News from WNYSeniorCare.org

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2006

Web-based Senior Care Assessment Tool Receives Oishei Implementation Grant

The Western New York Foundation for Homes and Services for the Aging (WNYFHSA) has received a $60,000 grant from The John R. Oishei Foundation to develop a web-based senior care assessment questionnaire that will provide guidance to caregivers of senior citizens.

The Senior Care Assessment Tool will soon be available for use at www.wnyseniorcare.org. It was developed by members and senior care professionals at WNYFHSA and its affiliate, the Western New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (WNYAHSA). Over the last 18 months, it has been tested, reviewed and refined by families, senior care professionals and geriatricians throughout Western New York.

The user-friendly Senior Care Assessment Tool is the first web-based tool of its kind. It is designed for families who are encountering a major caregiver challenge and may not know how to move forward obtaining the right type of help for the senior.

“Our goal is to provide the missing link between caregivers who don’t know where to turn and the myriad of services in Western New York available to them and their senior family member,” said Ruthie L. Hunt, president of WNYFHSA.

Internet technology will enable caregivers to fill out a questionnaire that focuses on areas such as the senior’s nutritional needs, level of family support, behavioral changes, safety and mobility.

Based on the results of the questionnaire, the web tool will retrieve a set of recommendations for community or facility-based services by specific geographic area. The tool will also link users to more information on senior care, as well as key public and private organizations that can provide additional help.

“Ultimately, the Senior Care Assessment Tool will offer families a framework for initiating conversation with senior care professionals and medical providers – and improve senior health care in Western New York, which has a growing aging population,” Hunt said.

The John R. Oishei Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, healthcare, scientific research and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation.

WNYFHSA and its affiliate represent 70 not-for-profit facilities for seniors throughout Western New York. These facilities provide nursing home care, assisted living, rehabilitation care, home health care, independent living and associated community services. WNYFHSA also provides many educational opportunities for administrators and staff of member facilities to develop skills and programs that enhance quality senior care.

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