gerontological health section american public health

AwardforExcellence

I N P R O G R A M I N N O V A T I O N

and theGerontological Health Sectionof theAmerican Public Health Associationpresent . . .

1999

ARCHSTONE FOUNDATION

MISSION STATEMENTThe Archstone Foundation is a private grantmaking organization, whose mission is tocontribute toward the preparation of society in meeting the needs of an aging population.Our resources are used to help all generations plan for the aging process and support programsaddressing the needs of the elderly in three areas:

• healthy aging and independence• quality of life within institutional settings• at the end of life

The majority of the foundation’s funds are directed to programs in the Southern Californiaregion. Demonstration projects and programs with regional or national impact will beconsidered from other parts of the country. Proposals are accepted throughout the year,with funding decisions being made by the Board in September, December, March and June.Please contact the Archstone Foundation for further information at:

Archstone Foundation401 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1000

Long Beach, CA 90802(562) 590-8655

(562) 495-0317 Faxwww.archstone.org

GERONTOLOGICAL HEALTH SECTION OF THEAMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Gerontological Health Section is to stimulate public health actions toimprove the health, functioning, and quality of life of older persons, and to call attention totheir healthcare needs. Section members fulfill that mission through research and advocacyaimed at reforming governmental health care programs, particularly Medicare and Medicaid.Section members are also active in administration, direct service, research, and education inhealth promotion, consumer empowerment, community organizing, program development,and evaluation. We are constantly looking for new ways to bring public health innovations toolder persons.

ChairpersonGerald M. Eggert, PhD

ProgramNancy A. Miller, PhD

AwardsBrenda Wamsley, MSW

SecretaryMiriam Campbell, PhD, MPH

Chairperson-ElectRichard Fortinsky, PhDConnie Evashwick, ScD

NominationsRobert H. Binstock, PhD

Booth and ExhibitJanet C. Frank, DrPH, MSG

Local Arrangements(Chicago)Michelle GillesAlka PatelJill Wodopian

MembershipGary K. Mayfield, PhD, ACSW

Student RepresentativeSiobhan Mary, MPH

Grantmakers ForumDonna M. Cox, PhD

Continuing EducationGary K. Mayfield, PhD, ACSW

Liaison with Disabilities, SPIGMaria M. Hall, ScD MPH

Liaison with Medical CareSectionDonna M. Cox, PhD

Liaison with theNational Associationof Geriatric EducationCentersJanet C. Frank, DrPH, MSG

Member of APHAAction BoardMartha Mohler, MN, MHSASue Hughes, DSW

Web Page EditorLene Levy-Storms, PhD

Healthy People 2010Allan Goldman, MPH

Minority HealthModestine Rogers, PhD

Rural HealthJoan Van Nostrand, DPA

Extending ActiveLife ExpectancyLaurence G. Branch, PhD

Effective Care Strategiesfor DementiaKatie Maslow, MSW

Older Women’s HealthMarcia Ory, PhD, MPH

Governing CouncilorsJudith Feder, PhDJanet C. Frank, DrPH, MSGAllan Goldman, MPHSteven P. Wallace, PhD

Section CouncilorsChad Boult, MD, MPHCharlene Harrington, PhDDiane Jones, JDKatie Maslow, MSWGary K. Mayfield, PhD, ACSWModestine Rogers, PhDBrenda Wamsley, MSW

APHA Managed CareCommitteeSteven P. Wallace, PhD

Member of APHAAction BoardMartha Mohler, MN, MHSASue Hughes, DSW

Member of APHAScience BoardKyriakos S. Markides, PhD

Public Policy CommitteeRichard Fortinsky, PhD, ChairDonna M. Cox, PhDCharlene Harrington, PhDCatherine Hawes, PhDSue Hughes, DSWRick Kaffenberger, MA, MPH, MSDana B. Mukamel, PhDModestine Rogers, PhDJoseph R. Sharkey, MPH, RDJames H. Swan, PhDJill Wodopian

Section Newsletterand EditorDonna M. Cox, PhD

Other Section LeadersMary Ellen Courtright, MPHLeslie Curry, MPHPenny Feldman, PhDPearl German, ScD, MAJoe Hancock, MSWJurgis Karuza, PhDNobuo Maeda, PhDDavid Rabin, MD, MPHTerrie Wetle, PhDT. Franklin Williams, MDLucy Yu, PhDJames G. Zimmer, PhD

Awards CommitteeBrenda Wamsley, MSW, ChairLaurence G. Branch, PhDDonna M. Cox, PhDConnie J. Evashwick, ScDAllan Goldman, MPHCatherine Hawes, PhDNancy A. Miller, PhDNancy Alfred Persily, MPH

GHS 1999 SECTION LEADERSHIP

Congratulations to this year’s Recipient and Honorable Mentions of theArchstone Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation.

This award was created in conjunction with theGerontological Health Section of the American Public Health Association,

and was established to recognize the best practice models in Gerontology and Geriatrics.Emphasis is given to those innovative programs that have effectively linked

academic theory with applied practice in the field of public health and aging.

The 1999 Archstone Foundation Award recipient:Senior Wellness Project

Senior Services of Seattle/King CountyNorthshore Center, Bothell, Washington

Principal Investigator: Edward Wagner, M.D., M.P.H.

1999 Archstone Foundation AwardHonorable Mentions:

Strengthening Geriatrics Trainingfor Primary Care Medical Residents

Medical College of WisconsinMilwaukee, Wisconsin

Genesis Older Adult Services ProgramLos Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Los Angeles, California

Partners for Healthy AgingMerck-Medco Managed Care, LLC

Montvale, New Jersey

A Model in Community Organizingfor Primary Prevention

Marin Commission on Aging Strength Training Task ForceSan Rafael, California

It is our hope that these model programs can be replicated in an effortto enhance services to the aging population throughout the U.S.

To our selection advisory committee, we extend our deepest appreciationfor their efforts in narrowing down the nominations and selecting

the outstanding programs which received this year’s award and honorable mentions.To the winners of the 1999 Archstone Foundation Award and to all

who participated in the award process, we offer our best wishes for continued success in theircommitment to develop service models to the field of aging and disability.

Joseph F. PrevratilPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Archstone Foundation

Gerald M. EggertChair, Gerontological Health SectionAmerican Public Health Association

FOREWORD

AI N P R O G R A M I N N O V A T I O N

wardforExcellence

1999

and theGerontological Health Sectionof theAmerican Public Health Associationpresent . . .

