, NC; June 30 - August 11, 2009). In-depth workshops and excursions offer aging adults fresh pathways and practical tools for conquering all kinds of issues confronting us as we age. The knowledge gained through our learning experiences empowers us to preserve quality of life and independence as we age. Come join us, meet new friends receive great advice on aging well!"
Summer 2009 Great Life Series Flier with Registration Details for distribution (pdf)