Springwell has been recognized with an Aging Innovations Award presented by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The 2019 award is for their health coaching program: Partnering with Chronically Ill Patients to Improve Health and Well-Being.

There is never a day off from chronic illness and trying to maintain one’s health and well-being with a chronic illness can be a full-time job. A major local health system recognized the need for a new model of care to help chronically ill patients better manage their conditions and avoid hospitalization. Since 2017, Springwell has been partnering with these health providers to administer a program which provides medication review and recommendations alongside education and support to elders with diabetes, hypertension and COPD via a 6-8 week one-to-one coaching program. The data confirms that improving individuals’ understanding of their condition and empowering them to adopt healthy behaviors positively impacts their health, satisfaction and quality of life.

Jo White, Springwell’s Director of Health Partnerships, shares, “We couldn’t be happier with the results.  Professional, caring and compassionate Springwell staff are making a real difference in the patients’ lives, which helps make a real difference in their health.”

Perhaps even more important than the data is the participants’ enthusiasm and appreciation for the health coaches: “She is exceptionally professional, always caring and thoughtful. She provided good resources and was extremely patient.” “My two health coaches were very helpful. I learned about nutrition but also about mindfulness as it relates to nutrition.” “As a result of her help, I have seen a great difference in my numbers and I feel great.” “Overall the program really helped to improve the way I handle my diabetes.”

White, after accepting the award at the annual National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Conference, noted that “Springwell is pleased to receive recognition for partnering with a large health care provider to improve their patients’ management of chronic diseases. This innovative program that has produced remarkable outcomes in improved health and patient satisfaction could be replicated by other elder service agencies with a minimal investment of resources.”

“n4a is thrilled to present the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards to a diverse and talented group of Area Agencies on Aging. We are happy to say that every corner of the country is represented in the 2019 awards this year” said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of n4a. “The work the Innovations winners have done, especially, is remarkable. These AAAs have developed truly innovative programs in their communities to better meet the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. From programs that focus on healthy aging or transportation to nutrition or housing, we commend them all and urge them to continue creating great programs like the ones highlighted in this year’s 2019 Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards,” Markwood said.

Pictured above: Springwell’s Health Partnership Director, Jo White (center) accepts the 2019 Aging Innovation Award from n4a’s President, Deborah Stone-Walls (right), and Mark Henry of WellCare Health Plans, Inc, a n4a sponsor.