| find servicesLearn about services offered through
Dakota Communities. volunteerLearn how to volunteer your time
to help Dakota Communities. work for usLearn about careers and training offered
through Dakota Communities. | | wellness
Since 2008, Dakota Communities has worked to transform the system of service for the people it supports to one that models health and wellness. Our innovative health and wellness initiative supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is called “Be Connected. Be Well.” and includes:
A health and wellness coaching program pairing people served with employees, in conjunction with 'Ways to Wellness' at Woodwinds Hospital, HealthEast Care System A new seasonally based menu system in all Dakota Communities homes, emphasizing fresh and whole foods naturally lower in salt and fat Gardens at Dakota Communities homes and access to farmers markets Pet therapy and volunteering
|
| 
|
| |  |
We are working to expand the program to each of the 32 Dakota Communities homes within eight counties and 18 communities in the Twin Cities. The initiative is already creating measurable improvement in the lives of participants, going beyond measurable results: it is bringing about a culture change as it builds a stronger partnership between people served and staff. Read a recent news story on the changes happening at our Kennelly home.
In support of our health and wellness initiatives, Greater Twin Cities United Way awarded a three-year grant of $78,750 in 2010. This is being used to expand the scope and strengthen the evaluation of our health and prevention program so that it can be developed into a model of best practices that can be replicated nationally. Why Health & Wellness? Physical exercise, good nutrition, stress management and social support are important for everyone but are even more critical for people with disabilities who have a thinner margin of health.
- Maximizing health for people with disabilities is a key determinant in the level of independence possible and the amount of support needed throughout their life.
- More people will have increased opportunity to age in place, rather than in ever more restrictive and costly settings.
Be Connected. Be Well. Our initiative includes exercise and stress management with a wellness coach, healthy nutrition, pet therapy and volunteering for Dakota Communities clients and employees, plus a training program for our employees around health and wellness.
Dakota Communities’ partner in “Be Connected. Be Well” is the Ways to Wellness program at Woodwinds Hospital, HealthEast Care System. Employees and individuals supported by Dakota Communities are offered the opportunity to participate in a 12-week program, which includes the setting of individual goals, education in wellness and nutrition and fitness training. Ways to Wellness is not just about losing weight—it is a one-on-one program to learn new behaviors for healthy lifestyles that can be practiced for a lifetime.
People supported by Dakota Communities are paired with an employee, such as his or her direct support professional, a nurse, occupational therapist or someone from the management team at Dakota Communities. Individuals volunteer to participate in the program. Once each pair has completed the 12-week intensive program, they enter the six month maintenance program. Results from individuals who participated are evidence of the beginning of a culture change.
Bill Spencer lost 10 pounds and gained greater excitement and confidence in being involved
in his community. “I have better self esteem and now I want to get out in the community more.”
“Ways to Wellness is an incredible program,” said Rita McAninch-Hastings, Senior Advocate. “It’s an individualized program adapted to a person’s needs based on their level of physical functioning. And it’s a whole-body approach to wellness, addressing nutrition, the mind and a holistic approach to exercise.”
For Peggy Mehen, who is supported by Dakota Communities, Ways to Wellness has broadened her exercise beyond the treadmill to include yoga, weights, exercise balls and boxing – a new favorite. The program has taught her how to weave wellness throughout her life and share what she has learned with others. Rita McAninch-Hastings says, “Peggy has become my fitness coach! She challenges me and the other staff and people in the house to exercise and eat well.”
Food service in Dakota Communities’ homes has changed dramatically since the introduction of "Be Connected. Be Well." and will continue to evolve. In 2009, Julie Jones, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at St. Catherine University collaborated with students to overhaul Dakota Communities' menu system. New and healthier menu plans are now enjoyed by people at all of our 33 homes each season. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus now take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients which are naturally low in sodium and fat.
Gardens are planted and cared for by volunteers, staff, and those supported by Dakota Communities at more than half of our homes. Dakota County master gardeners and the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum assist us in educating and planning our gardens. Those without gardens are encouraged to frequent farmers markets to incorporate more fresh produce in their meal planning.
Pet therapy visits brighten the days of people we support at more than half of Dakota Communities' homes. |
