Aging/Older Adults

Review summary findings from evaluations of ADRCs done by entities external to the ADRCs and/or for purposes beyond routine semi-annual reporting (SART). Studies are arranged by topics covering a range of activities including access to services, outreach and marketing, consumer satisfaction and cost effectiveness.

Support Options is a CLP demonstration program that invites consumers who are at-risk of nursing home placement and Medicaid spend-down to actively participate in managing their own services within an established budget. Find marketing materials and a training manual for the Determination of Need (DON) Functional Assessment, a standardized assessment tool used that measures functional impairment and unmet need for care.

Review an evaluation of the Johnson County and Linn County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) pilot sites. The evaluation assesses the process and outcomes of establishing a standardized entry point to long-term care supports and services, with emphasis on the role of the Options Counselor (OC) at both sites. Copies of surveys and interview techniques used are included.

Network with 'Villages' that are sprouting up in communities across the country. These initiatives allow people affordable options for staying in their own homes, and to remain active, independent, and civically connected to their communities. The Village to Village Network is an informal association of these groups, a national peer to peer network to help communities establish and continuously improve their Villages whether in large metropolitan areas, rural towns, or suburban settings.

CIAIP was authorized by Congress to assist communities in their efforts to enable older adults to sustain their independence and age in their homes and communities. Grantees are striving to assess their communities to identify barriers to aging in place and collaborate with other community organizations to identify innovative strategies for linking older individuals to programs that provide comprehensive and coordinated health and social services. Visit this website for more information.

Discover strategies that were used to successfully engage local leaders and related agencies to host well attended and highly regarded Senior Benefits Expos across Massachusetts. Eight Expos were held across the state to inform and connect people to the programs and services they need, and provide them with the opportunity for on-the-spot screening and enrollment. The greatest success factor was believed to be the effective partnerships between federal, local and state agencies.

Review the screening tool and instructions for the The Live Well At Home Program Rapid Screen©, used to identify the risk of older persons for nursing home admission and/or spend down to Medical Assistance. Upon completion of the Rapid Screen© the older person will know their risk category and have a list of up to seven identified evidence-based risk factors. Background information on the project can be obtained through their website.

Visit this website, launched by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging. The Center was created to empower legal and aging services advocates with resources necessary to provide high quality legal help to seniors who are facing threats to their ability to live independently in their homes and communities. Website features include best practices, tools for finding legal service providers, news stories, upcoming events, case consultation, technical assistance and more.

What health cost and health condition differences exist between employed caregivers of elderly relatives and non-caregivers? What is the cost differential for employers in terms of health care for working caregivers and other employees? This study, a collaborative project of the MMI, NAC, and the University of Pittsburgh, answers these questions and offers new insights and innovations for reducing health care costs for employers.

Read this study that found two significant supportive factors for older adults to remain in communities were use of paid instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) personal care services and awareness of unmet needs. Findings suggest the importance of encouraging older adults to acknowledge their unmet needs and to seek community-based support services early, rather than wait until they have developed more serious needs.