Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
The team of diabetes caregivers and educators in Windsor-Essex want to ensure that those living with diabetes never feel alone or overwhelmed; the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, developed by the division of Family and Community Medicine at Stanford University, is offered to patients right here in Windsor-Essex. The program is a series of workshops delivered over two and a half hours, once a week for six weeks, in various community settings. People living with chronic health problems – diabetes included – are welcome to attend the program, which is facilitated by trained leaders.
“People often know what they need to do, like eat healthy, exercise, and take their medication,” says Charlene Salmon, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator. “But sometimes it’s about making sure those necessary things are actually done, because it can be overwhelming. That’s what the Stanford program offers.”
Because the program teaches people the skills to coordinate everything required to manage their health, “it builds self-efficacy,” continues Salmon. “It’s about where you are in your disease process and how you move forward. It’s about taking this whole huge disease and breaking it down into components, so there are mini-successes along the way.” The program empowers people to “take control” of their condition and manage their condition to fit their lifestyle.
Salmon explains that the program’s strength is in building confidence, one small success at a time. “Our approach is to meet the patient where they are, in their journey – to work with them in creating an individualized action plan specific to their needs and capabilities and to support them on meeting the goals in that plan. The goals vary from person to person; no goal is ever too small.”
Some of the subjects covered in the program include an evaluation of new treatments, techniques on dealing with frustration, pain and fatigue; appropriate exercises for the maintenance and improvement of strength, flexibility and endurance so people can remain active and at home; the proper use of medications; communication with friends and family, as well as health professionals and caregivers; proper nutrition; and sound decision making. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively, as mutual support helps build their confidence, enabling them to not only manage their health, but to also live active, fulfilling lives. If you are interested in participating in the program, please call 519-997-2823 or email clepera@wechc.org.