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paving the way for economic growth - Henry Ford Health System

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Community InvestmentOne-of-a-Kind Care <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> ElderlyThe prospect of aging brings with it a host ofquestions <strong>for</strong> much of <strong>the</strong> population. Finding <strong>the</strong>right level of care is a concern, but just as compellingis a need to continue living a life rich in experiencesand relationships, good health and daily activity.<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>System</strong>, toge<strong>the</strong>r withPresbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) and UnitedMethodist Retirement Communities (UMRC), willbreak ground in late summer 2011 on <strong>the</strong> EastJefferson Collaborative, a senior center with a dayprogram on <strong>the</strong> first level and housing and assistedliving on <strong>the</strong> upper floors. <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> and PVM, willoperate <strong>the</strong> senior center, while PVM and UMRC willoperate <strong>the</strong> assisted living program.According to John Polanski, president and ChiefExecutive Officer <strong>for</strong> Community Care Services at<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>System</strong>, “<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> currentlyoperates <strong>the</strong> Center <strong>for</strong> Senior Independence, aninnovative, all-encompassing approach to senior carethat packages health care, social, and <strong>economic</strong>services. Everything needed <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> care of <strong>the</strong>individual is included in this capitated program fundedby Medicare, from prescriptions to doctor visits tofull day care services, personal care services andsocial activities. It’s truly unique and allows <strong>Henry</strong><strong>Ford</strong> to care <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire person in a coordinated,meaningful <strong>way</strong>.”Located at Outer Drive and <strong>the</strong> Southfield Free<strong>way</strong>,<strong>the</strong> Center serves more than 210 seniors. Theaverage age is 86, and all continue to live in <strong>the</strong>ir ownhomes but come to <strong>the</strong> Center as often as every day.Transportation is provided daily <strong>for</strong> all participants.“The one component we’re missing with <strong>the</strong> Centeris <strong>the</strong> ability to offer housing <strong>for</strong> our clients when <strong>the</strong>yneed more care,” explains Polanski. “That need will bemet by <strong>the</strong> East Jefferson Collaborative. While we arestarting with one location, looking ahead, <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong>and PVM plan to expand to four sites in Sou<strong>the</strong>astMichigan. This plan would allow <strong>the</strong> Centers to servemore than 1,000 participants.”The East Jefferson Collaborative equates to a$4-5 million investment in <strong>the</strong> community,redevelopment of a neighborhood, and additionaljobs numbering at least 100.It also fills a need <strong>for</strong> supportof <strong>the</strong> elderly population inDetroit. Clients without familiesgain a loving, extended family.And when clients have familymembers, <strong>the</strong>y can continue towork knowing <strong>the</strong>ir loved one iscared <strong>for</strong>.“The Center <strong>for</strong> SeniorIndependence is <strong>the</strong> onlyprogram of its kind in <strong>the</strong> area,”says Polanski. “It’s heartwarming.We have a choir, an annualcelebration <strong>for</strong> those 100 orolder, and our clients enjoy amuch-improved quality of life.With continued expansion, we’llbe able to offer an even greatercompliment of care to many moreresidents. It’s very exciting and soimportant.”16 <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>System</strong> • 2010 - 2011 <strong>System</strong> Report

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