Now in its third year, Keswick Community Health’s Wise & Well Center for Healthy Living had to do some quick thinking to continue serving its 300 members during the pandemic.
The Center provides people aged 50+ with a range of services and activities including access to healthcare providers, educational programs, and social activities. Usually these programs are offered in person but, like many organizations, the Center had to adapt its model to ensure that members and staff stayed healthy and safe during these trying times. Through a combination of telephone, virtual, and socially distant events and programs, the Center is continuing to meet the needs of older adults who want to live their best possible life.
“Our goal is to help people in the community live well, age well, and be well,” says Susan Bender, Director of Education and Enrichment. “We’re here to support them in their endeavor.”
When the Center had to close in March, the staff continued its mission of connecting with its members by making weekly phone calls and offering online classes such as yoga, line dancing, and cooking demonstrations. And now that restrictions have eased to some extent, events such as “jazz on the lawn” have given members the opportunity to mingle with others in a socially distant way. Wise & Well members report that they value the relationship of being part of a community where they can learn and practice new lifestyle habits that help them manage their health so they can stay active and engaged in activities that they enjoy.
Throughout these past months, one thing has remained constant. “People need to feel engaged,” says Bender, “and our creative education team and community partners have listened carefully to what our members want. Wise & Well members can engage with us in-person at the Center where we wear masks, wash hands and practice social distancing in small groups or use technology and a virtual platform where we can engage with them right from their own home. Either way, we have welcomed this opportunity to help them continue on their journey to health and well-being in whatever ways work for them.”
Susan Bender
Director of Education and Enrichment, Keswick Community Health Wise & Well Center for Healthy Living
700 W. 40th Street, Baltimore, MD
410.662.4363
choosekeswick.org
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