Tool

People with disabilities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of disasters. To help policymakers understand the need to include people with disabilities in emergency disaster plans, Mathematica researchers created interactive disability natural disaster maps that show how many people with disabilities are living in areas at higher risk of natural disasters.

The Housing and Services Resource Center was created for people who work in the space of housing resources and homelessness services, behavioral and mental health services, independent living services and other supportive services. The Center is part of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand affordable housing, improve home and community-based services, and address bias in America's long-term care system.

NCOA's free BenefitsCheckUp tool, used to connect aging professionals and their community to benefits programs, has been updated to be more accessible. The new version of the tool includes details on 2,000 benefits in English and Spanish, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicare Savings Programs, Affordable Connectivity Program; free, confidential eligibility checks by program or category; and Personalized support via a call center, chat, email, and connections to local centers.

Evidence-based community falls prevention programs can reduce falls, risk factors, and costs associated with falls. Community-based programs address a wide range of risk factors such as improving muscle strength and balance, removing home hazards that contribute to falls, and increasing confidence to engage in falls-reduction activities. NCOA's infographic highlights key statistics on falls injuries and solutions to help save lives and money.

CHCS has published a new tool to assist states in planning and implementing a Master Plan for Aging (MPA). A MPA is a cross-sector, state-led strategic planning resource that can help states transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for their aging population and people with disabilities. This tool outlines core principles to guide the MPA development process and shares best practices for cross-sector MPA development through state examples.

NADRC's "Dementia Training Resources for Professionals and Volunteers" provides links to training and educational materials for professionals and volunteers working with people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The resources are intended to increase the dementia-capability of organizations, professionals, and volunteers by providing information on how to recognize, understand, and meet the unique needs of people living with ADRD and their caregivers.

This brief explores California’s experiences using a Master Plan for Aging (MPA) to respond to unexpected challenges and opportunities. It also examines how California used their MPA to use state-led programs to address health equity. The brief looks at some of the other benefits of using an MPA including building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, government agencies, and the public. The brief is intended to provide information on California’s experiences with an MPA to help other states build support for developing an MPA.

Through the Medicaid Innovation Accelerator Program (IAP), the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) offers targeted program support to Medicaid agencies seeking to promote community integration for Medicaid beneficiaries using Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). Based on continuing dialogue with states and other stakeholders, the use of technology has presented an opportunity for state Medicaid agencies to promote community inclusion and community living. As CMCS continues to seek ways to support states, IBM Watson Health was asked to conduct an Environmental Scan (referred to as Environmental Scan, or Scan) to identify existing and emerging technologies used to support community living and integration.

iLink Support Technologies delivers health and behavioral support, home security, in-home care, and emergency support to a customer’s home when it is needed.

Memo #3 relates to the option for participants to receive and providers to offer virtual supports for the following services: Employment Services; Supported Employment Services; Community Development Services; Day Habilitation Services; and Personal Support Services. The purpose of virtual supports is to maintain or improve a participant's functional abilities, enhance interactions, support meaningful relationships, and promote their ability to live independently, and meaningfully participate in their community.