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CONTACT SCBJ John Wolcott, Editor jwolcott@scbj.com Dave Clark, Assistant Editor dclark@scbj.com

Providence provides senior health care services

By John Wolcott

SCBJ Editor

Aging seniors often need more than simply medical care. Many of them need help to live independently in their homes or to deal with everyday living while battling cancer.

That’s why Providence Health System’s faith-based services to senior citizens provides those types of services through its Senior and Community Services programs.

“Our senior services programs in Western Washington provide help for those who want to live independently but need assistance in some areas,” said Tim Serban, director of mission integration and spiritual care at Providence Everett Medical Center in Everett.

In Snohomish County, Providence Home Care provides services to patients who are confined to their homes and those in need of skilled health care. The Home Health Team includes the patient’s physician, medical directors available for consultation and registered and practical nurses who assist with health care needs as well as patient and family education.

Also, medical social workers offer support and assistance with solving problems and provide referrals for needed community services. Physical, speech and occupational therapists assist with rehabilitation and daily living activities and home health aides assist older people with personal care such as dressing, bathing and preparing meals.

The spiritual needs of the elderly are provided by Providence’s Senior and Community Services chaplains who offer spiritual comfort and social interaction. Volunteers for Providence is another group that provides patient transportation to appointments and light housekeeping or errand services.

Providence Home Services is another part of the division’s wide-ranging programs, offering help that reflects the Sisters of Providence’s values of respect, compassion, justice, excellence and stewardship.

Home Services also provides high-skilled nursing and therapy management for acute and chronic illnesses, under the director of each person’s physician, and also provides exercise programs, blood pressure checks and regularly evaluating of vital body conditions.

Providence ElderPlace in Seattle’s Rainier Valley, for instance, is an innovative program of health care and social services for older adults. Services such as primary and specialty medical care, a day health program, social work services and even housing enable many seniors to live a healthy, independent lifestyle they otherwise could not achieve.

Serban said the entire Providence Health System leaders gathered in April to explore changing senior health needs and services, with an emphasis on cancer care. The Providence programs are part of a national elder care style of helpful and healthful living known as a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly ( PACE), the only one in the state.

In Seattle, for instance, Providence provides transportation to the ElderPlace center each day, where seniors enjoy a hot meal and socialization with staff and other elderly citizens living on their own. While at ElderPlace they also meet with physicians and agencies that provide social services to help keep them healthy and independent in their community.

“Because of advancements in care and an improved survival rate, having cancer no longer necessarily means hospitalization or being fatal,” Serban said. “Instead, we’re beginning to look at how to provide long-term care for cancer as a chronic condition.”

In some areas, Providence services include rent-subsidized apartments for low-income elderly and disabled seniors at places such as Providence’s Elizabeth House, Vincent House, Peter Claver House and Gamelin House, all in Seattle. Also, Heritage House at the Market offers affordable assisted living to seniors over 62 in an urban community environment at Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

More information is available through www.providence.org.