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Testimonials

"It has been a great experience working with Senior Services of Seattle/King County to bring the Senior Wellness Project to Maine. Even though we are across the country, we always feel that the Senior Services team is close-by whenever we need them for guidance or support. It has been wonderful to see the positive outcomes older adults in our communities have achieved as a result of participating in this project!"

—Elaine McMahon, MS, RN
Wellness Program Manager
MaineHealth Partnership for Healthy Aging
Portland, ME

"Diabetes is among the most common chronic conditions to affect our aging population, and caring for these patients poses demanding challenges on our health care system. One of the most difficult issues is that the control of diabetes relies upon the patient's own self-care practices in regards to physical activity and nutrition. We undertook a clinical trial with Medicaid and Medicare patients with diabetes and used the Health Enhancement Program (HEP—now EnhanceWellness) as a tool to teach self-efficacy and motivational techniques to empower them. These people face enormous challenges in their day-to-day life, and many do not speak English well, so typical programs do not work for them. The HEP was remarkably successful, due to the flexibility of the program, the ability it gave us to work in supportive groups, and its message that 'chronic disease happens to everybody.' The bonding that developed within the groups was extremely positive. The HEP nurses and social workers made a significant impact on patients' lives and their way of tackling problems. The HEP is a cost-effective program that puts the patient themselves in the driver's seat. It works and makes sense! We could not have completed our study without the positive support and willingness of the HEP staff. Thank you!"

—Gayle E. Reiber, Ph.D.
Lynne V. McFarland, Ph.D.
Puget Sound VA Health Care System
Seattle, WA

"Not only has the Senior Wellness Project benefited the individuals who participate, but it has raised the profile of the Portage Senior Center in our community. We have found that private funders, service clubs, and governmental agencies are proud to support a program with proven outcomes and one that participants champion."

—Jo Arnold
Portage Senior Center
Portage, MI