Living Well FAQs

The course is FREE to participants. However, a commitment for seven weeks is required.

• The 7-week workshops are offered each month. The time of day varies to reach as many community members as possible.
• The year-long diabetes prevention program starts in the spring and fall. The time of day varies to reach as many community members as possible.

You can sign up for a workshop series by:

• Filling out the form on the workshop page you would like to attend:
  • Diabetes Self-Management
  • Chronic Disease Self-Management
  • Pain Self-Management
  • Diabetes Prevention Program
  • Cancer Symptoms & Treatment Self-Management
• Calling: 607-547-3948
• Emailing: LivingWellSessions@bassett.org

Participants who take the Chronic Disease or the Diabetes self-management workshop will receive:

• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions workbook.
  • A relaxation audio CD to practice techniques at home.

Participants who take the Chronic Pain Self-Management workshop will receive:

• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain
  • A Moving Easy Program CD to practice techniques at home.

Participants that evaluate the program will receive a grocery store gift card.

• We understand it may not be possible for you to make every session. You can always contact your peer leaders or fellow participant to get the information missed.
• Participants also receive a program overview and “homework” handout. If you complete the homework, you will feel more prepared for the next session.
• For further questions, call the Living Well program office at 607-547-3948.

• Anyone who is living with the condition covered in the workshop (chronic disease, diabetes, chronic pain, or cancer).
• Caregivers, spouses, and anyone else close to those who are living with one of these conditions.
• The diabetes prevention program is appropriate for any adult at risk for diabetes.
• The program is open to adults living in the following counties: Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Otsego, or Schoharie.

• All participants had reported that they would recommend this workshop to a friend.
• Over 97% of participants reported having a better understanding of how to manage their health and/or physical activity.
• After the workshop participants felt more motivated to take care of their health.
• The peer leaders and the workshop design is based on creating an open and trusting environment in which participants feel safe and comfortable sharing personal information.
• The group support developed at the workshop was reported as a great benefit to sharing ideas on similar conditions and in not feeling alone. The Participant Satisfaction Survey results from those who attended the workshop report that 100% of participants felt comfortable and part of the group, and that their opinions and contributions to the group were valued. One participant stated: 

"By sharing information with other participants I learned we all struggle with similar issues but can work through them and have success!”

Based on evidence generated, these workshops can provide physical, mental and emotional improvements that effect one’s quality of life:

• Decreased pain
• Decreased depression
• Increased physical activity and healthy eating
• Increased energy
• Better communication with providers
• Increased confidence and motivation to make healthy changes
• Ability to create action plans to reach goals
• Ability to use problem solving as a technique to adapt goals to changing circumstances
• Skills to address difficult emotions that can effect symptoms

Zoom Sessions

• High speed internet access with web browser or Zoom app
• Participants and leaders must have a webcam and use it during the workshop.
• Quiet or private area during the workshop to improve hearing quality and confidentiality of all participants.

Mailed Toolkit with Weekly Phone Support

• Phone service (call is toll-free)
• Quiet or private area during the workshop to improve hearing quality and confidentiality of all participants.

• At the first session, you will receive a 3-ring binder that you will be adding material to each week.
• Please bring a pen.
• Please bring water and a snack (if needed).
• Feel free to stand or move around during the workshop to respond to what your body may need. You do not have to always sit.

The workshops will not conflict with existing programs or treatment. They are designed to complement regular treatment and disease-specific education such as diabetes instruction.

• Patients can self-refer
  • Call: 607-547-3948
  • Email: LivingWellSessions@bassett.org
  • Visit us online
• Program staff are also willing to work through a mutually convenient process with clinic staff. Please see the contact information above to set-up a time to discuss.
• Bassett Healthcare Network patients can be referred to the Living Well program through the electronic medical record.

Adults are allowed to participate as caregivers in the Living Well workshops. If your older teen is interested in participating, please contact their pediatrician for referral. Contact Living Well program to sign up for a workshop.

Peer leaders are essential for the success of this program and we welcome anyone interested in becoming one! The Leaders are usually (although not exclusively) non-professionals (peers) with one or more chronic conditions. Their job is to facilitate the 6-week workshop using a detailed, scripted manual. There is a formatted training program that is required. Please call 607-547-3948 or email LivingWellSessions@bassett.org if you are interested or have questions.