SCAN Health Plan Debuts the First Mobile Resource Center Built Specifically for Seniors

LOS ANGELES, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- SCAN Health Plan, a not-for-profit Medicare Advantage Plan, has unveiled the nation's first mobile resource center built specifically for seniors and caregivers. Years in development, the "SCAN Van" features state-of-the-art technology; senior-friendly custom design components; educational resources; and senior-focused, on-board activities such as brain fitness programs, virtual bowling and more.  

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100308/LA66729)

SCAN currently offers many of these programs at its two established resource centers in Ventura, California, and Phoenix, Arizona. Similar to those centers, the new SCAN Van is open and available at no charge to all seniors, not just SCAN members.

"We've taken what we have learned at our storefront resource centers plus many years of working with seniors, and developed a unique, one-a-kind vehicle that takes our mission on the road," said Sherry Stanislaw, vice president of operations at SCAN. "Our goal is to positively impact the lives of seniors and their caregivers in every community SCAN serves."

Built with older adults in mind, the SCAN Van offers ease-of-access lever handles, a low-slope entrance, low-glare surfaces and low-pile carpeting to minimize risk of falls. Contrasting interior colors between floor and walls improve special orientation and comfort. There is also an exterior presentation area with a 52-inch LCD monitor and audio system, which provides ADA accessible teaching activities outside the vehicle.

The SCAN Van will bring much-needed information and support services to communities throughout California. On board visitors will be able to:

• Speak to experts about community services and resources.
• Find guidance and assistance in navigating and locating community services.
• Utilize a health knowledge library filled with a variety of aging-related resources and health literature that can be accessed in hard copy or online via the SCAN Van's Wi-Fi connection.
• Take classes on a variety of topics.

In designing the 36-foot vehicle, SCAN leveraged its 33 years of knowledge in working with older adults and also sought input directly from seniors themselves. The van was built by Burlington RV Specialty Vehicles in Wisconsin, one of the nation's foremost custom-design vehicle manufacturers.

The SCAN Van is energy efficient, running on a liquid propane-fueled hybrid power system with roof-mounted solar panels. This revolutionary, "green" system provides clean, quiet power for nearly all on-board systems. This system effectively reduces tailpipe emissions by more than 80 percent.

SCAN unveiled the vehicle at St. Barnabas Senior Center, the oldest and one of the most respected senior services organizations in Los Angeles.  "The growth of the older adult population is impacting families and communities," said Stanislaw. "As a result, there has never been a greater need to educate seniors on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle in a way that supports active and independent aging. The SCAN Van will bring needed resources to seniors throughout California for many years to come."

The SCAN Van is the newest of SCAN's many community outreach initiatives, which are part of the company's commitment to innovative health benefits, programs and services that support healthy aging and independence. Other initiatives include the "Trading Ages" senior sensitivity program, its Resource Centers in Ventura and Phoenix, a community-giving program, and more.  

For more than 30 years, SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of people with Medicare and today is the fourth-largest nonprofit Medicare Advantage Plan in the United States. The company currently serves 110,000 members in California and Arizona. Further information may be obtained at scanhealthplan.com.

SOURCE SCAN Health Plan