Giselle Lopez was quite concerned about her aging father and finding the care he needed at home. Connecting with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging at Windham Hospital, resource coordinator Joseph Zuzel arranged an in-home assessment and therapists, a home companion and personal care attendant to enable the older gentleman to remain at home. “I am so happy with the Center for Healthy Aging and relieved by the services put in place,” Lopez said.
The new Center for Healthy Aging at Windham Hospital provides community resources and connections to services, providing solutions to many challenges facing older adults and their loved ones/caregivers throughout the aging process. Comprehensive services include: one on- one consultations with geriatric specialists and resource coordinators, education, home safety assessments and recommendations and referrals to caregivers, medication support, living options, adult day care programs, geriatric care management and much more.
The holistic approach to care incorporates the GoodLife Fitness Program and Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network Older Adults Program. GoodLife Fitness, an individualized exercise program, helps older individuals build energy, strength and balance to support an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Pre-and post- rehabilitation are also offered.
The Behavioral Health Network serves men and women ages 55 and older who are struggling with mental illness or substance abuse. Multiple approaches are used to engage clients in the treatment process with a goal of improving overall functioning. “We help individuals navigate the complex medical and resource world so that they can get the assistance they need and deserve. Community contacts are essential to success and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging makes those connections,” Zuzel said.