1999 Archstone Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation

SELECTION COMMITTEEBrenda R. Wamsley, M.S.W.Award Chair, Gerontological Health SectionCenter for Aging and Healthcare in West Virginia, Inc.517 Market StreetParkersburg, West Virginia 26101

Gerald M. Eggert, Ph.DChair, Gerontological Health SectionMonroe County Long Term Care Program, Inc.349 West Commercial Street, Suite 2250East Rochester, New York 14445

Donna M. Cox, Ph.D.Communications Editor,Gerontological Health SectionTowson State UniversityBurdick Hall, Room 132Towson, Maryland 21204

Connie J. Evashwick, Sc.D.Endowed Chair and DirectorCenter for Health Care InnovationCalifornia State University, Long Beach6300 State University Drive, Suite 270Long Beach, California 90815

Catherine M. Hawes, Ph.D.Myers Research InstituteMenorah Park Center for the Aging27100 Cedar RoadBeachwood, Ohio 44122

Dennis L. Kodner, Ph.D.Senior Vice President, Research and InnovationInstitute for Applied GerontologyMetropolitan Jewish Health System6323 Seventh AvenueBrooklyn, New York 11220

Nancy A. Miller, Ph.D.Program Chair, Gerontological Health SectionPolicies & Sciences Graduate ProgramUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County1000 Hilltop CircleBaltimore, Maryland 21250


TABLE OF CONTENTSPage

1999 Archstone Foundation Award for Senior Wellness ProjectExcellence in Program Innovation Senior Services of Seattle/King County

Northshore Center, Bothell, Washington 1

1999 Archstone Foundation Award for Strengthening Geriatrics TrainingExcellence in Program Innovation for Primary Care Medical ResidentsHonorable Mentions Medical College of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 3

Genesis Older Adult Services ProgramLos Angeles County Departmentof Mental HealthLos Angeles, California 4

Partners for Healthy AgingMerck-Medco Managed Care, LLCMontvale, New Jersey 5

A Model in Community Organizingfor Primary PreventionMarin Commission on AgingStrength Training Task ForceSan Rafael, California 6

1999 Archstone Foundation Award forExcellence in Program InnovationOther Nominations 7

2000 Archstone Foundation Award forExcellence in Program InnovationCall for Nominations 13

SENIOR WELLNESS PROJECT

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1999 Archstone Foundation

Overview: The Northshore SeniorCenter (NSC) in Bothell, Washington, aunit of Senior Services of Seattle/KingCounty, developed the Senior WellnessProject (SWP) to test the effectiveness ofembedding interventions proven todecrease disability risk and/or improvefunction in older adults into oneinterconnected program. SWP aims toprovide a cost-effective, high quality,comprehensive program with tangibleefficacy results. The Senior Centerenvironment complements the SWPbecause of the Center’s potential toprovide and strengthen social networks,with are associated with improved healthoutcomes. University-based researcherswere invited to work with the NSC inunobtrusive ways that allowed the healthpromotion activities to be consumer-friendly but nonetheless collectedrigorous data.

Background: Senior centers have longprovided a place for social interaction anda variety of health-related programs, suchas exercise activities and health screening.However, the diversity and efficacy ofsuch programs have varied markedlyacross senior center sites. Often, thebenefit of programs has not been welldocumented, thereby limiting the abilityto cover program costs because potentialfunders often demand evidence ofimproved health outcomes and/orreduced health costs. The programinitiated by NSC sought to implement andevaluate programs to ensure continuationof those activities that prove to be effectivefor seniors and cost-effective forproviders. The SWP is a model ofcommunity-academic collaboration forpragmatic research.

Target Audience: Older adults livingin and near Bothell and, through

replications projects, throughout the Stateof Washington

Program Components:

The Senior Wellness Project includesfour distinct components for seniors.Each was developed and evaluatedseparately.

Lifetime Fitness is a comprehensivedisability/fall reduction program thatincludes exercise for independent olderadults. It was begun in 1993 as acollaborative effort of the NSC, Universityof Washington, and Group HealthCooperative Center for Health Studies.Participants have shown improvements inmeasures of physical function, includingwalking, strength and flexibility measures,and reduction in symptoms of depression.

Health Enhancement Program (HEP) isan intervention to prevent functionallimitations and reduce health care use. Itrelies upon collaboration betweencommunity agencies and medical careproviders to offer appropriate healthpromotion activities for older adults withsubstantial health problems. HEPenrollees receive a nursing assessmentand comprehensive health review by aregistered nurse and a social worker. Theenrollee, with the assistance of the nurse,develops a Health Action Plan that detailsareas in which the person would like tomake improvements. The nurse providesongoing support, health education,problem solving, and referrals. The socialworker provides individual counseling,assistance in developing an action plan tomanage symptoms of depression/anxiety,and support groups. HEP seeks tocomplement the work of the primary carephysician. The physician is notified whentheir patient is enrolled in the program,and is considered part of the programteam working with the enrollee.

For additional informationcontact

Senior Wellness ProjectSenior Services of Seattle/King CountyNorthshore CenterBothell, Washington

Principal Investigator:Edward Wagner, M.D., M.P.H.Project Director:Marianne LoGerfo

Development andReplication StaffMarianne LoGerfo, MSWSusan Snyder, MSSusy Favaro, MSWJeffrey I. Wallace, MD MPH

Lifetime Fitness. (W.I.S.E)Principal InvestigatorsJeffrey I. Wallace, MD MPHDavid Buchner, MD MPHLou Grothaus, MSSusan Leveille, PhDLynda Tyll, MSWAndrea Z. LaCroix, PhDEdward H. Wagner, MD MPH

HEP Principal InvestigatorsEdward Wagner, MD MPHSuzanne G. Leveille, PhDEdward H. Wagner, MD MPHConnie Davis, RN, MNLou Grothaus, MSWJeffrey Wallace, MD MPHMarianne LoGerfo, MSWDaniel Kent, MD

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ward for Excellence in Program InnovationSenior Services of Seattle/King CountyNorthshore Center, Bothell, Washington

Chronic Disease Self-ManagementProgram (CDSMP) is a seven-week coursetaught by lay leaders that enhancesparticipant skills in living with a chronicillness. CDSMP was first developed andtested by Dr. Kate Lorig and colleagues atStanford University.

The Health Mentor Program matchesHEP clients to trained peer mentors.Mentors provide follow-up calls,companionship, and links to professionalstaff. Evaluation has found the programto be beneficial to both mentors andmentees.

Individual or Combined Activities.Seniors may participate in one of the fourSenior Wellness programs, then bereferred to the others.

Research and Evaluation. All of theprograms have been designed based on acareful review of scientific evidence todate. Moreover, researchers, primarilyfrom the University of Washington, haveconducted ongoing evaluations of theSWP programs. In addition to being afocus of academic research, SWP providesquality control by requiring regularreports and careful training of those whoimplement activities. SWP also continuesto incorporate evidence-based updatesfrom community agencies andresearchers.

