Healthy Moves for Aging Well (Title III-D Program)

Healthy Moves for Aging Well (HM) is a simple and safe, evidence-based physical activity program designed to enhance health outcomes for frail, high-risk, and diverse older adults receiving services in the home. The program uses care managers from community-based care management agencies to teach very basic exercises to their older clients in their home. At regularly scheduled visits, care managers enroll clients into the program by assessing their ability and readiness to participate safely and by using motivational interviewing techniques to engage each client in goal setting. A volunteer coach, such as a student intern, makes frequent calls to further motivate the client to continue exercising. Positive outcomes have included fewer falls, increased ability to exercise, and less pain.

  • Program Goals:
  • -In-home physical activity intervention (chair bound and advanced exercise) that is focused on maintaining health status and quality of life of frail elders

 

  • Target Audience:
  • -Adults 65+ who are currently enrolled in a care management program that includes an ongoing, problem-solving relationship with a care manager
  • -Participant criteria includes assistance with 2-4 ADLs, motivation to participate and ability to stand unassisted or with caregiver assistance.

 

  • Program Description:
  • -Movement repetitions 3-5 days per week, multiple times per day
  • -One 15-minute session between participant and care manager
  • -3 month follow-up period with weekly or biweekly phone calls.

 

  • Program Delivery:
  • -Care managers and motivational volunteer phone coaches teach program exercises to participants in their home.

 

  • Costs to Implement Program:
  • -Contact workshop provider for more information.

 

Contact information

Reference Material

  • Wieckowski, J. & Simmons, W.J. (2006). Translating evidence-based physical activity programs into community-based programs [Special Issue]. Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 25(1/2), The Haworth Press.

 

  • Yan, T., Wilber, K.H., & Simmons, W.J. (2011). Motivating high-risk older adults to exercise:does coaching matter?. Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 30(2): 84-85, The Haworth Press.