Surveys

ADvancing States is pleased to publish findings from the Aging and Disability 2023 Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) National Survey. This brief explores several dimensions of quality assurance and training, including I&R/A standards, quality assurance and improvement, outcome measures, staff training, and staff certification. The survey results demonstrate that agencies use a variety of means to ensure the quality of services provided. Quality assurance and training strengthen I&R/A service delivery and support effective services and outcomes.

ADvancing States released today a new report on the current state of enabling technology in LTSS programs. The report offers recommendations for state action as well as identifies supports that our Federal partners can offer to states as they explore ways to help older adults and people with physical disabilities live as independently as possible. Finally the report highlight some best practices across the country in both Medicaid and aging programs.

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) recently published a survey report on the impact of understaffing on nursing home residents in 2024. The findings highlight substantial challenges faced by residents, with 88% reporting they do not have adequate staffing in their facilities to meet the care needs of all residents. This report spotlights how understaffing can lead to daily struggles for residents, including delayed care, missed activities, and medication issues. The report underscores the pressing need to address staffing deficiencies to ensure quality, person-centered care in nursing homes.

SAGE’s Center of Excellence has partnered with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to conduct the “State of LGBTQ+ Aging Survey.” The survey seeks to better understand the current experiences, needs, and resiliencies of older people in the U.S. who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit, or related identities). The survey is now open to LGBTQ+ adults 50 years old and older. It takes 30 to 45 minutes and can be conducted online or over the phone.

Massachusetts General Hospital, in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is recruiting volunteers for a study examining the effectiveness of a smartphone-based therapy using mindfulness and guided imagery tools to reduce stress, promote the understanding of self and others, and increase feelings of connection for family caregivers of people with dementia. Participants will be randomly assigned to use a smartphone app to receive the guided imagery program or a caregiver skills training for two months. At the start and end of the study and six months later, participants will complete questionnaires about their stress levels, care burden, sleep, and mood.

Through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a team of health workforce and survey research experts from the University of Michigan, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is taking the lead on the National Dementia Workforce Study (NDWS). This project aims to develop and conduct annual national surveys to investigate the dementia care workforce, encompassing physicians, nurses, and direct care workers in various care settings. Additionally, NDWS is in the process of establishing a data infrastructure to support a wider community of researchers and policymakers. Each year from 2024 to 2028, the National Dementia Workforce study will...

USAging has released the AAA National Survey Chartbook for 2022, funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, offering comprehensive insights into how Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) address housing, social engagement, and health equity needs among older adults. This triennial survey provides crucial data on trends, workforce, funding, partnerships, and service adaptations within the Aging Network. Additionally, USAging offers a Chartbook Toolkit, including state-level reports, data briefs, sample communication materials, and presentation slides, empowering AAAs to benchmark their services, advocate for funding, and share their impact on older adults' well-being.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is partnering with the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to offer free COVID-19 test kits to aging and disability networks, ensuring continued access for older adults and individuals with disabilities. State Units on Aging (SUAs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can directly order test kits from ASPR's Office of Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain (IBMSC) for distribution to the people they serve. Currently, test kits from various manufacturers (Siemens, Ellume, or Quidel) are available, with a minimum order of 200 kits. Registration is open until September 15, 2023...

A new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) presents findings from a survey and analysis of state Medicaid programs regarding crisis services. The survey reveals that while most states cover at least one core crisis service, there are gaps in coverage, particularly for adults under fee-for-service Medicaid. Additionally, the analysis explores the delivery, administration, and integration of behavioral health care within state Medicaid programs, highlighting the disproportionate share of adults with mental illness and substance use disorders covered by Medicaid. The report underscores the need for continued study and strategic policies to address access gaps and increased utilization of behavioral health services.

The United States Senate has released a report titled "Uninspected & Neglected: Nursing Home Inspection Agencies are Severely Understaffed, Putting Residents at Risk." The report highlights the investigation conducted by the Majority staff, prompted by Chairman Casey's previous concerns regarding the Special Focus Facilities (SFF) program. Findings reveal that State agencies responsible for monitoring nursing homes’ are grappling with significant staffing shortages and insufficient funding, resulting in delayed inspections and potential harm to residents. The report addresses the historical awareness of these issues, the use of third-party contractors, the impact on quality ratings, the utilization of CARES Act funding during COVID-19.