Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging Shares Promising Practices Award-Winning Ideas with Free Download

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Mar 01, 2016, 02:16 ET

EVANSTON, Ill., March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Finding what is working well and sharing those ideas is the goal of Mather LifeWays Promising Practices Awards. The annual awards honor organizations that are moving away from conventional practices by developing and implementing new and innovative approaches in aging well, long-term care, and senior living communities. Some of this year's winning ideas include day trips to farms, and practicing on no-pedal bicycles among others, and celebrates those who have experienced success in one or more of these areas: culture change, safety/risk management, wellness, technology, workforce development, community-based services, and resident/customer experiences.

"Sharing these 'next practices' reinforces our commitment to encouraging innovation that improves programs and services for older adults," said Mary Leary, President and CEO of Mather LifeWays. "We hope these groundbreaking programs and ideas will benefit the senior living industry, as other organizations adapt the ideas and help transform them into best practices."

A full, complimentary report on the 2015 Promising Practices winners and honorable mentions, "Innovation at Work" is available for download at http://www.matherlifewaysinstituteonaging.com/innovation-at-work/.

WINNERS:

A Plus Health Care in Kallispell, Montana, for implementing a program for its home care clients through Lifeside Farms, to brings homebound older adults and developmentally disabled youth to area farms, where they can participate in light chores, enjoy a healthy group lunch, and socialize. This encourages physical and social activities and imparts a sense of purpose to participants, improving health, quality of life, and community inclusion.

Westhills Village Retirement Community, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Rapid City, South Dakota, was another winner. The community offers independent living residents the opportunity to ride bicycles again, thanks to a new program involving balance-enhancing, no-pedal bikes. Older adults are now wheeling around the community on special bikes designed for people with balance issues. Fitness surveys showed major improvements for some who participated in the program.

Mather LifeWays is a 75-year-old unique, nondenominational not-for-profit organization that enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well. Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging is its research and education area of service and is an award-winning resource for research and information about wellness, aging, trends in senior living, and successful aging service innovations. Nominations will open in July for the 2016 Promising Practices Awards, with a submission deadline in September 2016. For more information, visit www.matherlifewaysinstituteonaging.com.

SOURCE Mather LifeWays