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3 <br />Southern Gerontological Society Awards <br />Best Practices Award 2010 <br />Orange County Department on Aging <br />Program Description <br />The Department on Aging and the University of North Carolina have developed and <br />maintained a community partnership for more than 10 years. Under the direction of <br />Jerry Passmore (community) and Florence Soltys (university) this partnership has <br />involved the Department's Aging Transitions and the Senior Center Wellness staff with <br />the UNC Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Occupational Science, Physical Therapy, <br />Nursing and Pubic Health-Department of Nutrition. The Department on Aging has <br />established three inter-related best practices in a senior center community setting that <br />promote and maintain people's optimal functionality, regardless of their <br />chronological ages. <br />1. Functionality Screen and Movement Clinic <br />The Department collaborates with the local university (UNC-CH Physical Therapy <br />Program, its' Center for Aging and Health and Institute on Aging), a personal trainer, <br />and the public-privately managed Triangle SportsPlex. The goal is to keep seniors living <br />independently in their homes by promoting healthy behaviors and providing evidence- <br />based wellness programming at multipurpose "wellness" senior centers. The focus is <br />on maintaining functionality, preventing falls, and increasing physical activity. jThis <br />academic and community partnership allow us to expand programming to include free <br />wellness screening and consultation to seniors for fitness and function. Individuals <br />receive a standardized Senior Fitness Test and Falls Risk Screen conducted by a UNC- <br />CH physical therapist for upper and lower body strength, flexibility, endurance, and <br />balance. Participants receive a written report of the test results. In addition, the physical <br />therapist makes recommendations for exercise and/or physical activity programs and <br />provides handouts as needed. The intent is to guide individuals in making informed and <br />appropriate decisions about exercise programs and the best possible functionality. Also, <br />certified personal trainers are available in the fitness facilities to assist seniors with <br />starting a program and tracking their progress. In the past two years, 1040 seniors have <br />been tested (63.2% female and18% African American). Yearly follow-up screens are <br />also available to measure progress and set new goals. As a compliment to the free <br />fitness screening, individuals are encouraged to join one of the variety of exercise <br />classes offered at no fee or a nominal fee at the senior centers (e.g., an evidence-based <br />balance exercise class, low impact aerobics, strength-building classes, Pilates and <br />Yoga). Older adults are directed and encouraged to participate in other wellness <br />programs such as: <br />1) Our Fit Feet Clinic, a registered nurse providing foot-health/toenail trimming <br />service. <br />2) Our evidenced-based Chronic Disease and Diabetic Self-Management Courses. <br />3) Our onsite geriatric Physical Therapy Clinic; and <br />4) Our Consultation Service with social work and occupational therapy. <br />2. Wellness Screening Clinic: Mood, Memory, and Mobility <br />The Department in partnership with the University of North Carolina, provides amulti- <br />disciplinaryteam consisting of a geriatrician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, <br />