Membership program is the first of its kind in New York state
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Jewish Home has announced the launch of Living Well Connections, a proactive care coordination program designed to help older adults manage their healthcare needs and, ultimately, remain independent and in their homes longer.
Proactive planning to navigate life’s challenges is key for this comprehensive program, vs. being reactive to a health-care crisis. Living Well Connections is a membership program for older adults of Monroe County who join when they are relatively healthy and independent — making a plan with personal guidance that empowers members to control their own future with a support team and financial plan in place to enable aging in place before urgent needs arise.
Living Well Connections is the first program of its kind in the Rochester area as well as in New York state. It is the newest of the “Jewish Home At Home” aging-in-place initiatives that provide the services and support needed to remain at home for as long as possible. These include Licensed Home and Companion Care, Rehabilitation Wellness Home Physical Therapy, Physician House Calls, and TekHub technology support.
AARP reports that nearly 90 percent of older adults want to age in their own homes. However, the reality is 70 percent will need long-term care and yet only one third have planned for future care needs.
The Living Well Connections care coordination spans several areas of advocacy and support, from assisting with medical appointments and managing health-care communication to nutrition guidance and ensuring one’s home is safe and accessible. The services are powered by the trusted and compassionate care Jewish Home has provided the community for more than a century.
“Jewish Home is extending innovative solutions and our existing services beyond our campus walls, to help older adults stay in their homes and in control of their futures,” said Michael S. King, Jewish Home President & CEO. “Making a proactive plan to independently age in place empowers older adults and provides peace of mind for their families.”
Membership-based personal care coordination
Memberships include the development and maintenance of a personalized and evolving care plan with tailored goals to address health conditions, cognitive status, and daily living needs. Living Well Connections members are offered discounts on various “Jewish Home At Home” services, including TekHub for tech-device support and licensed home care and companion care, as well as a discount on financial-management services offered by Lifespan.
Each member receives an in-depth assessment, which includes quarterly home visits from a personal care coordinator, so they can identify first-hand what modifications may be needed to ensure safety and independence. While the personal care coordinator will make recommendations, the member actively participates in the creation and implementation of the care plans and remains in control of all decisions.
Focus groups were conducted to help determine pricing and services related to potential needs of healthy older adults. In addition, there are similar programs in a handful of other states that serve as a model.
Living Well Connections members will be invited to wellness, educational, cultural, and social events included in the membership fee, in addition to optional fee-based activities offered.
Jewish Home has added a new position to oversee the Living Well Connections program, welcoming Alana Russell, LCSW, to the team as Program Director & Care Coordinator.
“Our goal is to help you remain independent while knowing you have an experienced team in your corner before a crisis arises,” Russell said. “Your care coordinator serves as an educator, guide, advocate, and partner, helping you navigate decisions and understand options. Together, we plan ahead and adjust supports as your needs change.”
Ongoing wellness and care coordination
Personal care coordination, on behalf of a Living Well Connections member, provides support such as:
- Helping navigate the complicated healthcare system to get needs met
- Assistance scheduling medical appointments with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers
- Accompanying a member to an in-person appointment
- Assisting with transitions of care and hospital discharge planning
- Note: The member would assist in coordinating HIPAA authorizations for the personal care coordinator
- Communicating with established healthcare providers and family members to ensure continuity of care
- Identifying and initiating referrals for vetted social services, community resources, and support services. This includes access to a curated network of pre-screened home service providers (home repair, housekeeping, lawn care, transportation, meal delivery, and more).
- Coordinating and processing insurance benefits and medical bills
- Addressing social wellness and emotional health alongside physical health, as social connection is considered a proactive health strategy, to foster activity and combat loneliness
About Jewish Home
For more than 100 years, Jewish Home has been helping older adults live their best lives. Guided by foundational principles, Jewish Home embraces the idea of home as a place where families gather, care for one another, and welcome all. Jewish Home offers all levels of care — from independent living to skilled nursing on their Rochester campus to a variety of services throughout the community. As the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Rochester, Jewish Home is proud to be recognized for quality care and customer satisfaction—earning CARF International accreditation, as well as being certified a Great Place to Work® since 2020. For more information visit JewishHomeRoc.org or @jewishhomeroc on social media.