Funding: The Senior Wellnessprogram is sponsored by Senior Servicesof Seattle/King County, the largest non-profit agency serving seniors inWashington State. Funding for replicationand dissemination of the project has beenreceived from a wide range oforganizations, including the local AreAgencies on Aging, physician servicenetworks, hospitals, the public HealthDepartment, and the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) PreventionResearch Center Program. Thesepartnerships form a system of care thatcovers the Puget Sound area. SeniorCenters provide office space, equipment,volunteers, and program staff. Funding forregistered nurses and social workerscomes from a variety of sources, includingin-kind staff support from hospitals andclinics.

Outcomes: The Senior WellnessProgram demonstrates how local agenciescan practice evidence-based public health.An effective model for collaborating withuniversity researchers were developed. Asa result, measurable benefits of the SWPon the health of individuals and theefficient use of resources have beendemonstrated. Each of the fourcomponent programs has been evaluatedfor its effectiveness. Because of itssuccess, the Lifetime Fitness programbegan to be replicated by other seniorcenters as early as 1995. A randomizedtrial of HEP for which staff had the abilityto refer patients to Lifetime Fitness,CDSMP, and the Health Mentor programshowed a 72 percent reduction in hospitaldays, a reduced use of psychotropicmedications, greater physical activity, andimproved functional status. Based onthese results, the complete programpackage of Lifetime Fitness, CDSMP, HEP,and the Health Mentor Program has beenextended to over sixteen sites through theState of Washington. Individual programcomponents have been replicated in anadditional eighteen sites in the State ofWashington and Virginia. NorthshoreSenior Center has recently received a grantfrom the Robert Wood JohnsonFoundation to provide the full set of SeniorWellness Program activities in ethnicallydiverse low-income housing.

Marianne LoGerfo, MSWProject Director

HSTRENGTHENING GERIATRICS TRAINING FOR PRIMARY CARE MEDICALRESIDENTS, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin


onorable Mention

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This program was fundedby HRSA GEC #5D31AH70009-05, the HelenBader Foundation, theWisconsin Area HealthEducation Centers,Veteran’s AdministrationMedical Center, and theMedical College ofWisconsin.

Strengthening GeriatricsTrainingFor Primary CareMedical Residents

Medical College ofWisconsinWisconsin GeriatricEducation CenterMilwaukee, Wisconsin

Project Directors:Deborah Simpson, PhDEdmund Duthie, Jr., MD

Project Coordinators:Kathy Biernat, MSVirginia Rediske, MA

For additionalinformation, contact:Kathy Biernat [email protected]

To order, contact:Wisconsin GeriatricEducation Center414-288-3712

Overview: This programs strives toenhance physicians’ understanding ofgeriatrics by structuring the education andtraining that medical residents receive atprimary care sites. It provides a systematicset of instructional materials that faculty andmedical residents can use at a variety ofprimary care training sites.

This project represents a multi-facetedand inter-disciplinary strategy to improvingthe geriatrics training of Wisconsin’s adultprimary care residents. Expert geriatricianswere trained in Instructional Design anddeveloped a series of ten geriatric educationalmodules which continue to be used to trainprimary care medical residents and otherhealth care professionals. Additionally, theproject created and pilot tested a PerformanceBased Assessment Station to assist medicalresidents in their management of patientswith dementia. These training materials,representing systematic approaches toteaching and assessing skills in geriatricmedicine, serve as a model for curriculumchange in other areas.

Background: Training for physicians nowrequires that residents have experience ingeriatrics in keeping with accreditationguidelines. Yet, few residency sites havegeriatricians on staff, so non-geriatriciansprovide much of the medical residents’geriatric education. Although interested andmotivated, these program faculty may lack thetime and resources to produce qualityeducational materials in geriatrics. Expertgeriatricians, while having breadth and depthin the content of geriatrics, may lack the timeand skills to systematically produceeducational modules for use by primary carephysicians in teaching. To bring together thestrengths of all involved and fill the gaps inappropriate educational materials, aconsortium of geriatricians and educationalconsultants from six academic and healthcare institutions used a multi-step process todesign and disseminate geriatric trainingmodules to adult primary care residency sties.

Target Audience: Medical residents of theMedical College of Wisconsin and faculty atprimary care residency training sites.

Program Components:

A consortium of geriatricians andeducational consultants was convened tocollaborate on the format and content of theresidency training in geriatrics.

Ten topic areas were targeted foreducational modules based on a comp-rehensive review of the literature and needsassessment. Using a Train the Trainerapproach, expert geriatricians were recruitedto design the training modules, including firstattending an intensive workshop on thesystematic process of instructional design.All modules included pre and post tests.

Workshops to disseminate the moduleswere held for resident faculty at the variousprimary care residency sites.

A companion Performance BasedAssessment (PBA) Situation using aStandardized Patient was designed andimplemented to assist faculty in teaching andassessing medical residents in theirmanagement of patients with dementia. Thisincluded a videotape of patient assessmentand the resident’s self-assessment ofperformance. The tape was subsequentlyevaluated by two experts in geriatrics, andfeedback on performance given to theresident. Differences between the resident’sand experts’ evaluations of FunctionalAssessment was particularly noteworthy, withresidents rating themselves higher than theexperts.

Outcomes:

In 1997, 75% of the resident faculty andin 1998, 82% attended the disseminationworkshops. To date, 300 medical residentshave completed evaluations of the moduleswith high learner satisfaction. On a scale of1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree), theresidents reported that they wouldrecommend this presentation to colleaguesand that the presentation provided practicalinformation. Additional, each residentcompleted a retrospective pre/postassessment of competencies based on themodule’s educational objectives. For 27 of the28 module objectives, the difference betweenthe pre and post scores were significant at the.001 level or greater.


Contact:Laura Trejo, M.S.G., M.P.A.

G.E.N.E.S.I.S.Older Adult ServicesProgram

Los Angeles CountyDepartment ofMental Health320 W. Temple Street15th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 974-0562FAX: (213) 687-4539Email: [email protected]

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Honorable MentionGENESIS OLDER ADULT SERVICES PROGRAM, Building a Seamless System of CareLos Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, California

Overview: The Geriatric EvaluationNetworks Encompassing Services,Information and Support (G.E.N.E.S.I.S.) is aprogram of the Los Angeles (LA) CountyDepartment of Mental Health established inconjunction with the Community and SeniorServices Area Agency on Aging. The goal isto provide older adults services that supporttheir dignity, maximize options, and enhancetheir independence, and in particular, toprevent unnecessary hospitalization formental health crises. The program providescomprehensive, mobile, in-home community-

based mental health and health services toadults 60 years and older.

Target Audience: Frail, homebound olderadults in Los Angeles County suffering frommental health problems.

