Taking Charge Articles
Taking Charge
Taking Charge of Your Health and Safety, a federally funded program headquartered at West Virginia University, has been busy since its October 1st kick-off. Brochures, information packets and workshops have been used to spread the word about health and safety issues that face West Virginia seniors.
The information packet was created to present information about the most common health issues in West Virginia: diabetes, arthritis, heart health, eating smart, staying active and preventing falls. The packet’s quick tip sheets contain information that includes everyday things seniors can do to help prevent and manage these common health issues.
The packet’s DVD has slide shows on each health and safety issue and provides detailed information on prevention and care. The DVD’s directories and listings provide information for service providers who specialize in or can offer further assistance for West Virginia’s most common health issues.
In addition to the information packets, Taking Charge, in collaboration with WVATS developed an assistive technology (AT) kit to introduce seniors to healthy exercise habits. The AT kits contain inexpensive pieces of exercise equipment, exercise publications and a how-to exercise card set.
Each kit includes information and AT on four categories of exercise important to health: strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.
The how-to exercise card set gives an overview of each exercise category, discusses safety issues and provides descriptions and pictures of specific exercises.
Taking Charge is looking for senior volunteers and community programs to help spread the word to their communities, families and friends about taking charge of these health issues so seniors can continue to be in charge of their lives and remain safe and independent in their own homes.
If you are interested in receiving a free information packet, becoming a volunteer, or would like Taking Charge staff to come to your senior center or community center to give a free presentation, call 800-841-8436 or e-mail takingcharge@hsc.wvu.edu.
Taking Charge project counties
- Berkeley
- Boone
- Braxton *
- Cabell
- Greenbrier *
- Hardy
- Harrison
- Jefferson
- Kanawha
- Marion *
- Marshall *
- McDowell *
- Monongalia
- Putnam
- Summers *
- Taylor
- Wirt
* Indicates free home assessment pilot counties. Seniors living in those counties may be eligible for free AT to help maintain independent living.
'Taking Charge'
The Center for Excellence in Disabilities is partnering with the West Virginia University Extension Service and Community Living Initiatives Corporation (CLIC) on a new program, "Taking Charge of Your Health and Safety." The program, which started October 1st, is developing and delivering health promotion materials for rural seniors with the help of established senior networks like the Community Educational Outreach Service, county senior centers, and other community programs.
The project's goal is to help motivate rural seniors to take responsibility for their health and wellness so that they can remain independent as they age.
CLIC will be recruiting fifty low income seniors in Braxton, Greenbrier, Marion, Marshall, McDowell and Summers counties through their local senior centers. Trained home assessment teams will provide these eligible individuals with individualized safety recommendations, assistive technology and training in necessary environmental modifications.
Social Work graduate student, Mary Slabinski, will be working with Stacy Miller to develop health information materials for seniors and for senior educator volunteers.
If you would like to learn more about 'Taking Charge,' please call 304-293-4692 x1185 or e-mail takingcharge@hsc.wvu.edu
