Keeping Seniors Healthy and Independent is the goal of the Adult Screening And Prevention Program (ASAP) 

Keeping seniors healthy and in their homes has been the goal of a unique multi-agency project call the Adult Screening And Prevention Program (ASAP).  The ASAP program has been serving Newaygo County since 1998.  In an effort to continue to provide quality care to our seniors, the ASAP program has decided to take the project on the road.  Instead of having the senior come to the clinic for an assessment, the ASAP program brings the assessment to the senior's home.    

The program is a cooperative effort between Family Health Care, Gerber Memorial Health Services- Continu-Care and Newaygo County Community Mental Health.  Family Health Care coordinates the program and provides medical direction.  The ASAP professional team consists of a physician, social worker, registered nurse, occupational therapist, and speech therapist.  Patients are assessed in five areas, physical, mental and emotional health as well as nutrition, hearing and vision.  The program is funded in part through a grant from The Fremont Area Elderly Needs Fund.   

Dr. Lynn Nevin, a Family Health Care physician, was instrumental in getting this program started in Newaygo County.  Nevin says what makes this program so unique is that a senior can be assessed in their home by five different professionals.  These professionals come together in one place to discuss the person's needs-something that cannot be done at a regular doctor's office visit.  "I would have to refer a patient to other professionals taking a month or longer to see that person and get the recommendations back.  This way, the entire process is completed in less than a month and the patient doesn't even have to leave his/her home and the results are sent to the patients primary physician," Nevin said. 

Following the assessment, the team meets to discuss the results for the client.  "Our goal is to bring together all the expertise from these professionals to design comprehensive recommendations that will allow seniors to stay healthy, independent and safe," said Renee Kopach, the ASAP Program Coordinator with Family Health Care.  "I am excited about the new enhancements to the program.  By going into the patients home we can see exactly what is going on, what strengths they have and what support they might need.  It will also be much more convenient for the seniors," said Kopach. 

"Family Health Care is providing staff, for this program because we believe early identification and early intervention of problems can help keep our seniors at home," said Linda Shively, Family Health Care Executive Director.  "Anything we can do to keep seniors healthy and independent is worth the donation of time by our staff." 

The Adult Screening and Prevention Program is just one of the many programs that Family Health Care offers for seniors in Newaygo County.  Other programs include respite care, Alzheimer's education.

 For more information about the ASAP program call Renee Kopach at 231-689-0885.

Updated 03/26/2006