Program Components:

Several public departments of LosAngeles County and community agenciesjoined together to implement the project. Thecollaborative approach is cost-effectivebecause it provides a multi-disciplinaryperspective to evaluating and resolving clientneeds. By reducing fragmentation, dollars aresaved, care outcomes are more effective, andclient satisfaction is greater.

A transdisciplinary team providescomprehensive assessment to clients in theirhomes, holds clinical case conferences, andconducts joint care planning and disposition.A master’s level licensed clinical social workerand registered public health nurse conductthe initial assessment. Clinical support,consultation, and ongoing staff education areprovided by a nurse practitioner, geron-tologist, geriatric internist, and psychiatrist.

Formal interagency agreements are heldwith Adult Protective Services, mental healthagencies, health providers, the PublicGuardian, law enforcement agencies, caremanagement programs, hospitals, religiousorganizations and other community-basedservices. Screening protocols are accepted byall agencies.

Services include mental health (assess-ment, crisis stabilization, short-term treatmentand referral); health (screening, medicationsupport, referrals); linkage, coordination andadvocacy; and consultation by referral to otherproviders.

Outreach is done to senior housing, seniorand community centers, and other communityagencies.

Links to the client’s primary care healthcare provider and made from the team back tothe client’s regular providers of health andmental health care.

Innovation Funding. Funds are providedthrough Medi-Cal (Medicaid), Medicare, privateinsurance, and blended funds through a uniquepartnership between the LA CountyDepartments of Mental Health, Community andSenior Services, and Adult Protective Services.

A student unit trains and mentorsundergraduate and graduate students ingerontology, social work, nursing, andmedicine.

Performance outcome measures for olderadults in the mental health system aredeveloped and tested by GENESIS incollaboration with the State of CaliforniaDepartment of Mental Health.

Outcomes: The two teams beginning theprogram in 1995 have been expanded to nineteams. GENESIS has resulted in decreasedhospitalizations, increased consumersatisfaction and empowerment, and saved lives.Between 1995 and 1998, the programdemonstrated an estimated gross savings of $2million to the Department of Mental Healthalone. Over 1000 clients served between 1995and 1998, less than three percent of clientsneeded to be involuntarily hospitalized,maximizing client choice, independence,quality of life and reduce costs of higher levelsof care. The multi-disciplinary, multi-agencyapproach has enabled the team to assist clientswho for years had been served by individualagencies without positive results. Thecollaborative arrangements established are amodel of public-public and public-privatepartnerships. The model screening protocolsare being disseminated statewide.


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PARTNERS FOR HEALTHY AGINGMerck-Medco Managed Care, LLC, Montvale, New Jersey

Honorable Mention

Overview: The Partners for HealthyAging® Program was established by Merck-Medco Managed Care, LLC, the nation’s leadingpharmacy benefit management company, in1995. It offers a comprehensive, systematicapproach to coordinating pharmaceutical carefor seniors. Partners for Healthy Aging® usesa computerized Seniors Drug UtilizationReview Program (DUR), educational materials,and health management initiatives to reducethe use of potentially unsafe or ineffectiveprescriptions by older adults.

Target Population: Seniors enrolled inmanaged care plans that contract with Merck-Medco for pharmacy management, currentlynumbering 10 million.

Program Components:

The Partners for Healthy Aging® Programtakes a multi-faceted approach to maximizingpharmaceutical care for seniors.

✿ Drug Utilization Review (DUR) focuseson eleven classes of drugs used to treatconditions common among seniors. Thiscomputerized system automatically evaluatesall prescriptions submitted by managed careplan participants and red-flags any potentialproblems. Pharmacists from Merck-Medco RxServices, Merck-Medco’s mail servicepharmacy, and from the company’s networkof 55,000 participating retail pharmacies arealerted when a prescription for a senior maybe inappropriate due to drug selection or dose.The pharmacists then use the program’scomprehensive on-line clinical information tocounsel physicians regarding potentiallyharmful prescriptions that could cause adversedrug reactions and result in avoidablehospitalizations or doctor visits.

✿ The Medication Guidebook for OlderAdults is published as an easy-to-use referencethat addresses conditions common amongseniors and focuses on possible side effects,drug interactions, and specific geriatricwarnings for the medications most frequentlyprescribed for those conditions.

✿ Seniors also receive drug informationleaflets and pocket-size formulary guides.These materials, combined with theGuidebook, provide pertinent information forindividuals over age 65, warnings to alertpatients and their physicians aboutmedications that are generally notrecommended for older adults, andinformation on drugs that may require age-specific dosage adjustments.

✿ The Gatekeeper Program attempts toidentify patients in need and refer them to theappropriate local offices of the Area Agencyon Aging. In 1998, this program identifiedmore than 2,500 potential candidates forsupport services and worked to get them intouch with needed social services, such ashomemakers, nurses, and transportation.

✿ All initiatives are built on a well-established clinical foundation. Merck-Medco’s Department of Medical Affairsregularly reviews and updates all initiativesand protocols. An independent MedicalAdvisory Board of leading experts in geriatricmedicine and pharmacy practice reviews andapproves all initiatives.

Outcomes: A study reported in theJournal of the American Medical Association(October 14, 1998) found that the Partners forHealthy Aging® Program achieved a 24percent change rate in the use of medicationsgenerally recognized as inappropriate forpatients over 65—a rate of change twelvetimes greater than normally occurs withoutsuch a program.

For more informationcontact:

Partners forHealthy Aging

Merck-MedcoManaged Care, LLC

100 Summit AvenueMontvale, New Jersey07645-1753


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A MODEL IN COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR PRIMARY PREVENTIONMarin Commission on Aging Strength Training Task Force, San Rafael, California

Honorable Mention

Overview: The mission of the MarinCounty Strength Training Task Force was totranslate recent scientific data on the value ofweight bearing exercises for seniors into acommunity health promotion campaign withconcrete activities by community agencies andindividual seniors. In brief, the Task Forcesought to mobilize the older community inMarin County to start lifting weights.

Target Audience: Older adults through-outMarin County, including those residing innursing homes and low-income seniorhousing; and professionals who work withseniors.

Program Components:

The Strength Training Task Force invitedseniors, physical therapists, exercise teachers,and experts in the field of personal fitnesstraining to assist in defining its activities aswell as in determining which exercises olderpersons should perform. It developedactivities in four areas:

✿ Community Outreach through mediaand presentations to senior groups. The TaskForce developed and distributed threemotivational Strength Training Bulletins withrecommended exercises. Local newspaperspublished articles on the benefits of strengthtraining. Task Force members demonstratedstrength-training exercises and discussed theirimportance at local senior organizations. TheTask Force produced a short video to motivateboth individuals and organizations to startstrength training classes. The program wasfeatured on a local cable television program.

