Boston-Area Healthcare Solution for Seniors Includes a Prescription for Technology

EAST BOSTON / QUINCY, Mass., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Preventive health has a whole new meaning at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) for people ages 55+.  Through its Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), members have the opportunity to become computer savvy through Quincy-based ConnectedLiving and explore topics like the Great Barrier Reef, the Kentucky Derby, old-time baseball, and the history of Broadway with an important goal in mind – to help seniors remain informed, connected and independent.

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Last year, ConnectedLiving brought its unique model combining technology, training and programming to help seniors learn about computers, the Internet and social media to the Barnes PACE Center on Marion Street in East Boston.  ConnectedLiving was also launched at the Lewis Mall PACE Center that opened on Summer Street in East Boston in February. ConnectedLiving is now available at the new Winthrop PACE Center, providing programming to more than 375 members throughout the PACE network.  In the future, discussion groups and hands-on activities will also be offered to help members better understand topics such as nutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), women's health issues, heart disease and more.

"The goal of PACE is to help our members to remain as healthy and as independent as possible by providing them with all the support they need at one location," said Pamela Pattavina, director of marketing for the EBNHC. "The addition of ConnectedLiving, its technology training and now programming is really groundbreaking for this community because it helps to stimulate people's minds as well as keep them informed."

ConnectedLiving has developed a Web-based social platform designed specifically for the senior living industry. Its network, training, programming and ongoing support are currently available in more than 300 senior living communities in 30 states serving all segments of the market including public, private and affordable senior living communities. ConnectedLiving uses an engaging curriculum to encourage seniors to learn about technology in a fun and social way. This opportunity with PACE is unique in that the partnership includes an additional focus on preventive health information.  Elements of the ConnectedLiving program will also be used by PACE staff on the road to encourage membership in the program.

"The PACE model for helping seniors to remain independent is a natural extension of what ConnectedLiving works to achieve with seniors across the country," said Anna Hall, vice president of ConnectedLiving University.  "What's different about this relationship is not only teaching computer and Internet skills to members through exciting topics of interest, but to use ConnectedLiving in the future for preventive health education.  Empowering seniors to be informed has proven value to their overall well-being."

PACE is a groundbreaking program in itself. Administered under the Elder Service Plan (ESP), PACE coordinates a complete range of health and health-related services, all designed to keep seniors living in the community and in their own home for as long as it is safe and feasible. Members who participate receive routine care, preventive health care and physical examinations, as well as outpatient services, inpatient hospital care, emergency care and services, skilled nursing facility care, home health care and dental care.  PACE also provides transportation to and from centers and appointments, meals, and now computer training and special programming.

Eligibility for PACE is based on age (55 years or older), ability to reside safely in the community without jeopardizing health, and meeting the level of care required for coverage of nursing facility services as certified by the MassHealth screening agent. Prospective members must also live in the East Boston ESP service areas of Chelsea, East Boston, Everett, Revere, or Winthrop. For more information, call 617-568-6416 or visit www.ebnhc.org.

About East Boston Neighborhood Health Center

The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has been a vital part of the community for 40 years, providing easily accessible, high-quality health care to all who live and work in East Boston and the surrounding communities of Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Winthrop. EBNHC handles 300,000 patient visits per year—more than any other ambulatory care center in New England.

About ConnectedLiving

Founded in 2007, ConnectedLiving® is helping senior citizens live richer, more connected lives by combining simplified technology with high-touch personal support. Through the award-winning ConnectedLiving Network, a Web-based social platform designed specifically for the senior living industry, the company brings together seniors, their families, and community administrators in a secure, private online community. Coupled with the company's unique approach to training and support, ConnectedLiving integrates social networking, distance learning, community menus and calendars, and an extensive administrator dashboard to help get entire communities online and connected. ConnectedLiving has been adopted by the most recognized thought-leaders in both the private senior living industry and the public housing authorities across the country. www.connectedliving.com

SOURCE ConnectedLiving