LIHU‘E — The Agency on Elderly Affairs, in partnership with the Kaua‘i District Health Office, will be offering another series of workshops for seniors and their caregivers on the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, according to a county press release.
The CDSMP program was developed by Stanford University for people with chronic health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, emphysema, heart conditions, high blood pressure and more.
Details about the CDSMP program can be found on the Stanford University Web site, patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html.
Entitled “Ke Ola Pono: Healthy Living,” the workshops are scheduled to begin this summer and will be held once a week for six weeks at various locations around the island.
Although the dates and locations of the workshops are not firm yet, names and phone numbers of interested persons are being taken by the Agency on Elderly Affairs.
The workshops will be facilitated by two leaders, with up to 16 participants and their caregivers. Priority will be given to seniors 60 years and older.
To attend the workshops, there is a $12 registration fee. A limited number of scholarships are available for seniors.
Participants will be introduced to practical skills for healthy living while managing their ongoing health condition.
Among the topics to be covered are: techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.
Many who have taken the workshops have commented that the information covered and skills learned have helped them better manage their chronic conditions.
One participant said, “It is a relaxing atmosphere, and before we knew it, we were all sharing things that helped each other … learning to make an action plan is the most important thing I learned.”
Another noted, “I am feeling better and have learned skills to better control my symptoms and manage my life.”
The workshops are part of a statewide initiative called Healthy Aging Partnership — Empowering Elders.
On Kaua‘i, the workshops are being offered through the Healthy Aging Project Partnership, which includes the Agency on Elderly Affairs, the Kaua‘i District Health Office, Chronic Disease Management and Control Branch, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity, Inc., and Terri Halliday/50+ Lifelong Fitness and Dr. Arnulfo Diaz.
To register for the workshops or for more information, contact Charlyn Nakamine with the Agency on Elderly Affairs at 241-4470.
If an American Sign Language interpreter, materials in an alternate format or auxiliary aid assistance is needed, please call the Agency on Elderly Affairs at least five business days prior to the start of the workshops.
