Catholic Health East : Best Practices
Catholic Health East
Best Practice Narrative

RHC: Holy Cross Hospital

 Category:
Developing Healthier Communitie

Contact: John C. Johnson
Telephone: (954) 492-5796
Description of the Best Practice & Implementation
"Home is where the heart – and health care is" with Holy Cross’ Senior Alliance program. Began in July 1992, the program was designed to provide an innovative and convenient approach to health care for seniors living in assisted living, skilled nursing facilities and retirement residences. Within the senior’s home environment, the mission of the Sisters of Mercy is carried out, promoting and restoring health and improving the quality of life for these seniors.

Beginning with two communities in 1992, the Senior Alliance program has grown and now currently serves thirty communities encompassing over 3,200 residents. This community outreach effort in an extension of Holy Cross and enables delivery of specialized health care in the comfort of the senior citizen’s place of residence.

  • On-site Wellness Centers provide residents easy access to healthcare services (ie: screening, education) and act as an on-site resource center.
  • Courtesy taxi, medical wheelchair or stretcher transportation for any health care needs to and from Holy Cross Hospital or a Holy Cross Medical Group physician.
  • On-site spiritual support and counseling via the department of Pastoral Care. A variety of chaplains are available to serve the multi-faith communities of the residents of facilities.
  • Physicians visit the community living facility and perform routine physical exams or consultations upon request of any resident.
  • Specialty physicians are also available should the need arise.
  • On-site support groups.
  • Health fairs and screening (diabetes, cholesterol, blood oxygen, blood pressure, vision, stroke prevention, dental and podiatry).

The Senior Alliance program continues in the tradition of Holy Cross with its effort to bring the finest possible health care to those it serves. The program is centered on the key health risks/needs of its senior population, and is available to assist residents who choose to access program services with specific emphasis on education. It is dedicated in its response to care for all members of the residential communities in which they live. In the future, the program will strive to expand its community outreach activities with the primary goal of increasing the involvement of the Holy Cross Health Ministries in addressing the special needs of seniors with an emphasis placed on the economically challenged.

Time Frame
1992 – Present

Financial Profile
Operating Budget: $698,000

Holy Cross Support: $698,000; $2,003,348 since 1994

Other Funding Sources: None

Outcome

Innovative and convenient approaches to health care for seniors living in nursing facilities and retirement residences will be provided. Seniors will have a greater awareness of their options and services available to them. Seniors will be assisted with physical activities of daily living.

Community Health

Holy Cross Core Value(s)

Holy Cross Health Ministries Responses and Activities
Senior Alliance
  • Reverence for Each Person
  • Courage
  • Develop program services with emphasis on education
  • Study and explore new ways to meet the needs of senior population

    • Supporting Data

    Best Practice Narrative is limited to a one page summary.
    Supporting data is limited to one page.