Dukes County Health Council Injury and Fall Prevention for the Elders on Martha’s Vineyard 2008 Rural Health Scholars Project Follow Up

DCHC Vision Statement: Our vision is a healthy community with seamless, complementary, coordinated and accessible health and wellness services for the residents of Martha’s Vineyard.

DCHC Mission: The Dukes County Health Council is a coalition of community members, public officials, health practitioners, and health organizations working together to promote community-wide health and wellness.

Rural Scholars Report Recommendations Improve lighting in community, safe sidewalks (Mass in Motion) ensure safe cross walks (Mass in Motion) Preventative referrals form healthcare providers Exercise classes at senior centers Improve substance abuse services and medication management Brown Bag days coordinated with RN vista to take vitals Utilize File of Life at all senior centers Pharmacy assistance with medications Additions to 55+: Monthly safey column in 55+ educational topics, links for community, preventative exercise programs; Educational Safety Article- increase awareness of environment safe footwear, assistive devices…pedestrian rules… A list of volunteers that shut ins and other elders can call at a central # for help with tasks ( shoveling snow, shopping etc) collaborate with high school community service

Rural Scholars Report Recommendations (continued) Home assessments available to all seniors (VNA grant?) Nutition and hydration education Educating healthcare providers: Grand rounds seminar series (assessment, pertinent questions to ask patients, improve knowledge of services, proper referral to appropriate services, include PT's etc) Identification of point person/group: Community organization that coordinates all MV elder healthcare and service to recognize redundancy and facilitate better use of island resources. Easy resource for providers, elders, caregivers. Elder Health Forum: Meeting of all island organizations, groups and individuals involved with elder care and support services. Includes presentations and round table discussions. Goal is to facilitate dialogue, recognize overlap and encourage collaboration and better use of resources for elder care on MV. Self care guide: Complement to caregiver's guide focus on elderly health and well being on the island. Recommended chapters: written by Dr. McMahon, Hospice, Elder services, Exercise instructors, COA, Pharmacist, island counselors Self care discussion group: guided discussion group meets once a week at COA.

Rural Scholars Report Summary Strengthen support system in elder community Establish a point person to make resources and services more accessible Education and collaboration between healthcare providers in and outside MVH

Island “Players” Identified Elder Services Senior Centers MD’s VNA Mass In Motion (Peg Regan) Walkability Committee (Bill Veno/Carol Kenney) Fitness Centers (Mansion House, YMCA, Workout) Vineyard Complementary Medicine MVH Rehab Staff

What now? 1. What is the role of the Rural Scholars in this follow up process? 2. How is the information processed, shared, utilized ? 3. How and to whom do the “players” report to? 4. Who decides on outcomes?

One last thought to ponder: How can elders and healthcare practitioners report/ track non-hospital visit falls?