✿ Model Strength Training Program in alocal nursing home. The Task Force assistedin implementing a strength training programfor the residents of a local nursing home inMarin. The program was then replicated inother nursing homes in Marin.

✿ Strength Training Classes as SeniorHousing Complexes, with a peer teachingcomponent. An experienced strength trainerstarted classes in four low-income housingfacilities. Weights were purchased or donated.These classes met with extraordinary success.In order to ensure the continuation of theclasses after grant funding ended, two

Marin CountyCommission on AgingStrength Training TaskForce

Marin County Commissionon Aging10 N. San Pedro RoadSuite 1012San Rafael CA

Chair: Ruth YoungquistStaff: Liz Rottger, MPH

For additional informationcontact:Liz Rottger at(415) [email protected]

enthusiastic residents from each facility wereselected as peer teachers and given extraencouragement and training in order to leadthe classes themselves. Pre and post measuresof the residents showed participants how theyhad directly benefited from strength training.

Marin Housing Authority is consideringexpanding the pilot program to all itscomplexes in Marin.

✿ Trained personnel. From the outset, thelong-range plan of the Task Force was tomaintain strength training programs forseniors in Marin by training current exerciseteachers and nursing home activity directorswho would be certified by the Senior FitnessAssociation (SFA). This effort was verysuccessful. In the first year, two people werecertified by SFA; in 1998, eight people werecertified. In 1999, another twelve people havebeen certified. This process has established acore group of professionals who are veryinterested in increasing their knowledge of thefield and committed to providing moreopportunities for strength training classes forolder people.

Outcomes: The Strength Training TaskForce was very cost effective. Total funds spentin the three years to support its activities wereless than $15,000. The Task Force had plannedto establish a program with sufficientinfrastructure that it would continue when theTask Force ended. This was accomplished.Whereas in 1996 there was not a single seniorstrength training class in Marin County,current classes for seniors are offered by theYMCA, the Jewish Community Center, seniorcenters, and local branches of theDepartments of Parks and Recreation. TheMarin Housing Authority is consideringexpanding the pilot program to its complexesthroughout the county. The CaliforniaDepartment of Health Services recognized thevalue of the program and published areplication manual to guide other AreaAgencies on Aging and senior serviceproviders who may wish to implement asimilar health promotion campaign.

N1999 Archstone Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation

Overview: Suncoast Gerontology Centerof the University of South Florida in Tampa,Florida, has developed Caregiver Classes to helpcaregivers take practical steps to manage stress,avoid patient care problems, and improve thequality of their lives.

Target Population: Caregivers are theprimary audience. The majority are caring forpatients with Alzheimer’s disease.Professionals, paraprofessionals providingservices to seniors, and graduate students withan interest in aging also participate. Most comefrom counties throughout the West Centralregion of Florida.

Program Components: Three distinctservices are provided. Informational Servicescomprises education classes on basic caregivertopics. In 1998, six one and one-half hoursessions were offered each quarter. Theprimary goal is to provide instruction onpractical approaches for managing the medical,social, and legal aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.

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ominees

Through Consultation Services, Center staffmembers provide one-on-one guidance tocaregivers. These professionals help caregiversclarify issues, identify options, and receivereferrals for specific services.

Share and Care Services are socializationopportunities designed to encourage attendeesto provide moral, social, and practical supportto one another.

Through a grant from the ShimbergFoundation, the educational programs arebeing developed into a six-part audiocassetteprogram that will be distributed to caregiverson a national basis. An accompanyinginformation booklet containing “frequentlyasked questions” and class handout materialswill be published.

Outcomes: Since inception in 1996through 1998, 210 family and professionalcaregivers participated. Participants reportimproved ability to manage stress, betterplanning for the future, greater understandingof ways to provide care, more knowledge aboutcommunity resources.

CAREGIVING CLASSESSuncoast Gerontology Center, College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida

The production anddissemination of thecaregiver tapes is beingfunded by the ShimbergFoundation.

Caregiving ClassesSuncoast GerontologyCenterCollege of MedicineUniversity Of South FloridaTampa, Florida

Contact Persons:Eric Pfeiffer, MDD. Helen Moore, MA

University of South FloridaCollege of Medicine12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.MDC 50Tampa, FL 33612-4799Phone: (813) [email protected]

END OF LIFE INITIATIVEOn Lok Senior Health Services, San Francisco, California

End of Life Initiative

On LokSenior Health ServicesSan Francisco, California

For more informationcontact:Kate O’Malley at(415) 292-8883

Overview: On Lok Senior Health Services’End of Life Initiative, launched in July 1997,began a one-year internal training and practiceimprovement program to ensure that allparticipants who died of chronic illnessreceived comfort care at least 28 days prior todeath.

Target Population: On-Lok participantssuffering from chronic illness who becameterminal.

Project Components: Practiceimprovements and staff training were enacted.The key elements of the care plan includedpain and symptom management andemotional and spiritual support for participantsand families. Major challenges includedidentifying the terminal phase of chronicillness early, especially for those suffering fromdementia; establishing family and teammembers’ acceptance of imminent death;recognizing and adapting to cultural aspects ofproviding end-of-life and comfort care.

Outcomes: The duration of comfort careplans increased, on average, from 13.6 days to

54.9 days. The five care teams became moreadept at early identification of the terminalphase of chronic illness: the percentage ofparticipants receiving comfort care increasedfrom 59% to 78%. Sixty-eight percent (68%)died at home or in a transitional care setting,with just 13% in an acute hospital and 16% ina nursing home.

We learned from our participants and theirfamily members how to give appropriatesupport at the end of lives to cognitivelyimpaired older people of Asian or Latinobackgrounds. Specific changes to care include:

✿✿ Cultural considerations are now partof all comfort care plans.

✿✿✿ Existing pain assessment tools havebeen adapted to include non-verbal aspects.

✿✿✿ All participants receive an earlyassessment of their spiritual needs.

In summary, as a result of the initiative,participants dying from end-stage dementiaroutinely receive comfort care, and most diecomfortably in a non-institutional setting.


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N omineesINCREASING THE USE OF ADULT IMMUNIZATIONSQualidigm, Middletown, Connecticut

For additional informationplease call:

Deepak Mathur, MPHProject CoordinatorQualidigm at(304) 422-2853

Overview: This initiative is an adultimmunization campaign designed to increasethe use of pneumococcal vaccine (PVV) byMedicare beneficiaries age 65 and older inLitchfield County, Connecticut by linking PVVwith flu shots.

Target Population: The campaign targeted23,000 non-HMO Medicare beneficiaries withinthe 60 zip code areas of Litchfield County.

