Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL– Boston , Massachusetts
Senior HealthWISE Program

What is it?
MGH Senior HealthWISE (Wellness, Involvement, Support, and Education) is a community benefit program of Massachusetts General Hospital and the MGH Senior Health Practice. Senior HealthWISE conducts weekly wellness clinics at each of three senior housing buildings in the neighborhood. These wellness clinics are staffed by a nurse and social worker. In addition, Senior HealthWISE helps people manage their health and connect to ongoing care, and it offers recreational programs, including regular exercise classes at a local gym, and educational and social activities. Examples of activities in 2007 included: a memoir writing class coached by a local writers’ collaborative, T’ai Chi classes, lectures on topics such as memory and heart health, a community clinic in which 350 immunizations were given, and much more. Programs are offered on the MGH campus, at local community sites, and three senior residences. All services are free of charge. Senior HealthWISE membership is free and includes monthly newsletters and a discount card for MGH retail stores and food services.  

Who is it for?
People who are at least 60 years old. The wellness clinics are for senior building residents only.

Why do they do it?
The mission of Senior HealthWISE is to improve the health and well-being of seniors, particularly low-income seniors, living in the immediate area around the hospital. Despite proximity to the hospital, many seniors are isolated and frail and do not make the connection to care. HealthWISE strives to improve health management through education and support, as well as provide opportunities for socialization, exercise, and connection to community resources.

Impact: Over 600 people have joined Senior HealthWISE, and many more use the services of the program. 

Contact: Joan Quinlan
Director, Center for Community Health Improvement
Telephone: 617-724-2763
E-mail:  jquinlan1@partners.org