Aging/Older Adults

This report is the latest in a series of annual reports on Medicaid long-term care expenditures. Table 1 presents national expenditures data for FY 1997–FY 2009. Tables A through T present state-by-state expenditures data for FY 2004–FY 2009 for specific categories of service. Tables U, V, and W present the distribution of each state’s LTC expenditures among institutional and community-based services.

First in a series, this brief presents findings from AoA’s National Survey of Older Americans Act Program Participants. Findings indicated that Title III participants were at a higher risk of entering a nursing home compared to others in their age group. The authors conclude that AoA, however, is effectively reaching those most at risk of institutionalization, and that Title III services play an important role in helping elderly adults remain living independently in the community.

Ten grants were awarded to states to develop a profile of the publicly funded LTC system and to assist CMS to develop national benchmarks that will be used to measure the degree and success of states' efforts to offer community based LTC services. Review Michigan’s report which focuses on the priority population of the elderly and adults with physical disabilities, but also includes systems that serve adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental illness and children.

The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging sponsored PPAR’s Winter/Spring 2010 issue. It includes seven articles written by national experts describing recent and notable changes in LTC policy, with its increasing emphasis on HCBS services. An introductory essay provides a 30-year review of the evolutionary process of LTC. Consumer-directed initiatives, caregiver and workforce issues, maturation of the service delivery system, and a review of recent state-level initiatives are discussed.

Predictors of service use was examined among four in-home and two community-based services. Results showed that race did not have a significant effect on service use, but gender had a significant effect for some services. The results indicated the importance of social supports and structural factors in predicting use. Implications for policies and practice to improve community outreach, access and utilization of services by different racial groups of elders are discussed.

What are the housing challenges facing older adults? Find out in this report that also explores strategies to better enable older adults to age in place or in their community. It discusses accessible, safe, and affordable housing, access to social services and transportation, and housing models that help to allow aging in place. Also included is a link to an online toolkit, and a series of fact sheets on housing for seniors.

Explore the website of an independent, non-profit organization for long-distance caregivers. The site offers service directories to help locate local help and support, as well as information on topics such as evaluating needs and abilities, managing finances and legal documents and setting up caregiver family conferences. A number of related links and resources are offered including a secure repository for families to use in gathering information.

Find an estimate for the US of the costs over the next 20 years of providing public transportation to the advancing wave of older adults looking to maintain their independence. Investments recommended to address needs included more bus operator training and consideration of older adults’ needs in route planning and placement of transit stops. Capital enhancements include more low-floor and kneeling buses, improved interior circulation, additional grab bars and other accessibility features.

AoA has released a toolkit that provides the Aging Network and its partners with a replicable and easy-to-use method for providing services for any diverse community. The toolkit consists of a four-step process and a questionnaire that assists professionals, volunteers and advocates with every stage of program planning, implementation and service delivery for older adult communities, their families and caregivers.

Explore this collaborative initiative geared towards propelling state progress in the support of a more “successful and financially secure aging experience.” The West Virginia Long Term Care Partnership seeks to bring together varied efforts to create an integrated network of thought and action, with an emphasis on collaboration and communication. Also included is a link to the proceedings of their 2010 Partner Summit, through which you can access the presentations and handouts.