Lebanon – Lancaster – Lycoming

1. Lebanon – Lancaster – Lycoming

2. Introduction to LIFE • LIFE Programs are community home based programs supporting • Individuals who want to stay living in an independent living environment • and can do so safely with the supports from LIFE. • Eligibility • You must be age 55 or older • Meet eligibility from the Area Agency on Aging • You must live in an area served by a LIFE Center • You must be able to live safely in the community

3. LIFE Program • Who is a candidate for LIFE? • Frequent Hospitalizations/Rehab visits • Medical Diagnosis unmanaged • Medications mismanaged • Has chronic and/or complex medical needs • Families struggling to help manage medical care • Individuals who typically isolate themselves • And/ meets financial eligibility or can private pay

4. Participants and Caregivers Benefit • “Mom used to enjoy social activities, but now she doesn’t get out of the house at all.” • “Dad forgets to take his pills – which lands him in the ER frequently. I need help reminding him to take his pills • “Gram is not eating right. She’s lost so much weight. How can I encourage her to eat more nutritiously?” • “It seems like my brother is in the hospital more than he is at home. I don’t know how to help him.” • “Aunt Bea cannot be home alone and I work during the day. How do keep her safe?”

5. What do LIFE Services Include? • Transportation to and from LIFE Center • Physician Services • Medicine Management • Nursing • Social Work • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Recreational Therapy and Activities • Nutrition Counseling • Meals and Snacks • Personal Care (Bathing and Grooming

6. Day in the LIFE • Adult Day Health Services Center – number of days determined by need 1-5 days • Access physical therapy • Have blood work taken • Visit the clinic, see Doctor or Nurse • Have social interaction • Eat healthy lunch • Transportation to and from the center • Transportation to specialists

7. Mary’s Story Mary on her own: Mary is 84. She qualifies for nursing home placement, but prefers to remain at home. She has congestive heart failure and frequently visits the emergency room. On Monday, Mary wakes not feeling well so she stays in bed most of the day. On Tuesday her ankles are swollen and she is beginning to have difficulty breathing. On Wednesday morning, a friend stops by and discovers Mary in bed, unable to get up. The friend calls 911. An ambulance takes Mary to the emergency room where she is admitted to intensive care. After a grueling experience, her condition stabilizes and Mary returns home where she worries about the next ‘episode.’ Mary experiencing Albright’s LIFE program: Now imagine Mary is enrolled in the Albright LIFE program. On Monday, though she does not feel well, Mary wakes, dresses, and waits for the Albright LIFE van driver who will take her to the LIFE Center. Once there, a certifiednursing assistant notices that Mary is not quite herself and recommends that Mary see the on-site physician, who is already familiar with her heart condition. The physician prescribes medication, which is provided to Mary onsite. A certified nursing assistant from the Albright LIFE program checks on Mary in her home that evening to be sure she is taking her medication and her condition is not worsening. Mary’s condition is closely monitored every day by LIFE staff . There is no call to 911. She avoids an emergency room visit and other hospital services. Mary’s health and quality of life are much improved. Mary can now live independently safely and in the comfort of her own surroundings.

8. Questions?

9. How can I refer? • LIFE Lebanon: • Lori Brandt: LIFE Director of Outreach • Direct: (717) 376-1442 • Lori.Brandt@albrightcare.org • LIFE Lancaster: • Mitzi Dye: Community Outreach Coordinator • Direct: (717) 381-4333 • Mitzi.Dye@albrightcare.org • LIFE Lycoming: • Valerie Jo Roberts: LIFE Outreach Coordinator • Direct: (570) 601-8423 • Valerie.Roberts@albrightcare.org