Advocates

A 2020 study, developed and led by people with disabilities, examined member engagement and outcomes in the Massachusetts One Care Program, which provides comprehensive, integrated, coordinated care for dually eligible individuals under 65. The Better Care Playbook spoke with Dennis Heaphy, MPH, MEd, MDiv, a policy analyst and health justice advocate at the Massachusetts Disability Policy Consortium and a One Care member, to learn more about the findings of the One Care study. This blog post highlights the impact of engaging members with disabilities in care planning and strategies that health systems and payers can use to advance health equity through improved engagement with people with disabilities.

This report summarizes findings from research involving stakeholder organizations working with family caregivers in the private and public sectors. The report includes insights into best practice models and action steps that can be included in the national strategy to meet the RAISE goals. Additional stakeholder groups such as the direct care workforce, county health care providers, employers, aging and disability organizations, faith-based groups, respite care providers, and others participated in a series of individual interviews and group listening sessions.

NCLER has shared some resources for advocates in honor of National Consumer Protection Week. National Consumer Protection Week is a time to education people on their consumer rights and how to avoid fraud. NCLER resources include trainings, brochures, and flyers that share information about preventing and protecting older adults from scams and abuse.

This Trends Report highlights the findings of two national surveys conducted by NADTC. Data show that most respondents rely on friends and family rather than public transportation due to a lack of information about available community services. The report also shares tips, strategies and local examples onhow transit agencies can better communicate with riders.

This brief shares data on state policy choices about Medicaid HCBS, including target populations, functional eligibility criteria, financial eligibility criteria, waiver waiting lists, benefit packages, out-of-pocket costs, use of capitated managed care, self-direction opportunities, covered provider types, electronic visit verification systems, and provider reimbursement rates.

The brief from the KKF shares state-level data on HCBS spending and the number of people receiving Medicaid in FY 2020. The data were collected in KFF’s 19th survey of state officials administering Medicaid HCBS programs in all 50 states and DC.

The University of Kansas School of Nursing is seeking nursing homes to participate in an NIH-funded research study testing a new online version of the evidence-based Changing Talk (CHAT) communication training program. CHAT educates staff about reducing elderspeak (infantilizing communication) and results in reduced behavioral symptoms and need for psychotropic medication for residents with dementia. The new online version (Changing Talk: Online Training (CHATO)) consists of 3, one-hour interactive online modules that provide flexible and accessible access for staff.

ACL’s Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs (ONHPP) has released a new collection of resources to help senior nutrition programs better understand and meet dietary guidelines, as well as requirements of the Older Americans Act (OAA).

The Nutrition and Aging Resource Center is seeking input from those who work with Older Americans Act (OAA) funded programs, such as Area Agencies on Aging, State Units on Aging, and local providers of nutrition services. Survey responses will help inform the future direction of the Center’s programming, training, and research in the area of older adult nutrition services. The survey will take 15 - 30 minutes to complete.

This NRP article discusses the delay many states are experiencing in regard to accessing funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law in March 2021. The increased funding could be used by states to boost wages, move people off waiting lists for disability services, train more workers, and expand covered services for older adults and people with disabilities, however the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services must provide approval before states can fully access their funds.