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The next virtual Community of Practice session for OneCare Kansas (OCK) care coordinators and social workers is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, at 3 p.m. Pre-registration for this session is required. Those interested in joining the conversation can contact Vanessa Lohf for additional details.
In April, members of the OCK provider network gathered for the quarterly Learning Collaborative. During the session, participants discussed issues surrounding health information privacy policies and practices and strategies used to help members better understand their rights related to confidentiality. Thank you to those who participated in this session.
On April 26, Wichita State University's Community Engagement Institute (WSU-CEI) hosted the first session of the OCK Final Friday Webinar Series, "Writing SMART Health Action Plans." Nearly 30 participants from the OCK partner network across the state joined the live online event. The session covered the OCK Health Action Plan process, stages of change, assessing a member's readiness to change and setting goals using the SMART method.
The next session, titled "Advancing Equity through Health Literacy Practices," will be held on May 31. Pre-registration is required for this session. For more information, please contact Vanessa Lohf.
It is with pleasure that we announce the appointment of Nicole Baez as the interim OCK lead for Aetna. Nicole brings with her a wealth of experience in operations from her role at Aetna. We extend a warm welcome to Nicole as she joins the OCK team and look forward to her contributions to the success of the program while she is in the interim role.
The state continues to collect success stories from our provider network, illustrating the positive impact of the OCK program on KanCare members. This month’s success story comes from Hannah Sexton at Central Kansas Mental Health Center.
“Weston has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to achieving his OneCare Kansas goals. He has been diligently managing his monthly income, resulting in significant progress. With the support of his OCK Care Coordinator, Weston has been utilizing accessible resources such as a free budget planner, his check register and monthly bank statements to improve his spending habits.
As a result of his positive changes, Weston has made remarkable improvements not only in his financial goals but also in other areas, such as weight loss and blood sugar management. Weston has reported making healthier and more cost-effective choices, such as consuming more meals at home. His improved financial management has also contributed to his weight loss goal, an area of focus that his doctor recommended. He remains determined to utilize the additional benefits of his healthcare coverage to sustain his financial progress.
Weston's journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, who take tremendous pride in his achievements.”
Thank you, Hannah, for sharing this inspiring success story and for your dedicated efforts in supporting Weston. Keep up the great work!
Providers can share their success stories by emailing them to the OCK state team. The state appreciates our provider's contributions.
Being surrounded by nature often brings about feelings of peace and tranquility as individuals immerse themselves in the serenity of their environment. This calming effect can also be achieved through activities such as gardening and tending to plants, known as horticultural therapy.
Horticultural therapy utilizes plant-related activities to promote both mental and physical well-being. Originating from ancient practices, it has evolved into a structured approach with defined treatment objectives. Dr. Benjamin Rush, esteemed as the "Father of American Psychiatry," notably advocated for the mental health benefits of gardening in the 19th century. Over time, horticultural therapy has garnered recognition and support from organizations like the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), highlighting its importance in enhancing overall wellness.
Horticultural therapy is a versatile treatment option catering to diverse populations and offering various benefits across domains. This holistic approach to health and well-being addresses cognitive functioning, social interaction and emotional and physical well-being, all tailored to an individual’s unique needs. It can provide comfort and solace to those struggling with mental health issues, facilitate gentle exercise for individuals with disabilities or limitations and promote emotional healing for those affected by trauma. The therapeutic benefits extend to various age groups, including seniors and individuals with dementia, who often experience improved cognitive function and a renewed sense of purpose, and children facing learning challenges can benefit from the therapy's interactive and educational aspects.
Horticultural therapy types include therapeutic, vocational and social approaches. Therapeutic horticultural therapy focuses on achieving treatment goals through planting and creating floral arrangements. Vocational horticultural therapy teaches job skills related to gardening and plant science. Lastly, social horticultural therapy enhances social skills through gardening projects and discussions. Each approach offers unique benefits tailored to individual needs, promoting personal growth and development.
To implement horticultural therapy effectively, therapists customize a program based on individual needs and capabilities. The sessions usually start with basic gardening tasks like planting and watering and then progress to more specialized activities such as flower arranging or herb cultivation. Therapists may introduce new tasks or modify existing ones as clients advance to facilitate further growth and recovery. This adaptability makes horticultural therapy a flexible approach that enhances overall quality of life.
Horticultural therapy is a flexible and efficient treatment method that utilizes the healing properties of connecting with nature and participating in plant-based activities. Through tailored programs and diverse approaches, horticultural therapy addresses various individual needs, offering relief, stimulation and growth across cognitive, emotional, social and physical domains. Its adaptability and personalized approach make it a valuable tool for enhancing overall quality of life. For more information, please visit this Horticultural Therapy webpage.
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