Greetings!
Welcome to the
premiere issue of our Health and Elders e-newsletter, designed especially for
people like you who have demonstrated a commitment to improving Greater Nashua residents' health and supporting effective programs that assist our older citizens. In each issue, we'll bring you updates
about United Way General Fund- supported programs
and the people they help. We'll also provide links to articles and resources
related to health and elder issues. And if you have an idea about how
we could enhance this e-newsletter, please let us know.
|
| Success Story: Maintaining Independence
|
At 106 years
old, Mrs. M. is Home Health & Hospice Care's (HHHC) oldest client. Although she is very independent and still lives in her home, she has
difficulty with her short-term memory. Before receiving help with daily living tasks from HHHC in-home health aides, she sometimes would forget to shut off the stove, which put her at great risk for fire. Mrs. M. also would change into her nightgown
each night, fold her clothes neatly, and place them on the chair beside her
bed; however, her poor memory caused her to re-wear the dirty clothes.
Mrs. M. has no family nearby. A few neighbors check
on her but they are unable to support her activities during the day. Through HHHC, Mrs. M. found one neighbor who agreed to be her Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Finance. He has helped her get the services she needs,
including homemaking and companion services five days a week for two hours each
day (a program supported by United Way's General Fund). The homemaker, Ruth, cues Mrs. M. to properly bathe and dress herself. Ruth also cooks meals for Mrs. M. and assists
with her housekeeping and transportation to medical appointments.
Thanks to the homemaking and companion services, Mrs. M. is able to stay in her home independently and safely. An additional 227 people like her are expected to be helped this year through United Way's support of the program.
|
| Results You Can See...
|
United
Way's General Fund supports numerous programs that benefit health and elders. These programs get real results. For
example:
94% of persons
assisted by Milford Regional Counseling Services' Milford Area Affordable
Counseling Program report being able to maintain employment for one year after
receiving services.
77% of the low-income
seniors in Area Agency of Greater Nashua's Adult Day Service Program were able
to avoid premature institutionalization for at least one year. After
learning self-management skills, 70% of patients with hypertension in the
Comprehensive Primary Care Program of Nashua Area Health Center were able to
maintain their blood pressure test results in a clinically acceptable range.
|
| Good Oral Health Key to Good Overall Health
|
 Last year, United Way approved three-year funding for dental services provided to income-eligible individuals by the Greater Nashua Dental Connection. The funding supports clinic visits for more than 350 people annually who are referred by Nashua Pastoral Care Center.
44% of
participants who received emergency dental care through the Access to
Affordable Dental Care Program at the Greater Nashua Dental Connection have realized the value of
prevention and good oral health habits and as a result returned for subsequent
hygiene services.
Studies have linked good oral health to good overall health in all age groups. Oral health problems are usually costly and painful, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that almost all of them can be prevented with proper care. For more on oral health and tips on preventing oral disease, check out the following CDC article: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/aag/oh.htm.
|
| Your Opinion Matters
|
We'd like to hear from you! If you haven't done so already, please take our brief survey. Your responses will help United Way better serve you and the community. Thank you.
|
|
|
We hope you have found this e-newsletter to be helpful and
informative. We greatly appreciate your support of local programs that improve area residents' health and help our older neighbors. Thank you for being United Way's partner for improving lives and strengthening our
community.
Sincerely,
United Way of Greater Nashua
|
|
|
New Hampshire
Conference on Aging
|
 |
The 8th Annual New Hampshire Conference on Aging will be held May 29 at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester. Presented by the NH Department of Health and Human Services, the all-day event offers several workshops and presentations on ensuring the dignity and independence of older people.
This year's theme is "Pathways to Independence." Featured speaker Greg Case, program specialist from the U.S. Administration on Aging, will discuss the need for the U.S. to focus on making long-term care more
person-centered and more responsive to the needs of the individual. More than 80 senior-focused organizations are expected to exhibit services, products, and opportunities for seniors and caregivers.
The $20 registration fee for persons 60 years and older ($50 for all others) includes all conference events, breakfast, and lunch. Limited free bus transportation is available.
Check out the conference page for more information.
|
|
|
