New Avenues to Independence, Inc. has developed a comprehensive and coordinated Seniors Program that provides services that are specialized to the needs of the aging and aged adult with disabilities. The overall goals of the program are:
- To maintain and improve the level of physical and mental health required to functionally perform in the environment
- To develop interest and participation in meaningful activities that will enhance the individual's quality of life
These goals form the basis for individual and group programming and offer direction to provide quality services for the program participants.
Four defined program areas are designed to meet individual needs and achieve the program goals. They include an emphasis on the following:
1. Reality Orientation
Reality orientation is a program that brings awareness to the individual regarding the time, place, persons or things of interest that will help him/her become grounded in reality. This segment of programming helps the individual determine where s/he is, who he is, what surrounds him in the environment, and what relationship and responsibility he has to them.
2. Nutrition and Health
This program is divided into three areas: educational, nutritional meals and health check-ups.
In conjunction with nutrition, health screenings are a necessary part of the seniors’ program. With the aid of the agency’s residential and nursing staff, areas such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, personal hygiene and special health concerns are monitored regularly.
3. Physical Fitness Development
The objective of the physical fitness program segment addresses the physical activity necessary to perform everyday functional tasks, such as climbing steps, walking, dressing and undressing, rising from a seated position, stooping or bending, entering and exiting a vehicle, etc.
Through a structured program design of therapeutic exercise, recreational activities and aquatic therapy, physical fitness in the areas of muscular strength, conditioning and endurance, motor skill coordination, flexibility of the joints and relaxation training are accomplished.
4. Activities of Daily Living
Functional, age-appropriate activities for program participants are a major component of the Seniors Program. They provide a meaningful way for the individual to develop and express his/her interests, become involved in productive activities, and provide a sense of pride and accomplishment, while being an important part of a social group.
For more information, please contact the Vocational Services Director at (216) 481-1909 x253 or
cloehrke@newavenues.net.