Delaware Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP)

GWEP News & Updates

October 9, 2025

Jump Into October with a Deep Dive into Aegism

October 9 is Ageism Awareness Day

AGEISM

What is it?

The American Society on Aging definition:

Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It impacts us at every age.

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Join us for a GWEP Lunch & Learn

Milford Wellness Village

Thursday Oct. 23, 2025 11:30-2:00 p.m.


11:30-12:30 pm- Grab a Boxed Lunch & Mingle


12:30-1:00 pm- Intro to MWV's Services & Programs for Older Adults


1:00-2:00 pm-

"Ageism in Healthcare: What it is, Why it Matters, & Strategies to Avoid It." Rachel Fields MSN,AGACNP-BC,DCP, DE State University, Adjunct Faculty


JOIN US for a lunchtime presentations to learn available resources for your older adult clients & family members, and to better understand the phenonemon of Ageism in healthcare settings, and why "age-inclusion" is is the best way to move beyond ageism.

According to the American Society on Aging:

"Negative perceptions of aging can decrease quality of life and even shorten lifespan".

American Society on Aging Webinar:

Keys to Age Inclusion: Collaboration & Belonging

Thursday, October 9, 2025

3–4 PM ET

How we view aging affects how we invest in our communities and make policy. Join a practical discussion hosted by the American Society on Aging about solutions to ageism, the need to collaborate across sectors and broaden understanding of aging to encompass the diverse realities of growing older in America. REGISTER HERE.

DELAWARE GWEP PARTNER EXPANDS PROGRAMMING

Neighborhood Foot Care Patrol™ is a Nurses & Neighbors initiative to bring foot screenings and foot hygiene education directly to vulnerable populations—especially older adults, unhoused individuals, and underserved neighbors.  Foot health directly affects health and longevity. Healthy feet help prevent falls, support mobility, and protect independence — especially for older adults and vulnerable neighbors. Nurses & Neighbors trained patrol volunteers will:

  • Screen for infection, skin breakdown, and injuries
  • Educate on daily foot care and safe footwear
  • Refer to medical care before problems become serious


Are you interested in hosting a screening for your client base? Nurses & Neighbors are scheduling foot care events at senior centers, shelters, mobile health units, and more. First screenings begin in October in Sussex County. Fill out a Contact Form and check out the Nurses & Neighbors website. They have great things underway to keep Delaware's older adults on the move!

GWEP EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR YOU


2025-2026 GWEP EDUCATIONAL FOCUS AREAS


Please share with colleagues, friends, and family interested in the effort to make the 1st State the "Age-Friendliest" State. If you have comments, interest areas, and/or items of interest to share, please contact us.

Chronic Disease and Diabetes Self-Management for Older Adults

According to national data, over 90% of older adults (>65 yrs.) have at least one chronic disease condition. Specifically in Sussex County DE, rates of hypertension and diabetes are annually climbing.


Evidence-based programs are six-weeks in duration (1/per wk), open to all ages, at no cost, and provide practical information to build self-management skills, enhance quality of life, and promote independence for continued community dwelling. If you are interested in hosting a workshop administered by EHRI at your site, please contact us below.


Bayside Fitness Center in Millsboro, a family-owned fitness and health center offering a wide range of programs for older adults, answered the call in July and officially kicked off a workshop for 8 of their patrons this month. Thank you Bayside Fitness Center, Kayla Holland, and Melissa! Thanks too to Beebe Population Health for co-leading. We are looking forward to a great community-based partnership taking root.


In November 2025, the Delaware Division of Public Health in partnership with EHRI is providing training to administer these workshops. If you, someone you know, or a member of your organization would like to be trained as a workshop facilitator, please indicate interest, Register for the next training session, Nov 17-20, 9am-4pm daily with lunch provided @ Milford Wellness Village.

DON'T FORGET

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT

October 15 through December 7, 2025

*REGARDLESS of STATUS of GOVT SHUTDOWN


The National Council on Aging (NCOA) maintains a clearinghouse of successful strategies and tactics to support. As the Medicare Open Enrollment Period approaches, you can use interest in Medicare to support people with other programs.


Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15, 2025. As a reminder, even though there has been a lapse in federal appropriations, 1-800-MEDICARE continues to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide assistance to Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare Open Enrollment issues or other inquiries. Should a lapse in appropriations extend into the Medicare Open Enrollment period that begins October 15th, individuals would be able to continue to use Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact a Medicare health or drug plan to join, switch, or drop a plan. Patients may contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for one-on-one insurance counseling assistance. Contact information may be found here: https://www.shiphelp.org/. Health care professionals may contact their Medicare Administrative Contractor by following this link: https://www.cms.gov/mac-info.