The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Senior HealthWISE program, a collaborative initiative between the MGH Center for Community Health Improvement (CCHI) and the Geriatric Medicine Unit, is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of older adults. But What Is The Healthwise Model Program Focus On Self Care specifically? At its core, HealthWISE is designed to empower seniors to actively participate in their own health and wellness journey through education, support, and accessible resources. This model emphasizes self-care as a fundamental component of healthy aging, enabling seniors to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life within their own communities.
The HealthWISE program operates through weekly wellness clinics located within senior housing buildings in the vicinity of MGH, alongside community-based activities accessible to both residents and older adults aged 60 and above in the surrounding areas. These wellness clinics are staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprising a nurse, a social worker, and a community resource specialist. A key aspect of the program is assisting seniors in navigating the complexities of healthcare benefits and insurance, such as Medicare D, Medicaid, food stamps, and medical transportation services. This support empowers seniors to access essential resources, a crucial element of proactive self-care. Furthermore, HealthWISE actively promotes self-management of health conditions and ensures seamless connections with healthcare providers, reinforcing a holistic approach to senior well-being. The program’s commitment to self-care is further exemplified through diverse offerings including exercise classes at local gyms, informative health and wellness lectures at the hospital, and educational, social, and nutritional programs within senior living communities. HealthWISE has strategically expanded its curriculum to incorporate evidence-based programs like Chronic Disease Self-Management, Matter of Balance, Healthy Eating, and Stay Sharp, directly fostering self-care skills and knowledge among participants. In partnership with the MGH Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, the program also presents “Successful Aging,” an eight-week program focused on mindful self-care practices.
The self-care focus of HealthWISE is intentionally designed for individuals aged 60 and older. While wellness clinics are exclusively for senior building residents, the broader community programs welcome any senior in the area, regardless of where they receive their healthcare. This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of seniors can benefit from the program’s self-care resources and support systems, fostering a sense of community and shared well-being. By providing accessible and tailored programs, HealthWISE empowers seniors to take control of their health, promoting independence and proactive engagement in their own care.
The driving force behind HealthWISE is a clear mission: to improve the health and overall well-being of seniors, with a particular emphasis on low-income populations living near the hospital. Recognizing that geographical proximity to healthcare doesn’t always translate to access or engagement, HealthWISE directly addresses the challenges of isolation and frailty often faced by these seniors. The program champions self-care as a vital tool to bridge this gap, offering education and support to enhance health management, alongside opportunities for socialization, physical activity, and connections to vital community resources. This multifaceted approach to self-care is crucial in combating isolation and promoting a sense of belonging, which are essential for mental and physical health in older adults. In alignment with evolving demographic trends and healthcare policies that prioritize preventative care and aging in place, HealthWISE plays an increasingly critical role. As more seniors choose to age in their homes, the need for professional health and wellness support becomes paramount. HealthWISE directly responds to this need by equipping seniors with the self-care strategies and resources necessary to navigate aging successfully within their communities.
The impact of HealthWISE is substantial, with over 700 individuals having become members and many more utilizing its diverse services. This widespread engagement highlights the program’s effectiveness in reaching and supporting seniors in their self-care journeys. By focusing on preventative measures, promoting self-management skills, and fostering community connections, HealthWISE contributes significantly to improving the health outcomes and quality of life for older adults in the MGH service area.
For further information about the Senior HealthWISE program and its self-care initiatives, please contact:
Joan Quinlan
Director, Center for Community Health Improvement
Telephone: 617-724-2763
E-mail: [email protected]
