SeniorServ Practice

I chose my practicum site because of several reasons. Selecting SeniorServ practicum has numerous benefits to facilitate selecting public health career. As an intern, I have the opportunity to experience the type of work that could be performed in the position, to determine if my skills match the work that is essential and to evaluate whether that work is what I could see myself accomplishment day in and day out in a enjoyable career. One of the fastest growing areas of health care is elder care.

As people age and find themselves with increased health issues, the need for dependent care often tops their list as they plan for the years ahead. More and more seniors are choosing to stay in their homes as long as possible and that can put a burden on the primary caregivers who may not have the time or the ability to provide the necessary care. Providing a healthy, interactive environment for the dependent adult can give the caregivers relief from constant care for their loved one. There are many opportunities in the adult day care area. Maybe one of these is a perfect match for me. SeniorServ Adult Health Day Care is a non-profit, client centered, day program for older adults living in the Orange County Area.

Most of our participants vary in levels of dependency from mild to severe and often have a chronic illness. SeniorServ's main goal is to keep families and their loved ones united within their respective communities and homes for as long as possible through an integrated care program which includes daily activities, Physical ; occupational therapies, nursing and personal care services. SeniorServ Adult Health Day Care operate smoothly is challenging and rewarding. There are opportunities in planning events, transportation, scheduling, finance, public relations/ presentations, fundraising, supervision, crisis management and recruitment as well as meaningful daily interaction with the program participants we serve. Each brings its own reward.IntroductionFor 50 years SeniorServ has been the largest nonprofit senior nutrition and supportive service provider in Orange County, serving nearly one million meals to over 10,000 at-risk older adults annually.

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We deliver programs and services that reduce hunger and improve wellness for seniors so that they may live independently in the homes and communities they love. The organization was originally incorporated in 1967 as Feedback Foundation. In 2006 Feedback Foundation and Senior Meals and Services merged creating SeniorServ, providing the capacity for meeting the growing and diverse needs of older adults in our community. SeniorServ leverages its 22,000 square foot commercial kitchen and warehouse to process all our foods while providing social enterprise opportunities to the community at large.SeniorServ is proud to celebrate 50 years of programs and services that diminish hunger and loneliness for penurious seniors. Although a lot has changed since our humble beginnings in 1967, one thing that has remained is our commitment to helping older adults stay in their homes, preserve their dignity, and maintain their independence.

With your support, we can give support – bringing them healthy meals, providing friendship, and, often, offering the only human contact they have all week long. Home-delivered meals, Case Management, Adult Day Services, health related rehabilitation. Friendly Visitors, Care Circles, and Care Coordination work at keeping seniors in Orange County living in the homes and communities they love. Good nutrition is the basis of good health. Meals on Wheels and Senior Center lunches throughout the county deliver healthy nutrition. Adult Day Health Care safeguards health through supervision, and therapies. Care Coordination reduces health risks after hospitalization. Compassionate care in our Adult Day Health Centers, friends and activities at Adult Day Services, companionship from a Friendly Visitor and support from a Care Circle are just a few ways SeniorServ makes sure older adults are happy, connected and feeling loved.

MissionTo nourish the wellness, purpose, and dignity of seniors and their families in our community.Values of SeniorServCompassion: We are caring ; compassionate in all we do. Integrity: We are always honest and ethical. Respect: We treat every person with dignity and respect. Excellence: We deliver on our mission with excellence and professionalism. Communication: We listen and speak openly with each other. Innovation: We create an environment where innovation and possibilities thrive. Indispensable GoalsCollaborate with other elder advocates and seniors focused organizations to develop a strategy for the enactment of federal and state legislation that is of benefit to California older adults.

Ensure that basic, essential in-home and in facility support services, both medical and non-medical are available to older senior adults.Develop a patient-centered community case management model for chronic care and successful transitions along the care continuum including transitions from and to hospitals, other care facilities, and homes. Explore and implement best practices for integrated assessment and treatment mental health, substance abuse, and cognitive decline, including access to a geriatric treatment progress.Enhance awareness of the importance of nutrition, exercise, brain fitness, socialization, and spirituality in the aging well process.Service Delivered in SeniorServAdult Day Health Care (ADHC) is designed for individuals with physical and mental impairments under SeniorServ.

