“Initiative” is defined as:

– “A beginning or introductory step; an opening move”
– “The power or ability to begin to follow through energetically and purposefully with a plan, task or enterprise.”

At AWI we collaboratively develop an Intrinsic Wellness™ approach for older adult residential facilities that, uniquely, enables and empowers residents, staff, and the facility as a whole to “take the initiative” and begin the first small steps to a healthier, happier lifestyle, with each step informing the next.

Foundational approaches to Intrinsic Wellness™
Our approach for older adult residential communities is grounded in 3 Foundational wellness “initiatives” for the Community as a whole, and 6 linked Individual wellness “initiatives” for residents, staff and management. Research has shown this comprehensive approach to be “Best Practice” in producing a health-related” return on investment”, for both community and individual alike. When these evidence-based strategies are merged with our Intrinsic Coaching™ methodology the result is a unique Intrinsic Wellness™ approach that leads to the establishment of a wellness ‘culture’ and a positive ambiance which permeates the whole organization. This is diametrically opposed to a ‘traditional’ approach which typically consists of providing a series of loosely connected classes or events which residents are ‘expected’ to attend because it is ‘good for them’. As a consequence attendance at such classes is invariably low and their impact on health and well-being is minimal. With our Intrinsic Wellness™ approach – everyone is on board, engagement flourishes, attendance blossoms, and benefits become apparent to all.

Our Intrinsic Wellness™ approach produces results that are important to and valued by residents, staff and management alike. These results optimize Healthy Return on Investment outcomes in both qualitative (improved quality of life, self esteem, social engagement, etc.) and quantitative (improved physical independence, reduced health care costs, etc.) aspects of wellness.

Research has shown that our Intrinsic Wellness™ approach is a unique and powerful path to health and well-being. An approach which is encapsulated in our company affirmation:

Engage with self, Engage with life!

Foundational Community Initiatives
Our research has shown that the gradual incorporation and development of these three overarching ‘Foundational Initiatives’ are essential elements of success for every approach to Wellness.

• Communication
  Develop effective communication with residents about their health related goals
• Implementation
  Build on Communication to implement the wellness programs that make sense, and are important to your residents
• Commitment
  Reinforce Implementation by committing to a purposeful, permanent and visible pathway to improving and maintaining residents’ health and well-being.

Individual Wellness Initiatives
Under the umbrella of these three foundational initiatives, our wellness programs are developed to gradually incorporate six ‘initiatives’ that our research has shown to optimally enhance the effectiveness of wellness programs generally and the value of the individual wellness experience. These interactive programs can be introduced as a stand alone modular form or designed to merge seamlessly with your existing programs. These interactive programs ensure that participants:

• Physical Initiative
  Stay physically strong, active and healthy
• Social Initiative
  Continue to interact with their environment
• Emotional Initiative
  Be aware and accepting of feelings and emotions
• Spiritual Initiative
  Look for meaning and purpose in life
• Intellectual Initiative
  Keep alert minds
• Vocational Initiative
  Recognize and fulfill opportunities for personal growth

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