Program Components: Qualidigmprovided funding for the project. SPARC, aDisease Prevention Survey conducted by theCenters for Disease Control, developed a county-wide infrastructure. Eleven mass immunizersin Litchfield County participated in the project.Three steering committees included local healthdepartments, medical care providers, publichealth organizations, consumers, the countychapter of the American Association of RetiredPersons, representatives from local churches,and Qualidigm. The steering committeesdeveloped protocols for immunization, publicitymessages from well-known health care leadersand elders, and a letter to all beneficiaries signed

by the county health commissioner and a well-known physician. Two local radio stations anda local cable channel helped publicize theimmunizations. Information and educationalmaterials were also mailed to all physicians.

Outcomes: In Litchfield County, thenumber of vaccinations increased from 1,122 in1996 to 3,016 in 1997, an increase of 169%. Theparticipating mass immunizers immunized 3.9%of persons age 65 and older in Litchfield Countyand 6.9% of unvaccinated persons age 65 andolder in Litchfield Counties. The percentage ofbeneficiaries who have ever received thepneumococcal vaccine increased from 43.4% asmeasured immediately before the flu season, to50.3% as measured through claims dataimmediately after the flu season. Thisrepresented an increase of 15.9% in a fourmonth period. Linking PVV with fluimmunization proved to be an effectivetechnique to increase immunization amongthose age 65 and older. The intense publicityincreased use of the vaccination among privatephysicians as well as by mass immunizers.

THE MAIN STREET QUALITY OF LIFE PROGRAMLAS/Aging Research and Education Center, Mars, Pennsylvania

The Main StreetQuality of Life Program

LAS/Aging Research andEducation CenterMars, Pennsylvania

Principal Investigator:Paul David Nussbaum, Ph.D.

For additional information:Phone: (724) [email protected]

Overview: Main Street Quality of LifeProgram is a lifelong learning initiativeimplemented at the LAS/Passavant RetirementCampus as a community, grassroot program. Itprovides and promotes a stimulating, safe, andintegrated environment that fosters educational,physical/medical, recreational/social, andspiritual/emotional components necessary tothrive and achieve success with aging. Theprogram is based on evidence that lifelonglearning and social activity are effective inpreventing neurodegenerative disorders, such asAlzheimer’s disease.

Target Population: Older adults, includingthose residing at the LAS/Passavant RetirementCampus, and those in the neighboringcommunities. Participants come from homesin the community, group independent living,assisted living, and nursing home settings.

Program Components: Main Street Qualityof Life is located on a continuum of care campusfor seniors. Nearly two-third of the programs areled by residents. Over 100 activities and

programs are offered each term (fall, spring,summer), with topics organized around fourthemes, called The Four Domains of Main Street.Examples of classes include computer classes,strength training, world history, music. Typesof programs vary, including special events,lectures, study groups, activity groups, andindividual opportunities. The diversity strivesto meet the interests of a diverse population.

Outcomes: The Main Street Quality of Lifeprogram recognizes the wisdom and experienceof older adults and provides an opportunity forexpression and sharing. The total number ofindividuals from program initiation in Fall 1995through summer 1998 measured 2,321.Attendees increased 43% from the first to thesecond year of operation. Average annualattendance is currently about 1200 people, 600from the continuing care complex and 600 fromthe community. Satisfaction with programmingis high, with an average rating of 3.7 out of 4(excellent) for all three program years.


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N omineesA MODEL INTERVENTION FOR ELDER ABUSE AND DEMENTIAThe Benjamin Rose Institute, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

THE NORTH CAROLINA EDEN ALTERNATIVE (Initiative: A Paradigm for Quality of Life Improvement)North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina

The North CarolinaEden Alternative

(Initiative:A Paradigm for Quality ofLife Improvement)

North CarolinaDepartment of Healthand Human ServicesDivision of FacilityServicesRaleigh, North Carolina

Nadine Hamilton

For more information callNadine Hamilton at(919) 733-7461.

Overview: The North Carolina EdenAlternative™ Initiatives incorporates philo-sophies of using pets, plans, and children toprovide a human habitat model for life in long-term care settings. The goal is to improve thequality of life for residents.

Target Population: Those involved in long-term care, including representatives of nursinghomes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, mentalhealth agencies, government agencies,academia, and the lay public.

Project Components: The North CarolinaEden Alternative™ Coalition was started in Fall1996. Its members comprised a group ofvolunteers representing long-term careproviders, the government, advocates, and otherrelated organizations. Its function was as aconsumer driven educational body. TheCoalition sponsored a two-day educationconference in September 1997, which had over100 participants. The Coalition also developeda grant program to encourage Medicaid-Certified

nursing homes to implement Eden Alternative™philosophies. Civil monetary penalties forregulation violations collected through theenforcement process and approved by the HealthCare Financing Administration provided thefunding for grants to facilities to implementprograms consistent with the Eden Alternative™philosophy. In January 1998, 13 grants of$15,000 were awarded to nursing homesthroughout the state.

Outcomes: Data have been collected tomeasure the outcomes at grant facilities,including resident and staff issues. Evaluationof early data has shown no compromise inresident safety. In 1998, North Carolina receivedthe 1998 Best Practice Award for qualityimprovement from the Association of HealthFacility Survey Agencies. Replication has begun:other states have formed coalitions and grantprograms mirroring North Carolina’s.

A Model Intervention forElder Abuse and DementiaThe Benjamin Rose InstituteCleveland Heights, Ohio

For additional information:ContactGeorgia J. Anetzberger, Ph.D.Principal Investigator(216) 791-8000

Overview: This is a collaborative effort offive partnering agencies to establish amultifaceted project in greater Cleveland, OH,to improve the detection and handling of elderabuse involving people with dementia. The goalwas to increase case identification, improve careplanning and treatment, and promote preventionin older persons with dementia who weresuspected of being or were at risk of elder abuseby cross-training professionals from the fieldsof elder abuse and dementia. The project wasfunded by the Cleveland Foundation.Collaborators included the Cleveland AreaChapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, AdultProtective Services, the Benjamin Rose Institute,Northeastern Ohio Universities College ofMedicine, and Western Reserve Consortium forthe Prevention and Treatment of Elder Abuse.

Target Population: Professionals who workwith older people who have dementia and areat risk of elder abuse

Program Components: An educationalprogram was developed to cross-train staff from

the Alzheimer’s Association (AA) and AdultProtective Services (APS). Specific productsincluded a 156 page educational curriculumwith modules on elder abuse and dementia;training sessions for staff and volunteers; ascreening tool to identify abusive situations; ascreening tool to identify dementia; protocolsfor referral and intervention among the threeservice providing partners (AA, APS, BenjaminRose Institute); a ten-page handbook forcaregivers to self-assess risk of elder abuse andto identify community resources; rigorousevaluation of the overall project and itscomponents. Three advisory committees withrepresentatives from the partnering agenciesguided the project.

