Aging and Disability Network Meeting Minutes 6/9/15

Aging and Disability Network Meeting 6/9/15 Minutes:

Present: Richard Amico (Community Hospice), Cindy Harrington (Shelters of Saratoga), JoAnn Zales (National Grid), Jennifer Baldwin (Saratoga Hospital), Kristin Vivian (Bright Horizons ADS), Donna Rudzinski (Shenendehowa Village), Reed Lehan (Saratoga County DSS), Denise DiNoto (Consumer Directed Choices), Karen Laing (Health Literacy for All), Maria Geizer (Home Instead Senior Care).

Introduction: Cindy Harrington welcomes all attendees. The next Aging and Disability Network Meeting will be held at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church on July 14^th from 2-330pm.  Jeff Shinaman, Executive Director for the Academy for Lifelong Learning will be presenting on ALL, what they offer and also a new initiative that he is working on with the mayor to make Saratoga Springs a destination for successful aging.

Attendees introduced themselves.

Today’s topic and Presenter: Rhonda Rosenburg, New York State Quality and Technical Assistance Center (QTAC). QTAC promotes health and wellness and disease prevention programs throughout New York State. Rhonda presented an overview of these programs.

Some of the programs covered are below:

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a 6-session evidence-based workshop designed for people living with an ongoing or limiting health condition or people who care for them. Participants learn self-management techniques and skills needed in the day-to-day management of any type of ongoing health condition.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program is a 6-session evidence-based workshop designed for people living with type 2 diabetes or people who care for them. Participants learn self-management techniques and skills needed in the day-to-day management of diabetes.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based lifestyle modification program with weekly and monthly support groups designed for people diagnosed with pre-diabetes or who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Walk With Ease is a self-directed walking program where individuals guide themselves through 6-weeks of evidence-based physical activity with a focus on the improved health and well-being. It is geared for adults living with arthritis or other ongoing health conditions. Active Living Every Day is a 12-week evidence-based program that helps people integrate physical activity into their daily lives. The group meets in person once a week for an hour.

Falls prevention programs are evidence-based programs designed to help older adults improve balance, posture, strength and flexibility. Take control of your health by participating in one of the programs offered in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (programs not available in all areas – see below to find a program near you). Stepping On is a program proven to reduce falls and build confidence in older adults. Tai Chi for Arthritis is an easy, enjoyable and safe 8 week program for individuals living with arthritis and Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance is a program to help older adults improve balance, posture, and strength. A Matter of Balance is a program designed to help older adults improve their balance, flexibility, strength, and reduce the fear of falling.

These programs are offered in a variety of ways throughout the state, in partnerships and projects such as Living Healthy NY and many county Offices for the Aging. To learn more about these and other initiatives through the Center for Excellence in Aging and Community Wellness, contact 518-442-5330 or qtac@albany.edu.