BluePrint Mini-Grants
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Health
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Project Title: Ho-Chunk Elder Fitness Project
Amount Funded: $23,856
About the Organization/Coalition:
The Ho-Chunk Nation's jurisdictional lands cover a 15-county area in
central Wisconsin. Organizations participating in the project include
the Ho-Chunk Health and Social Services, Ho-Chunk Health Care Center,
Ho-Chunk Tribal Aging Unit, Ho-Chunk Respite Care Program, and an
exercise physiologist. The Ho-Chunk diabetes incidence rate is 29
percent. Nearly 50 percent of adults age 55 and older have diabetes.
Project Objectives:
- The Ho-Chunk Division of Health will develop, implement and evaluate
a Ho-Chunk Elder Fitness Program three times a week for older adults
at five meal sites. Outreach workers will be trained to lead the
programs; an exercise physiologist will provide two assessments for
participants; and a physician will develop a referral procedure to
the fitness program.
- Respite workers and community health representatives will also attend
the training to provide one-on-one physical activity sessions for homebound
elders. Clinic providers will give exercise prescriptions for elders who
are homebound and/or disabled.
- Physical activity brochures will be developed in the Ho-Chunk language.
Progress Report:
In September and October, 25 Community Elder Representatives, Community Health Representatives and respite care providers participated in a two-day fitness training session to learn how to assist elders in their homes with simple range-of-motion exercises using Thera-Bands. The fitness leaders also provide community exercise classes each week in their communities, including Black River Falls, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, Nekoosa, LaCrosse, and Wittenberg. A total of 36 elders have participated in the Elder Fitness Classes in the six communities. Elders who are participating in a minimum number of classes, or older adults who are completing home activities can receive incentives, such as merchandise, game packets, and over-night stays provided by casinos, bingo halls, and the convention center.
Contact Information:
Hattie Walker
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Health
P.O. Box 636, 720 Red Iron Road
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715) 284-7548
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