Living Well Rhode Island

Mission

The Living Well Rhode Island (LWRI) Program provides chronic disease self-management workshops statewide in English and Spanish at no cost to participants. The two programs are Chronic Disease Self-Management/Tomando Control de su Salud and Diabetes Self-Management Program/Tomando Control de su Diabetes. Stanford University Education Research Institute developed the evidence-based Chronic Disease Self- Management Program (CDSMP) in 1996. This initiative is a partnership of the Division of Elderly Affairs, Department of Human Services, HEALTH and AARP. LWRI workshops focus on problems common to individuals suffering with all chronic diseases e.g. heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis. The overall goal of LWRI is to enable participants to build self-confidence to become activated in maintaining their health and managing their chronic health conditions.

2010 Accomplishments and Milestones

• Trained 39 Master Trainers and 76 Leaders in the 2 English and Spanish Living Well RI programs in state
• 179 participants have completed the program

Key Focus Areas

Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops

Living Well Rhode Island workshops are free.  Anyone 18 years of age or older can attend. Workshops run on the same day each week in convenient Rhode Island locations.  Each class is 2 ½ hours and run for six weeks. LWRI workshops are taught in English or Spanish. You will get the support that you need, find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices, and learn better ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health.

Living Well Rhode Island six-week workshops are taught by two peer trained leaders. Leaders are people living with chronic conditions themselves.  A self-management workbook filled with fun and interactive lessons and a relaxation CD are provided to you. LWRI group sessions average 12-15 participants that also have chronic conditions.

Important things that you will learn how to do by attending workshop sessions:

• Manage your symptoms and medication
• Work with your health care team
• Problem-solve effectively
• Talk with your family and doctor
• Relax
• Handle difficult emotions
• Eat well
• Exercise safely
• Set your own weekly goals to improve your health and your life