Transition/Diversion from Institutions

While Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) began as an urban model, CMS has now provided its first grants to expand the program to rural areas. Read this article to as an introduction to three rural PACE programs that have launched in South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Montana. The article concludes with lessons learned and contact info for staff that work on these programs.

This report is the first product of the newly launched Caregiving Project for Older Americans, a multiyear, joint project of the International Longevity Center-USA (ILC) and the Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education (SCSHE). The report focuses on integrating what is known about both the paid and the family caregiving worlds.

This report discusses the options for expanding home and community based services in the state of Maryland as required by Bill 594. Should Maryland elect to expand access to Medicaid home- and community-based services(HCBS), it has several possible approaches. This report discusses these options for Maryland in detail; ideas other states designing similar programs might find useful.

The Congressional Budget Office examines the likely effects on federal spending of 115 health care reform options. Ch. 8 covers proposals on financing Medicaid and SCHIP and Ch. 10 covers long-term care options. HCBS-related options include: allowing all states to offer HCBS via Medicaid state plan amendments (#99); making HCBS a mandatory benefit (#100); and adjusting federal match rates to favor HCBS over nursing homes (#101). Also included is a presentation on the findings of the report.

The purpose of this study is to synthesize data on the impact that the Rehabilitation Act has had on the employment and post secondary education outcomes of eligible youth. It examines how well existing vocational rehabilitation (VR) structures deliver effective transition services. It also looks at the effectiveness of collaboration between VR, education, and other service systems. Finally, 11 recommendations for the U.S. Congress and various relevant federal and state agencies are given.

Vermont developed this brochure to introduce the Nursing Home Diversion Program to consumers.

Methods for evaluating MFP are mapped out in detail. The report explains the design of the analyses of implementation, impact, and outcomes. It also describes research questions to be answered and methods for tracking the 31 programs. Finally, the synthesis of information and format of the presentation of findings is discussed.

The U.S. Department of Labor has joined with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to launch a Web-based directory to help wounded warriors identify resources available to assist them in transitioning back to civilian life. The National Resource Directory encompasses more than 10,000 services and resources, including information on benefits and compensation, education, training and employment, family ad caregiver support, health, housing and transportation, service and resources.

Four articles provide an update of where the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the Aging Network stand in the face of demographic, economic, and health care issues. The first two cover the history of the legislative and budgetary developments of the network and report on a national survey of Area Agencies on Aging. The third summarizes political vagaries that network agencies encounter. The last advocates that civic engagement efforts must expand to cover disadvantaged and vulnerable 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.