WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-New Program to Help Seniors Live Healthier and Longer

New Program to Help Seniors Live Healthier and Longer

Burlington, Vermont - October 7, 2009

Several health organizations across Vermont have a launched a pilot program to help seniors improve their health and live longer. It's called Seniors Aging Safely at Home.

Jacqueline Klein is cruising the halls of the Heineberg Senior Housing Facility in Burlington. Klein has lived at the facility for the past four years.

"I find that the social aspect is wonderful, because you have other people that you can be involved with their activities," she said.

She participates in many programs at the home for senior, from morning workouts to special suppers. Klein is also enrolled in the pilot program Seniors Aging Safely at Home, also known as SASH.

"There are many studies that show people do better for longer if they are able to be in their home setting. We also know from many studies that have been done, that it is more affordable for society," said Dr. Mildred Reardon of the Vermont Health Foundation.

SASH coordinators, like Margaret Holmes from the Vermont Center on Aging, are in charge of designing and developing a model for independence for seniors.

"We will also make recommendations for each individual person, like what kind of things they might be able to benefit from for their own personal heath," said Holmes.

The recommendations are based on patient assessment forms, which are then analyzed by the SASH program. They include questions about nutrition, medication, chronic disease programs and preventing falls.

"The assessment form basically asks questions about all different areas of each persons health, so we take all these and look at them, come up with ideas, get the input from the residents that are here and then the next step to find programs that we think might fit," explained Holmes.

The SASH program was launched at the Heineberg Senior Housing Facility back in July. Review of those assessments is almost complete.

"What they have seen so far in their preliminary analysis, is that nutrition seems to be an area where people might need some extra programs, or some recommendation around falls is another big one as well," said Holmes.

As for Jackie Klein, she hopes SASH will help remain independent for many years to come.

"The mental, as well as the physical, to be able to go out the door, come back in the door, and see people, emotionally it is very important to be part of a group as well as being able to be by yourself when you want to shut your door," she said.

The SASH program will focus solely on seniors at Heineberg Senior Housing until next July. At that time, coordinators hope to expand the program to other parts of the state.

There is no cost to residents that participate in the SASH program. It is funded through federal and state grants.

Matt Henson - WCAX News