It’s Your Life…Live it Well
Live Well – Self-Management Programs
Live Well brings alternative resources for older adults and caregivers with on-going conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, heart and lung disease, asthma, and any chronic pain. Live Well is a nationwide evidence-based health promotion program developed by Stanford University. Workshops help participants and caregivers to:
- Find better ways of dealing with pain and fatigue
- Discover easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy
- Learn the appropriate use of medications
- Improve nutrition
- Talk effectively with family, friends and health professionals
- Understand new treatment choices
- Feel better about life
- Increase confidence in ability to manage health
Workshops are highly interactive and are facilitated by two specially trained leaders who understand because they have health conditions themselves or care for someone with a health condition. Workshops cover new topics each week and provide opportunities for interaction and group problem solving.
All three Self-Management programs are workshops given two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks, in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals. People with different chronic health problems attend together.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)
Live Well with Chronic Conditions is a proven program to improve health and well-being for people with long-term (chronic) health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and others. It meets for 2½ hours, once a week, for six weeks in a community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals. The self-management workshop is evidence-based and facilitate from a scripted manual by two trained leaders, one or both of whom may be peers with a chronic health condition.
The workshop provides participants with tools to better navigate life’s “ups and downs” and increase their health knowledge. Research confirms that participants experience significant, measurable health improvements and quality of life. The small group (10-12 people) is highly participative, where mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives. The programs teaches self-management techniques which encourage participants to:
- Find better ways of dealing with pain, fatigue, difficult emotions, anxiety and stress
- Discover easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy
- Improve nutrition
- Learn the appropriate use of medications
- Talk effectively with family, friends and health professionals
- Make informed treatment decisions
- Feel better about life
- Make weekly action plans
- Learn problem solving techniques
Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP)
Live Well with Diabetes is an evidence-based workshop for people who have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes offered in English and Spanish. Developed at Stanford University, this free workshop meets for 2 ½ hours, once a week, for six weeks. This community-based program offers tools and resources to enhance your understanding of what it means to have diabetes. Group support helps you build the confidence to manage your diabetes and maintain an active and fulfilling life. It is facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with diabetes themselves. The program teaches self-management techniques for participants, including:
- Techniques to deal with symptoms of diabetes such as fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance
- Healthy eating
- Foot care
- Appropriate use of medication
- Working more effectively with health care providers
Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter by creating and carrying out their self-management program.
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP)
Research shows that the mind and the body are connected when it comes to pain. Emotions and thoughts directly influence how pain affects us. Pain management strategies will not necessarily eliminate your pain, but they will help you to better manage the pain so you can become more active. Join a Chronic Pain workshop to explore ways to better manage our chronic pain. Take time to make the changes you want to make. Build your “pain management toolbox”, practice new concepts, and share your experience with others. Set your own goals and share priorities. Week by week, you’ll see what works for you and take steps toward healthier living. The program teaches self-management techniques for participants, including:
- Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, isolation, and poor sleep;
- Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance;
- Appropriate use of medications and how to evaluate treatment; and
- How to rest and pace yourself
How can I attend a Live Well Workshop?
Contact Senior Resources and ask to speak with the Live Well Coordinator for a listing of workshops in your area. Please visit our website regularly as workshops are continuously added to our calendar. Or you can visit www.cthealthyliving.org to find workshops state wide.
Does the program replace existing programs and treatments?
The Self-Management programs will not conflict with existing programs or treatment. They are designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education such as Better Breathers, cardiac rehabilitation, or diabetes instruction. In addition, many people have more than one chronic condition. These programs are especially helpful, as they provide the skills to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health, as well as to help them keep active in their lives.