NAVIGATION PROGRAM
Allows Older Adults to Live Independently in their Homes
By Rebecca Holder
Do you live in a NORC with a SSP or a
Village? Would you want to live in one?
Believe it or not, those questions are being answered by growing numbers
of older adults throughout the US seeking to remain independent in their
homes and communities. In the Piedmont Triad, a third question is now
being posed?Do you want Navigation by Salemtowne?
For the unfamiliar, NORCs with SSPs (Naturally Occurring Retirement
Communities with Supportive Services Program^) and Villages came about
in the 1980s and 1990s as a way for older adults to remain in their homes while
accessing the services needed to make independence possible. In addition
to traditional home health care, among some of the services NORC/Village
participants can access are transportation, housekeeping, home repair and
maintenance, and social activities. Rather than move into a Continuing Care
Retirement Community (CCRC) to receive a complete continuum of care
and services, the care and services come to them.
"Navigation by Salemtowne is the first 'life care program' of its kind licensed
by the North Carolina Department of Insurance," explains Victoria P.
Moreno, Executive Director of Navigation by Salemtowne. "A life care
program provides a continuum of care, services, and care coordination on
a contractual basis in conjunction with a CCRC. More simply, the program
allows you to enjoy the autonomy and independence of living in your own
home with the security of a CCRC?the main difference is geography."
Though licensed through the Department of Insurance, Moreno notes
that Navigation by Salemtowne "isn't a long-term care insurance policy."
According to Moreno, ."It offers much more than just insurance. We offer
personalized, member-focused services in a membership-based program."
Applicants must meet certain criteria and then they simply pay a one-time
membership fee and an affordable monthly fee after that. There are three
membership options to choose from.
The services include care coordination from a personal Wellness Navigator,
emergency response system, home inspections, meal delivery, transportation,
home health aides, companion/homemakers, live-in companions, adult day
care, assisted living care, and skilled nursing care. At the heart of the program
is the care coordination by a Wellness Navigator (available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week) who guides the member in creating a personalized plan aimed
at making the most of now and anticipating the future.
Membership Director Elizabeth Hipsher finds potential members enthusiastic
about the program and filled with questions. In scheduled informational
seminars and one-on-one conversations with applicants, Hipsher states
many feel they do not need care now, so why do they need Navigation by
Salemtowne? "This is a proactive approach to keeping
them healthy and independent as long as possible,"
notes Hipsher. "And sometimes the application j
process helps shine a light on issues that applicants M
don't realize they have." If an applicant is denied for M
medical reasons, Hipsher uses the opportunity ?
to provide information and resources to address a
those issues. "Having a plan, whether you're a *
member of Navigation by Salemtowne or not,
is important. I try to help everyone continue in the
planning process."
1 f 1
"Navigation by Salemtowne offers another choice to individuals wanting to
remain in their homes," says Moreno. "Having that choice is reflective of our
vision?impacting, educating and empowering the older adult to live a full
and dynamic life!"
Piedmont Plus Senior Games
& Silver Arts Coming in MayJ
Applications to enter available now; early deadline is February 27
The kickoff for the 2015 Piedmont Plus Senior Games and Silver Arts was
held on January 30 and by the number of people attending, it will be
another great success.
Jessi Garrett, Senior Recreation Leader and Silver Arts Coordinator,
said, "The Senior Games provide an opportunity for amazing fellowship.
Participants cheer each other on, so it's not just about winning."
This is the 31st year that the Senior Games, a part of the national program,
has been held. Games begin April 30 and the awards reception will be
held on May 8. The SilverArts awards ceremony and reception will be
held on May 15.
The SilverArts division provides a stage to showcase the creative talents
of seniors, including visual arts, literary pieces, and performing artists.
The Heritage, Literary and Visual Exhibit will be held May 5-15 at South
Fork Community Center.
The Piedmont Plus Senior Games is the third largest in NC and winners
from these games go on to compete at the state and national levels.
Applications to enter the Senior Games or the SilverArts are available
from the City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department or by
going online to www.cityofws.org/departments/recreation-parks/seniors.