Aging/Older Adults

Many of the same social, health, and economic trends driving the development of home and community-based services in the U.S. are also present in Europe. A team of experts assembled by the World Health Organization presents evidence for the effectiveness of home care, shows how it can be improved, and explains the need for equitable access. It also explores the varied cultural and care contexts in Europe and provides suggestions on educating professionals and the public about these issues.

The author focuses on Medicaid and Medicare in offering healthcare reform suggestions. Both legislative and administrative actions are proposed regarding eligibility and enrollment, access to services, program management and delivery systems issues, and financing. Several options relate to HCBS, such as protecting spouses of the medically needy, expanding eligibility for SSI-related groups, and issuing further guidance on waiver waiting lists.

About 52 million people provided family caregiving worth about $375 billion in 2007. That amount exceeds Medicaid long-term care spending in each state. Caregiving services included in the estimate are personal care, help with everyday tasks, and health-related interventions. The document presents data nationally and by state and concludes with policy recommendations to support and sustain family caregivers.

Everything from program structure, eligibility, services, financing and expenditures are covered here in concise summaries. This updated edition also contains graphics showing expenditures by service and the growth of Medicaid acute care spending as compared to private health plans. The tables at the end present data broken down by state. Refer to the 2007 version for historic perspective.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) requires states to submit a Plan on Aging every 1-4 years focused on reforming long-term care to help keep older people independent. Arkansas presents information on their organization, programs, goals, funding, and people served. Their plan covers areas including Cash & Counseling, Money Follows the Person, transportation planning, disaster preparedness, and others.

This website directs people on how to find information related to aging and disabilities resources in AK using the phone or email. A list of topics for which one can find information is included, as well as documents about services eligibility. Also included here are directions to using the program that were written as a column in the publication "Aging Arkansas."

One cause of direct-care worker turnover often cited by the workers themselves is inadequate job preparation. PHI developed a training approach over two decades that emphasizes interactive techniques which are more effective in training workers in communication, problem solving, and work readiness skills. This guide outlines learner-centered training and provides educators with tools to implement the principles in their own programs.

States can use this in the development or improvement of their own protocol for reviewing sites that deliver Medicaid and grant funded services. The purposes of the reviews are to ensure compliance with regulations, assist in development of policies and procedures, and identify potential areas for training and program improvement. Protocols are organized by review method and specify which indicators are measured, source of data to be gathered, and example inquiries.

What is a Green House home? It is an alternative residence for elders that need skilled nursing care. The architecture and services create small, homey environments that stress privacy, autonomy, support, and enjoyment. Visit the homepage to learn about the concept and efforts to replicate nationally. See “Research and Resources” and “Regulation and Legislation” for information on outcomes related to Green Houses and relevant state and federal policy.

In 2005, VT became the first state to commit to a federal Medicaid funding cap in exchange for expanded eligibility definitions and access to home and community-based services under a Section 1115 waiver. Case studies and interviews are used to present key findings from the program. Key design features are also presented. Finally, future issues within VT and other states that might emulate the program are discussed.