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Senior Whole Health comes to Worcester Area
Leader in new health care program dedicated to ensuring low-income seniors maintain their independence December 18, 2006...Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) and Senior Whole Health (SWH), a new health care plan that is dedicated to ensuring low-income seniors maintain their independence, announced last week that the organization is making a major commitment to Worcester-area residents. Joining them for this announcement will be Jennifer Davis Carey, Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs SWH is a leader in a new health care program available only in Massachusetts called Senior Care Organizations (SCO). Eligible people are 65 years and older who qualify for MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program. People can receive Medicare and still be eligible. “This new program gives the elderly and their caregivers an alternative to nursing homes by providing health care services as well as social services,” said Moore. “The program provides preventive and home-support services that allow patients to live in their own homes.” “We believe that our approach of combining all-inclusive medical care and support services is an attractive option for Worcester area seniors and their families,” said John Baackes, CEO of SWH. “Not only are we offering our health care plan in Worcester, but we are planning to become an active member of the city and its surrounding communities,” Baackes added. “I am excited about the expanded choices for the Senior Care Options (SCO) program in Central Massachusetts. SCO provides a strong and substantive option for holistic care for elders,” said Secretary Carey. Already, SWH has entered into agreements with five health care providers in the Worcester area, including Health Alliance Hospital, Clinton Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Marlborough Hospital, and Saint Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center. In addition over 850 physicians and six nursing homes are also affiliated with the plan. SWH’s program offers comprehensive care, including preventive services, physician and hospital care, all prescription drugs, and support services at home, among other services. SWH members are allowed to choose their primary care doctor. SWH nurse and service coordinators work with members and their doctors to develop a care plan tailored to each member’s needs. In addition, a nurse is available for consultation 24 hours a day. “Our goals are to maintain our members’ health and allow them to stay in their own homes,” explained Baackes. “We were created to satisfy a growing demand by consumers and public policy makers for quality care and an alternative to nursing homes. We believe this is the future of senior health care.” |
