Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Gives our San Bernardino Advocacy Program High Marks
Since WISE began operating the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in San Bernardino County two years ago, the incredible work our Ombudsman team has done to advocate for residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities, has not gone unnoticed.
A quality review by The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman reported in May that our San Bernardino County Ombudsman program had a "monumental increase" in most measures, with more resident and family councils, consultations to facilities staff, residents and family, and community education.

Tabatha Sebastian, MA, Psy, Director of the WISE San Bernardino Ombudsman Program attributes the State's findings to her "great team," noting that the number of closed cases was 78% higher than two years ago.

"This means that twice as many residents have had access to Ombudsman services and advocacy," Tabatha says. "This was a team effort and entirely due to the structure and processes that WISE provides and everyone's incredible dedication and hard work."

(Pictured left to right: Karena Dial, Kelly Valdez, Melissa Rodriguez, Wayland Moyer, Tom Reynolds, Jeanette Sanders. Front Row: Tabatha Sabastian, Molly Davies and Mary Visor.)
WISE Partners with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
on new EPIC Study
We are excited about our new partnership with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to provide in-person classes to older adults as part of a comparative effectiveness study called, Elders Preserving Independence in the Community (EPIC).

Launched in May and designed by Cedars-Sinai, EPIC aims to determine the differences in clinical nursing vs. engagement interventions with older adults.

"A growing number of studies suggest that social isolation and loneliness are linked to cognitive decline in aging," said Nikki Davis, MBA, Vice President, Program Administration at WISE. "Our classes are designed to promote social interaction among older adults through learning and light physical activities that promote health and well-being and that they might not have access to otherwise."

WISE will be providing weekly one-hour classes/trainings that are focused on physical fitness, brain health and learning skills such as how to use a smart phone. Classes will be conducted at selected senior apartment buildings throughout Los Angeles County.
Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
Did you know that in case of an emergency requiring you to evacuate your home, you should have copies of important documents (including identification, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) and photos of family members and pets handy?

WISE's Anat Louis, PsyD, Vice President of Care Management, discusses this and the importance of a File of Life to give first responders quick access to medical information that can save lives in an emergency at sessions held at WISE and at Senior Living Apartments in Santa Monica, thanks to a grant from Saint John's Health Center Foundation Community Impact Fund. If you are interested in learning about this important topic, please plan to attend our upcoming Emergency Preparedness session on June 12th, here at WISE.
May Happenings at WISE!
WISE Minds clients got to meet the pen pals they've been corresponding with for the last year from Quills to Connect, a UCLA student organization dedicated to building meaningful connections with older adults to help end social isolation.
Nearly 70 guests enjoyed a special "Bring in the Summertime" luncheon hosted by our Diner, with delicious Italian food.
Our Club members, Adult Day Center clients and WISE Staff enjoyed an afternoon of dancing to the music of Noci Karkour, Latin Flamenco and Brazilian Classical Guitarist.
WISE staff hosted a celebratory lunch to thank our Peer Counselor volunteers for their work to support our clients dealing with the challenges of aging, loss and caring for a loved one.
Is a Travel Adventure in Your Future?
Calling all travelers! If you're looking for an adventure, WISE offers trips in the U.S. and abroad. Here are a couple that you might want to consider as you peruse Wise & Healthy Aging's upcoming Adventures! There's always some place new to explore! Check out these and more!
Yellowstone, Glacier & Grand Teton
August 4 - 11, 2024
(8-days)
European Christmas Markets
December 12, 2024
(9 days)
Save $250 per person with your deposit before June 13, 2024.
Wise & Healthy Aging, a non-profit, community-based social service organization, advances the dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy and high-quality, innovative services.