Abundant Life Design

The Institute for the Future of Aging Services (IFAS) worked with Catholic Community Care (CCC) to evaluate their implementation of the Abundant Life Initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to advance the quality of aging services by heightening awareness to the "Mind-Body-Spirit" connection and its influence on whole person wellness. Organizations formed "Wellness Teams" who participated in the model curriculum. The components of this 2 year initiative include: three training modules, monthly field panel support sessions, regular meetings of the Wellness Teams, and the use of the "Abundant Life Wellness Awareness Tool" (a self-report survey).

To determine the impact of this approach on caretakers and the older adults they serve, IFAS conducted a series of data collection activities (e.g., focus groups, interviews, participant observation, analysis of satisfaction forms, etc.) to examine implementation of the model components and understand the extent of participants' awareness of whole person wellness. In-process feedback was reported to CCC after each data collection & analysis activity. This feedback was then used by CCC to improve the model along the way. Overall, growth and progress were seen amongst the Wellness Teams, and Wellness Team participants generally observed that this initiative was useful in calling greater attention to the "mind-body-spirit" paradigm.

Contact Michelle Washko about this project.

Project Activity

• Abundant Life Design at-a-glance poster (best printed on 11 x 17 paper)
• Final Report
• AOPHA Conference (2006)
• The American Society on Aging Presentation
• Cleveland Community Presentation (2007)
• The Catholic Health Assembly (2007)
• AAHSA Annual Meeting (2007)