News from Better Housing Coalition

September 2009

IN THIS ISSUE

SAFETY NET FUND UPDATE

NEW FRIENDSHIP CAFE

RECEIVE NEWSLETTERS ONLINE

2009 FALL TOURS

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SENIOR HEALTH INITIATIVE PRODUCES POSITIVE RESULTS

The Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, Bon Secours and the Jenkins Foundation have generously assisted BHC's Senior Health Initiative and enabled senior residents to maintain good health while aging comfortably in place. Our Senior Specialists have served 97% of our total senior population, including elders in BHC family communities such as Winchester Greens and Cary 2000, and achieved the following:

Stabilized Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar

Nearly 80% of new participants have reduced their blood pressure readings, if elevated. Consistently, three-quarters of that group is able to keep stable readings. In our total senior population, 343 people have kept stabilized blood pressure rates for three years. More residents are also closely monitoring diabetes, and as a result we have seen a decrease in blood sugar levels.

Regular Exercise and Healthy Eating Habits

Many resident participate in healthy eating groups and exercise three times a week regularly. Currently, 28% of all our seniors engage in exercise and movement activities, including walking clubs, regular Wii games, chair exercise and dance groups.

Improved Health through Medical Case Management

203 of our senior residents used our out-patient medical case management services in which the Senior Specialists worked with the primary care provider and the resident to coordinate care and treatment. Additionally, 58 residents used in-patient medical case management to ensure continuity of care and plan for discharge. In 2008, nearly 400 residents improved their health by using ancillary services arranged on site, such as vaccinations and screenings, hearing and vision screenings, and foot care among others.

BHC thanks all community partners and individual donors for enabling us to provide these important life-enhancing services. Your support truly changes lives.

SAFETY NET FUND AIDS FAMILIES IN NEED

A recent grant from the Safety Net Fund of The Community Foundation, which allowed BHC to develop an in-house rental assistance program, has prevented evictions and potential homelessness for residents living in BHC communties. Through September 15, BHC has allocated $3,652 to five families that were unable to pay their rent due to unexpected economic circumstances. Four of these families had experienced job loss or reduction in hours, and the other was robbed when purchasing their money order for rent.

All five families have lived in BHC communities for more than a year. Since receiving rental assistance, they have worked with BHC's Community Social Work Department to create budget plans for success going forward.

"At a time when families are stuggling to make ends meet, I'm glad that BHC can provide this additional resource," says Mary Kay Huss, VP, Property Management.

NEW FRIENDSHIP CAFE TO OPEN AT ROCKWOOD VILLAGE