SURPRISE, Ariz.- Sept. 17, 2019 – According to a recent AARP study, more than 90 percent of active older adults prefer to age successfully in their own homes after retirement. The aging-in-place movement seeks to let seniors do just that, avoiding retirement communities or nursing facilities for as long as possible. Locally, the Sun Health At Home (SHAH) program – the first of its kind in Arizona – continues to be the leader in assisting members to live at home independently, wherever they call home.
SHAH leads the nation in growth for Continuing Care at Home programs. After three years, SHAH boasts 87 members, or an average of 29 new members each year. This compares to an average of 12 members per year for similar programs nationwide. The program has grown to include members who live across the Valley, from Scottsdale to Wickenburg.
SHAH was also recently honored with the second of two awards recognizing the program’s innovation, a 2019 LeadingAge Arizona Innovation Award.
The program provides members the opportunity to remain independent at home with guaranteed lifetime access to care and services should their needs change. SHAH’s team of wellness coordinators are available 24/7 to act as personal advocates and concierges to help navigate the complexities of the health care system.
The growth and increased visibility of SHAH has also created opportunities for staff. New appointments and promotions include:
- Josh Freegard, formerly SHAH membership counselor, was promoted to Sun Health strategy and planning director
- Nicole Holtsclaw, formerly program manager, was promoted to membership counselor
- Eileen Orona joined the team as program manager
- Angela Marshall, R.N., joined the wellness coordination team
“I am honored to lead this enormously successful program and am proud that all the hard work and creativity is paying many dividends for our team and most importantly our program members,” Executive Director Barbara Mason said. “I can’t think of a better thing to celebrate.”
Learn more about the Sun Health at Home program and membership at www.sunhealthathome.org.
About Sun Health
Nonprofit Sun Health boasts more than 50 years of meeting the health care needs of the community, first as a hospital-based system and now as an organization offering philanthropic support, three Life Plan Communities, a Continuing Care at Home program and a full slate of health and wellness programs. In partnership with Banner Health, Sun Health Foundation serves as the philanthropic link between the community and Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb medical centers as well as the Banner Sun Health Research Institute. Sun Health champions superior health and wellbeing through philanthropy, inspired living and wellness programs. – http://SunHealth.org/
