Senior Center Best Practices

Managers, Directors and Center Personnel

Senior Center Best Practices

Category
Nutrition Event, Marketing Your Center, Community Event, Volunteer Projects

Senior Center/Nutrition Program/Organization Name
Rose Tucker Center

Address
128 W. Washington St., Nanticoke, PA 18634

Phone Number
570-735-1670

E-Mail
MHaydt@Aging.Luzerne-Wyoming.org

Contact Person
Maureen Haydt

Event Name
Rose Tucker Partnership and Tele-Health Monitor System

Description/Overview
The Rose Tucker Center in partnership with the Mercy Special Care Hospital, Nanticoke, PA are in the process of introducing a new program. This program is a new tele-health monitoring system which will be the first of its kind to be offered in a senior center. The Center is also the first of its kind in Luzerne/Wyoming Counties that is in partnership with a hospital.

The monitor will help those with CHF, COPD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of cardiac surgery, etc. The Health Monitoring System helps to identify health risks early and prevent them from escalating into something more serious. The system may help the patient live a more active lifestyle and reduce Emergency Department visits and unnecessary hospital stays.

The Telemonitor System includes the monitor, a scale, and a blood pressure cuff. The equipment will be set up so the participant can easily use it every day. The monitor turns on by itself and lets you know that it is time to collect vital signs. Voice prompts and text on the monitor face guides you through each step. After the monitor collects the information it sends it to the health care provides. If there are any concerns, the health care provides will notify the participants physician. The entire process takes only a few minutes, all information is confidential.

This program is a work in progress. Twenty five participants have signed up. The first step is the setting up of this system and the area in which it will be located. Fifteen participants have been chosen by how many have the same physicians. At this time this will include three local physicians. The program will begin the end of July, beginning of August.

We also have the privilege and cooperation of the Mercy Special Care Hospitals various departments coming to the center to speak on topics which are geared toward nutrition, health and wellness. Hospital staff is always helpful and cooperative to members and staff. Lunch menus along with monthly calendars are distributed in the outpatient waiting area of the hospital. Staff is kept informed on any public medical issues by being able to attend hospital staff meetings.

After 25 years of being in the same location the center was relocated to the hospital. This move was a challenge due to it being a central location in the city of Nanticoke with three high rise apartments close by. Members were reluctant to the change, but with our announcement in the local newspapers on what events, activities, fund raisers such as bus trips, hoagie sales, in the future tage sale, bake sales, entertainment and an upcoming cook book publication and because of our current members, previous members and our new member, our volunteers and all involved because of their dedication and commitment to our center the move is a success.

Time and Manpower
Move - much time and manpower due to the move Tele-Monitor System - just beginning because of work in progress

Marketing
Luzerne County Community College, floral shops, bakeries, Mercy Special Care Hospital, flyers, newspapers.

Audience Served
People 60 years of age and older.

Partnerships Utilized
Mercy Special Care Hospital, Luzerne County Community College.

Budget/Costs
N/A

Impact On Center
Member and community involvement

Good Tips/Other
Be compassionate, caring and understanding of others.