Outcomes: Participants of the trainingsessions demonstrated an increasedunderstanding of the issues related to dementiaand to elder abuse, as well as improvedwillingness to collaborate with the staff of otheragencies when serving clients. Referrals amongthe partnering organizations have increased andbecome more appropriate.


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N omineesTHE PROVIDENCE INSTITUTEProvidence Mount St. Vincent, Seattle, Washington

For more informationplease contact:Patricia Szabo

(206) 937-3700

[email protected]

Overview: The Providence Institute (PI)seeks to educate professionals working in long-term care about the value of self-directed livingand resident-directed care through education andexperiential learning. The PI is a collaborationof Providence Mount St. Vincent, a multi-levelnursing facility and senior housing complexlocated in Seattle, WA; and the Providence MountSt. Vincent Foundation, a non-profit corporationestablished to promote quality care for theelderly.

Target Population: Administrators and otherprofessionals in long-term care who desire tolearn about and experience resident-directedcare.

Program Components The PI offers a uniqueglimpse of the inter-workings of a multi-levellong-term care facility that has successfullymoved to a social model of service delivery. In1996, Providence Mount St. Vincentimplemented “resident-directed care.” Thisapproach to care that empowers residents togovern their own daily routines and choose theservices they wish to receive.

The PI was developed to respond to inquiries

by professionals about how to develop resident-directed care. On-site education held atProvidence Mount St. Vincent is customized tomeet the needs of each individual participant.Learners from other long-term care facilities havethe opportunity to talk directly to theadministrator, architect, and front-line programmanagers, including managers of the nursingcenter, assisted living, adult day health,intergenerational childcare, adult family home,subacute-transitional care center, and outpatientrehabilitation. Learning opportunities includeon-site observation, discussion, and problem-solving strategies through consultation andobservation. An advisory committee includesrepresentatives of staff, Foundation boardmembers, community members, and peers.

Outcomes: Since inception, the ProvidenceInstitute has provided 40 tours, 15 speakingengagements, answered countless phone calls,and testified as an example of a best practicemodel at two U.S. Senate special subcommitteehearings. Representatives of facilities fromthroughout the nation have visited or otherwisecontacted the PI and used the information gainedto begin changes at their own facilities.

SENIOR CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMCounty of Ventura Area Agency on Aging, Ventura, California

For more informationplease contact:

Holly A. Evans(805) 641-4420

Overview: The Ventura County Senior CareManagement Program combines medical,nursing, and social models of case management.This program addresses the needs of the frail, atrisk elderly through a holistic, comprehensivemodel of care. The Senior Case Managementprogram works closely with the Aging Networkto access all resources available to its clients, withthe goal of keeping seniors functioning safelyand independently within their own homes.

Target Population: Frail, at risk seniors inVentura County, California

Program Components: The casemanagement staff assist seniors to attainmaximum independence in a homeenvironment by using appropriate and availablesocial, medical, and volunteer resources. SeniorCare Management provides home visitevaluations by a public health nurse. The clientis assessed for nutritional deficits, safety in thehome, medication use, access to medical care,and financial need. A bilingual staff assist in

client assessment to identify cultural issues thatare integral to designing a plan of care. Acommunity service worker partners with thepublic health nurse. A plan of care is compiledand discussed with the client and family. Theprogram then works to place available resourceswith the permission of the senior and theirfamily members. The community serviceworker escorts the clients as needed on visits tothe physician, community agencies, and otherservice providers, then reports to the publichealth nurse.

Outcomes: The Senior Case ManagementProgram has been instrumental in working withthe Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, theInter-Agency Council, the Elder Abuse Council,geriatric assessment teams, and other seniorservice providers to identify and meet the needsof the frail seniors in Ventura County who areunder served and in greatest social andeconomic need.


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N omineesSENIOR HELPING HANDSSt. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Senior Helping HandsSt. Cloud HospitalSt. Cloud, Minnesota

For more informationplease contact:Nancy Fandel

(320) 251-2700 ext. 4991

Overview: Senior Helping Hands (SHH) isan outreach program designed to serve olderadults who may be experiencing chemical and/or mental health problems.

Target Population: Recovering seniors arerecruited as volunteers to act as role models andmentors for other seniors suffering fromsubstance abuse and/or mental health problems.The geographic area served is Central Minnesota.

Project Components: Designed as acommunity outreach program, SHH extends thechemical dependency and mental healthservices of the Behavioral Care Center of St.Cloud Hospital. A coordinator and an outreachcase manager recruit, train, and monitor thevolunteers. The sponsorship of the hospitalfacilitates access to experienced staff, includingpsychiatrists, psychologists, and a wide array ofchemical dependency programs. Theprofessional staff provide ongoing educational

workshops to medical, social, and aging networkstaff, as well as to the volunteers and caregivers.Four major forums were presented in 1998, with80+ people attending, in addition to an averageof five presentations per month to communityorganizations.

Outcomes: The SHH program graduatesshow a recovery rate of 80% over a two-yeartime period. The volunteer core has grownsteadily, to 70 at the time of the application. Fivecommunity agencies provide funding for theprogram, including the United Way, two regionalCouncils on Aging, Minnesota Department ofHuman Services, and the St. Cloud Hospital. In1998 alone, the services model has beenreplicated in 14 counties in Central Minnesota.Over 500 people attended educational sessions,and volunteers and staff traveled over 12,000miles to assist older adults and their families.

SENIORS SUPPORT PROGRAMBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

For more informationcontact:Margaret MacAdam [email protected](416) 785-2480 or(416) 785-2500

Overview: Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Careis a multi-level health care system whose missionis to enrich the quality of life of older adults byproviding a comprehensive continuum of care.The Seniors Support Program was implementedin 1997 to bridge a gap in services to seniorsand their families waiting admission to theJewish Home for the Aged, the Continuing CareProgram in Baycrest Hospital, and apartmentsin the Baycrest Terrace, a supportive housingcomplex.

Target Population: Older adults and theirfamilies waiting for admission to a unit ofBaycrest and seniors living in the communitywho reside within the local area code.

Program Components: The Seniors SupportProgram uses a multidisciplinary team ofprofessionals and volunteers to support olderadults and families. The program strives toprovide a cost-effective range of information,education, support, counseling, and advocacyservices that reduce caregiver burden and easecaregiver stress. After an initial assessment, theclient is contacted weekly by volunteers, who

provide social support over the phone on an as-needed basis, as well as reassurance, behavioralmanagement, and linkage to communityservices. Volunteer interaction is augmented byprofessionals when indicated. Services providedby professionals may include assessment;counseling; health promotion; behavioralmanagement; crisis intervention; referrals basedon the ethnic, cognitive and emotional needs ofclients; and support groups for child caregivers.At the time of application, 20 volunteers,collectively speaking seven languages, were eachproviding telephone service for two to threehours per week to a total of 211 clients.

