Action Among Partnerships, Local Health Care Leadership

Original Source by Nadra Kareem, San Fernando Valley Business Journal StaffSenior Services Partnership Partners in Care Foundation, a nonprofit healthcare and social services organization in San Fernando, has announced that it will partner with the California Association of Physician Groups to expand the Healthier Living program, which provides self-management strategies for elderly people with chronic conditions. Funded by the National Council on Aging and Atlantic Philanthropies, Healthier Living consists of workshops presented over six weeks by two trained leaders. The program addresses issues such as managing medications, isolation and depression, exercise regimens and communication with physicians. The three-year initiative will launch with the creation of five mini networks comprised of California community college older adult programs, physician groups and county public health departments, according to Partners in Care. The goal of Healthier Living is to offer older Americans, who often suffer chronic health conditions, an opportunity to take control of their health through behavior changes that have proven effective in reducing the effects of disease and disability, stated Jennifer Wieckowski of Partners in Care. Unfortunately, many people with chronic conditions feel they lack the skills to effectively manage their illness. Healthier Living is designed to educate and support older adults to make behavior changes, so they can lead more active and satisfying lives. The goal is to have 9,525 enrollees in Healthier Living by 2011.