This center provides supportive therapies to enable individuals and their loved ones to maintain as much as daily independence as possible. Nursing and MedicalPersonal Care Physical TherapyOccupational TherapySpeech and Cognitive TherapySocial ServicesDietary ; Nutritional ServicesStimulating Exercise HallTransportationRespite for CaregiversWeekly Public Health Awareness Discussion SessionsCollaborations with Other Organizations ; AgenciesSeniorServ has deep collaboration with other organizations and agencies for effective implications. Agencies and organizations are as follows:Alignment HealthcareKaiser PermanenteSCANSt, Joseph HealthActive Care LivingSilveradoLocations of SeniorServAnaheim Health Day Care CenterSanta Ana/ Tustin Health Day Care CenterBuena Part Senior CenterPreceptor's CredentialsMr. Giovanni Corzo, vice president home & Care Services, Overseas SeniorServ's direct care services.

Chair of the OneCare Connect Member Advisory Committee (OCCMAC). He represents California MediConnect Plan member (Medicare-Medicaid). Important Public Health Issues Being Addressed in Practicum SiteChronic

Health Conditions: More than 80% of elderlies have at least heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer.

Cognitive Health: The most mutual cognitive health issue facing the elderly is dementia, the loss of those cognitive functions.

The most generic form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, though there is no cure for dementia, a treatment plan & medications to manage this disease is helpful, like different activities, puzzle-based exercises. SeniorServ has fully fledged sections under physical therapy, occupational therapy and aids for above purpose.

Mental Health: A common mental disorder among seniors is depression. Unfortunately, this mental disorder, often undiagnosed & undertreat. But social and other activities-based exercises are very helpful to ease. Promoting lifestyle of healthy living such as betterment of living condition and social support from family, friends or supporting groups can help treat depression. SeniorServ has daily activities including " Lets color it" , Música and health awareness sessions.

Physical Injuries: The leading cause of injury among elderlies is increasing, due to age, bones cause to shrink and muscle to lose strength & flexibility, senior are most vulnerable. These problems are handled at SeniorServ through education, increased physical activities and practical modification.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition in older adults leads to health complications, such as a weakened immune system and muscle weakness. Registered Dietitian and nutrition staff SeniorServ are doing their job to work on healthy breakfast & lunch at regular basis.Sensory

Impairments: Sensory impairments, such as vision and hearing, are extremly common for elders. Regading eyes and ears, nursing center take care on daily basis.Bladder Control & Constipation: Incontinence and constpation are common cmplications in senior adults.

Center manages elders' food according to their digestive condition. Nursing staff and caregivers are always ready to manage elders' needs. My Contributions at SeniorServHelped Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy staff during therapy sessions.Helped caregivers and nutritional staff during their serving and preparation time.Assisted Activity director during daily tasks and lead small groups.Be part of team who prepared health literature for awareness.

I lead small group sessions on public health awareness topics as: Fast Food: Good or Bad Nutrition and Diet Engineered Food for Health Role of Genes in spreading diseases Alcoho, Tobacco and other legal & Illegal Drugs Benefits of Spices, Herbs & Minerals Relationship of Practicum Activities to Student's Academic WorkMy specialty in public health is a reason that I chose SeniorServ for my practicum.Active Living Every Day (ALED) at SeniorServ uses facilitated group-based problem-solving methods to integrate physical activity into everyday living.Enhance Fitness Program is highly adaptable exercise program offering levels that are challenging enough for active older adults and levels that are safe enough for the unfit or near frail.Healthy Moves for Aging Well is a simple and safe in-door physical activity intervention developed and tested by Partners in Care to enhance the activity level of frail, high-risk sedentary seniors living at home.

Usefullness, Impact ; Relevance of Selected Practicum on My Planned CareerDuring my stay at SeniorServ, I learned so many new things plus polished my existing skills.I am planning to work for wellness center or advising center that gives awareness in public health, regarding nutrition, healthy activities and social interactions.My Recommendations for the Future Direction of Practicum SiteI recommended them for health awareness discussion among seniors. I started that since in the beginning on weekly basis.I touched topics on nutrition, healthy living, daily fitness exercises.I talked to different senior groups on general health.I recommended to director that talk to individuals and find out their interest and link that help to improve their health.Recommended and be part of leading short talks about health and social issues.Practicum Students should have access to seniors' personal/medical records.

Due to my recommendations, I assist SeniorServ's nutritional staff. All centers like SeniorServ don't allow volunteer to physical help in PT & OT areas without initial training. Center is ready to do arrangements for practicum/Inter/volunteers to have initial PT & OT initial training.Evaluations of Overall Practicum Experience & SuggestionsInvolve older adult and youth groups in planning appropriate intergenerational volunteer opportunities for seniors to remain engaged in the community.Integrate a wide range of updated older adult health, recreational, and fitness related activities, such as Pilates and spinning, into existing programsTo enhance the quality of academic learning about elder care issues and policy in various disciplines by integrating meaningful community service into coursework.

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