Outcomes: The program was so successfulthe first year that it was expanded beyond thoseawaiting a place at Baycrest to include residentsof the local area. Pilot funding from the Ministryof Health was converted to ongoing funding fromBaycrest as part of operating expenditures. Twoformal evaluations are being conducted by thelocal university. Initial findings are that stressof caregivers has been reduced by the contactwith the Seniors Support Program.


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N omineesSERVICE LEARNING IN ELDER CARE PROJECTSFoundation for Long Term Care, Albany, New York

For more informationplease contact:Carol R. Hegeman

150 State Street, Suite 301Albany, NY 12207(518) 449-7873 ext. [email protected]

Overview: The Service Learning in ElderCare addresses the unmet needs for providingcare to seniors in the community andsimultaneously enhances the quality of academiclearning about eldercare issues and policies byintegrating meaningful community service withcollege student course work. Students work asvolunteers in community agencies servingseniors, with the experience carefully structuredso that the students learn about the need,importance, and policy implications of theservice being provided.

Target Population: Universities seeking toprovide multi-dimensional educational andcollege students desiring experience incommunity settings; community agenciesserving seniors who want to expand theircapacity by using students as volunteer providers.

Program Components: The Long-Term CareFoundation (LTCF) has developed models forcommunity experiences for college students that

augment didactic learning with practical hands-on interaction with community members. TheLTCF has produced manuals for faculty, students,and staff and a video to help agency staff prepareto mentor service-learning students at the worksite. At least twelve disciplines have participated.

Outcomes: The service learning model hasbeen adopted by 27 campuses in New York Stateand at three campuses in other states. At leasttwelve disciplines have participated over theyears, and a diverse array of students have takenthe program. Evaluations has been conductedby Cornell University. They have shown thatstudents, agency staff, and seniors all report highsatisfaction with the service-learning experience.Students’ attitudes toward seniors showed asignificant change as a result of the experience.In addition to objective data, anecdotal andsubjective reactions have indicated that theservice learning model results in positiverelationships among community agencies andbetween students and seniors.

THE WERTLIEB EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR LONG TERM CARE MANAGEMENTGeorge Washington Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

Overview: The Wertlieb EducationalInstitute for Long-Term Care Management is anew initiative developed by the GeorgeWashington University School of Public Healthand Health Services to offer managementtraining in long-term care to graduate andundergraduate students.

Target Population: Graduate studentsattending the George Washington UniversitySchool of Public Health and Health Services andpracticing professionals desiring continuingeducation.

Program Components: The Instituteenhances the graduate program in Long-TermCare Administration through a variety ofeducational offerings, including a certificateprogram in long-term care administration,colloquiums, guest lecturers, and an internet-based distance learning program. It alsoprovides continuing education for current healthcare professionals. A Summer Institute startedin 1998, which offers six sessions per course,with several courses offered each summer. A

national summit on long-term care quality isbeing developed for early 2000. Scholarshipsare offered for students interested in the Mastersin Health Services Administration (MHSA)focusing on long-term care.

The Institute draws upon expert faculty andresearchers from a variety of relevant unitswithin the University, including the Center toImprove Care of the Dying, Center for the Studyand Advancement of Disability Policy, Center forHealth Services Research and Policy, Center forInternational Health. In addition, the Institutehas established strong linkages as well withWashington, D.C.-based national andinternational organizations dealing with long-term care policies.

Outcomes: The Institute has succeeded inbringing an impressive set of experts togetherto collaborate on the education of students andprofessionals. The multi-faceted approach toeducation is designed to increase the visibility,academic recognition, and practitionerknowledge of long-term care.

1999 Wertlieb Institute Advisory CommitteeDennis J. Anderson, C.P.A., M.B.A.Division Director, Legislative Advocacy andRegional Financial ServicesGood Samaritan Society,MN Regional Service Center

Steven Chies, North Cities Health Care

Elizabeth Lipton Cobbs, M.D., F.A.C.P.,Interim ChairDepartment of Health Care SciencesDivision for Aging Studies and ServicesThe George Washington UniversitySchool of Medical and Health Sciences

Ann Gillespie, Senior Vice PresidentAccreditation and CertificationAmerican Association of Homes and Servicesfor the Aging (AAHSA)

David Jackson, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and CEOHealthcare Solutions International, Inc.

Jack MacDonald, Beverly Enterprises

Susan McBroom, R.N., M.A., H.S.A.President, Healthlinx

Mary Ousley, Integrated Health Services

Lynn O’Connor, President/ C.E.O.The Washington Home

David Peete, PresidentALFA’s Assisted Living University

Ronald Rothstein, C.O.O.Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center & Hospital, Inc.Sinai Health System

Richard Segan, Executive DirectorEverCare Massachusetts

Bruce ThevenotVice President of Government RelationsGenesis Health Ventures

Scott VanHove, Harvey Wertlieb, M.B.A. (CHAIR)


CALL FOR NOMINATIONSThe Gerontological Health Section of the AmericanPublic Health Association is accepting nominationsfor its 2000 Archstone Foundation Award forExcellence in Program Innovation. This award hasbeen established to identify best practice modelsin the field of aging and health. Emphasis will begiven to those innovative programs (in operation10 years or less, but long enough to havedocumented results) that have effectively linkedacademic theory with applied practice in the fieldof public health and aging. Newcomers areencouraged; recipients of other awards are notdisqualified. An independent panel will review allnominations.

The criteria for award selection will include:

➢ creativity in project design,➢ measurable program outcomes and

benefits,➢ potential for replication,➢ dissemination plans.

In two typewritten pages, please describe theprogram you wish to nominate. Your narrativeshould include information about the project’sdesign, funding, partnerships or collaboration,staffing, types of services provided, populationserved, and measurable benefits and outcomes.You may attach news articles, videos, manuals, etc.,in support of the nomination. Only one programmay be nominated per agency or organization.

The winner is expected to attend the annualmeeting of the American Public HealthAssociation and make a paper presentation abouttheir program in a special Gerontological HealthSection Award session. There will be one winnerand up to nine honorable mentions.

Prize: $500 cash award and award certificate.

Nomination material for the 2000 ArchstoneFoundation Award for Excellence in ProgramInnovation can be obtained from:

Brenda R. Wamsley, M.S.W.Archstone Foundation Awards Chair, GHS/APHACenter for Aging and Healthcare in West Virginia517 Market StreetParkensburg, WV 26101Phone: (304) 422-2853 h FAX: (304) 422-2856Email: [email protected]

Nominations are due May 1, 2000.

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gerontological health section american public health

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