Campaign Overview

America’s population is aging rapidly, and seniors in underserved communities face unique challenges: chronic health conditions, social isolation, limited mobility, medication costs, and inadequate access to geriatric care. The Health Initiative launched the Healthy Aging Program to provide comprehensive geriatric services, fall prevention, chronic disease management, and social connection programs that help seniors age with dignity and independence.

The Aging Challenge

By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over 65. In underserved communities, seniors face higher rates of chronic disease, disability, social isolation, and poverty. Many lack family support, transportation, or access to specialty geriatric care. The Healthy Aging Program addresses these challenges holistically.

Comprehensive Geriatric Services

Annual Wellness Visits & Assessments

• Comprehensive geriatric assessment (physical, cognitive, functional, social)
• Cognitive screening (memory, dementia screening)
• Depression and anxiety screening
• Functional assessment (ADLs, IADLs)
• Falls risk assessment
• Medication reconciliation and polypharmacy review
• Vision and hearing screening
• Nutrition assessment
• Social determinants of health screening
• Advanced care planning and advance directive completion

Chronic Disease Management

• Comprehensive management of multiple chronic conditions
• Diabetes care with focus on avoiding hypoglycemia
• Heart disease and heart failure management
• COPD and asthma care
• Arthritis and chronic pain management
• Osteoporosis screening and treatment
• Hypertension management with fall risk considerations
• Coordination with specialists (cardiology, endocrinology, etc.)

Fall Prevention Program

• Falls risk screening and assessment
• Home safety evaluations and recommendations
• Strength and balance exercise classes (Evidence-Based Otago Program)
• Medication review to reduce fall-risk medications
• Vision correction to improve balance
• Physical therapy referrals for gait and balance issues
• Assistive device assessments (canes, walkers)
• Education on fall prevention strategies

Memory Care & Support

• Cognitive screening and early dementia detection
• Memory care and cognitive stimulation programs
• Caregiver education and support groups
• Connection to Alzheimer’s Association resources
• Care planning for dementia progression
• Respite care connections for caregivers

Medication Management

• Comprehensive medication reviews (reducing polypharmacy)
• Medication synchronization (all refills on same schedule)
• Medication assistance programs for affordability
• Pill organizers and medication reminders
• Education on proper medication use
• Deprescribing potentially inappropriate medications

Nutrition Support

• Nutrition screening and counseling
• Healthy eating on fixed income education
• Nutrition for chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease)
• Connection to Meals on Wheels and food banks
• Congregate meal programs at senior centers
• SNAP (food stamps) enrollment assistance

Social Connection & Mental Wellness

• Social isolation screening
• Support groups for seniors with chronic conditions
• Grief and loss support groups
• Depression and anxiety treatment
• Senior wellness gatherings (monthly social events)
• Intergenerational programs connecting seniors and youth
• Volunteer opportunities for active seniors
• Technology training for staying connected (video calls, smartphones)

Home-Based Services

• Home visits for homebound seniors
• Telehealth appointments for mobility-limited patients
• Coordination with home health agencies
• Home safety assessments and modifications
• Connection to home care services (aide, nursing)

Exercise & Movement Programs

• Chair yoga classes (weekly)
• Tai Chi for balance (bi-weekly)
• Strength training for seniors (weekly)
• Walking groups
• Aquatic exercise (partner with YMCA)
• Exercise prescriptions tailored to abilities

Preventive Services

• Immunizations (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, shingles, Tdap)
• Cancer screenings (breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate)
• Osteoporosis screening (DEXA scans)
• Vision and hearing screenings
• Dental screenings
• Foot care and diabetic foot screenings

Caregiver Support

• Education on caring for aging parents or spouses
• Caregiver stress management and self-care
• Navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and benefits
• Support groups for family caregivers
• Respite care connections
• Advanced care planning facilitation

Resource Navigation

• Medicare enrollment and understanding benefits
• Medicaid and long-term care planning
• Senior housing resources
• Transportation services (medical appointments, groceries)
• Legal services for seniors
• Elder abuse screening and reporting
• Financial assistance programs

Who We Serve

Adults 60+, seniors without family support, low-income older adults, homebound seniors, those with multiple chronic conditions, isolated seniors, caregivers of aging relatives, and any older adult seeking to age with health and independence.

Campaign Impact (Sept 2024 – Aug 2025 projected)

• 850+ seniors enrolled in program
• 2,100+ comprehensive geriatric assessments completed
• 400+ seniors participated in fall prevention program
• 45% reduction in falls among participants
• 300+ home safety assessments and modifications
• 600+ seniors received chronic disease management
• 250+ medication reviews reducing polypharmacy
• 200+ homebound seniors received home visits
• 350+ seniors participated in exercise classes
• 150+ seniors enrolled in meal programs
• 400+ seniors connected through social programs
• 95% patient satisfaction rate

Health Outcomes

• 45% reduction in falls requiring medical attention
• 30% reduction in emergency room visits
• 25% reduction in hospitalizations
• Improved chronic disease control (A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol)
• Reduced polypharmacy from average 9.2 to 6.5 medications
• 85% of seniors report reduced social isolation
• 70% report improved quality of life
• 90% of seniors able to age in place (avoid nursing home)

How Funds Were Used

• 35% – Geriatric medical care and assessments
• 20% – Fall prevention program (exercise classes, home assessments)
• 15% – Home visits for homebound seniors
• 15% – Social programs and caregiver support
• 10% – Medication assistance
• 5% – Transportation and resource navigation

Campaign Results: EXCEEDED GOAL

Goal: $120,000 | Raised: $135,700 (113% of goal)

Support from 410+ individual donors, foundations focused on aging, healthcare system community benefit funds, Area Agency on Aging grants, and senior living community partnerships allowed us to exceed our goal and serve more seniors than planned.

Senior Testimonials

“I fell three times last year and was scared to leave my house. The fall prevention program taught me exercises, fixed hazards in my home, and gave me confidence. I haven’t fallen in 6 months and I’m living my life again.” – Helen, 78

“I was taking 11 different medications and felt terrible all the time. The doctor reviewed everything and helped me stop 4 medications safely. Now I feel so much better and my mind is clearer.” – Robert, 82

“After my husband died, I was alone and depressed. The senior wellness group got me out of the house, gave me friends, and gave me reasons to keep living. This program saved my life.” – Dorothy, 85

“I’m 90 and still living in my own home because of this program. They help me manage my health, make sure I’m eating, and visit me every month. I’m not ready for a nursing home and I don’t have to go.” – Margaret, 90

Caregiver Testimonials

“I was overwhelmed caring for my mom with dementia. The caregiver support group taught me strategies, connected me to respite care, and reminded me to take care of myself. I couldn’t do this without them.” – Caregiver daughter

Program Sustainability

The Healthy Aging Program is now an established ongoing program with funding from:

• Patient fees (sliding scale, Medicare billing)
• Foundation grants focused on aging
• Area Agency on Aging contracts
• Healthcare system partnerships and community benefit funds
• Ongoing individual donor support

Expansion Plans

Building on success, we’re expanding to:

• Add second geriatric nurse practitioner
• Launch memory cafe for dementia patients and caregivers
• Expand exercise classes to 5 days per week
• Add transportation services for medical appointments
• Develop partnerships with senior housing communities

The Vision

Every older adult deserves to age with dignity, health, independence, and social connection. The Healthy Aging Program is proving that with comprehensive, compassionate geriatric care and wraparound support, seniors can thrive in their communities and live their best lives in their golden years.