Donations Help Two Senior-Related Programs in Central Washington

From a press release - UnitedHealthcare is donating $39,000 to help Chelan Valley Hope and Lake Chelan Lutheran Church (LCLC) implement innovative programs that deliver coordinated, whole-person care for seniors in rural Washington communities.

The grants are part of UnitedHealthcare’s effort to identify and support organizations in Washington that help seniors, individuals with disabilities and disadvantaged people live healthier lives. Washington state ranks 42nd in the nation for community support for seniors, according to the 2017 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report, and less than half of adults age 65 and older reported their health was very good or excellent.

“These grants will help two of our community partners expand critical face-to-face health assistance and improve care coordination for underserved seniors in rural areas that often lack transportation and access to doctors,” said Doug Bowes, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington.

Chelan Valley Hope will receive a $15,500 grant to initiate its Tender Loving Care for Seniors Program, which aims to improve seniors’ health through the support of a trained “friend” volunteer. The funds will enable 30 in-home volunteers to assist seniors.

“Many seniors are reluctant to seek help for essential needs and would benefit from a home-based ‘friend’ program in Chelan Valley,” said Sharon Lukacs, executive director of Chelan Valley Hope. “This grant from UnitedHealthcare helps address multiple barriers for seniors who experience complex conditions and geographic and social isolation.”

Lake Chelan Lutheran Church (LCLC) is receiving a $23,500 grant to fund a home visit program for adults with limited mobility. During these home visits, registered nurses will review their access to health services and provide an assessment of their medications. The program aims to identify older adults at risk for high blood pressure via monthly screenings and other preventive services.

“We thank UnitedHealthcare for this grant that will enable us to enhance our program and reach individuals on a one-to-one basis,” said Rev. Paul Palumbo, pastor of Lake Chelan Lutheran Church.  “In a small community such as ours, it is important to reach out to those most isolated by age, infirmity and health disorders to better assess, educate and show compassion.”

UnitedHealthcare serves more than 1.1 million people in Washington state enrolled in employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare and Medicaid health plans with a network of 97 hospitals and more than 38,000 physicians and other care providers statewide.

To learn more, visit uhccommunityplan.com.