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Senior Health & Wellness Program

Health promotion is an extremely important topic that needs to be targeted to specialized audiences in Wyoming Valley. While there are many programs and agencies involved in this process, the Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Wilkes-Barre entered into a vigorous wellness program under a grant from the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Over one year ago from July 1 2006-June 30, 2007, JFS initiated this program and reached out to over 200 seniors in the Valley with a cardiovascular prevention program, concentrating on nutrition and physical activity. Using a variety of partners, the Program provided an opportunity to provide general lectures and information about this topic, and most importantly, allowed for one on one sessions with individuals whose medications, blood pressure, and other health related factors were discussed. The partners included the following:

• Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne/ Wyoming Counties
• Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy
• Marywood University
• ManorCare
• YMCA of Wyoming Valley
• Odyssey Fitness Center
• Steps to a Healthier PA for Luzerne County
• Penn State Cooperative Extension Service

The excellent cooperation received enabled JFS staff to reach out to the following venues in the community to provide this service. The facility locations included the following:

• Jewish Community Center
• Pittston Senior Center
• Kingston Senior Center
• Charles T. Adams Senior Center
• Temple B’nai Brith Apartments

Both a pre- assessment questionnaire and a post-assessment questionnaire were utilized to determine the presence of any health related issues, and the results of the year end program. Very positive feedback occurred regarding the educational programs, and the one on one sessions.

JFS staff support was provided by the agency Executive Director, Social Worker, and Administrative Assistant/Special Program Director. The latter made all of the arrangements for meetings and follow up sessions that were held.

At each venue, there were at least three sessions during the year. A variety of presentations included a physician, social worker, nutritionist, physical activity specialist, and several students and faculty from the Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy who accomplished many of the one on one sessions. The students were mainly 5th and 6th year students.

Benefits of the Program

• Provides assistance to seniors in the community, 60 years or older, in maintaining positive nutritional and physical activity habits.
• Identifies problem areas that can be corrected through the role that the various partners play in assisting seniors.
• Allows the Wilkes University students to have practical experience regarding medical situations that may come their way after graduation.
• Presents written and verbal information that can be easily understood and utilized both at the sessions and at home.
• Establishes a partnership between and among agencies and organizations that work closely together toward a common goal.
• Enables the sponsoring agency to demonstrate not only its capabilities in counseling and case management, but in bringing an important wellness and health message to many people in the community.
• Causes a connection for older people in the community between their individual interests and needs and that of others who can offer technical skills in helping to create a better quality of life for those served.