Skip to main content

AAA7 training prepares leaders to offer chronic disease self-management classes

Lead Summary
By
-
By JENNI DOVYAK-LEWIS
AAA7


A number of community members were recently trained to lead and continue Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes in their community, thanks to the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7). 

The four-day training was facilitated by AAA7 staff members Vicky Abdella, RN, and Vicky Woyan, both Master Trainers for the Stanford University-developed Chronic Disease Self-Management Course.  With the completion of the training, 17 community members are now able to continue these important classes in Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike and Ross Counties.

“We are excited to see so many healthcare organizations and community members volunteer their time to bring these exceptional classes to the communities in our region,” stated Vicky Abdella, RN, Director of Community Services at the AAA7.  “This program, developed by Stanford University, has proven outcomes related to a beneficial effect on a health-related quality of life for individuals, as well as reductions in healthcare expenses.  We invite and urge individuals to give a class a try and see for themselves.  We also are welcome to inquiries from healthcare professionals to learn more about the program as they may identify individuals who could benefit from the class.”

The newly trained leaders represent a number of backgrounds including healthcare professionals, those who are caring for someone with a chronic disease, and individuals living with chronic disease, making it easier for them to identify with those taking the class.  Classes are highly interactive and focus on encouraging the individual to self-help while also encouraging others to overcome the barriers of living with a chronic condition.

If you have long-term health challenges such as asthma, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions, and wish to gain confidence and new skills to manage the condition, this class is what you have been waiting for.  The program consistently results in individuals having more energy, being more physically active, and having an overall improvement in their health and emotional well-being.

Interested individuals should call the AAA7 toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 and ask for extension 215 or 254 to inquire about or register for a class in their community.  Anyone is welcome to attend the free six-week workshop.  Don’t wait, call today, and pre-register for a class in your community to support a healthier you.

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay. The AAA7’s Resource Center is also available to anyone in the community looking for information or assistance with long-term care options.  Available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, the Resource Center is a valuable contact for learning more about options and what programs and services are available for assistance.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY: 711).  Here, individuals can speak directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs.  The Agency also offers an in-home assessment at no cost for those who are interested in learning more.  Information is also available on www.aaa7.org.


[[In-content Ad]]

Add new comment

This is not for publication.
This is not for publication.

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
Article comments are not posted immediately to the Web site. Each submission must be approved by the Web site editor, who may edit content for appropriateness. There may be a delay of 24-48 hours for any submission while the web site editor reviews and approves it. Note: All information on this form is required. Your telephone number and email address is for our use only, and will not be attached to your comment.
CAPTCHA This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.