Question

Write a policy analysis background, landscape, options, and recommendation for the best long term options/services that should be provided or in place for seniors living in rural areas.

The problem statement has been provided above- what are the best long term options/services that shoukd be provided or in place for seniors living in rural areas?

Thank you.

Answer 1

While it may be hard to accept, most of us will require some type of care assistance after the age of 65. You may be used to handling everything yourself, dividing up duties with your spouse, or relying on family members for minor help around the home. But as you get older and your circumstances change, getting around and taking care of yourself can become more and more difficult. If the idea of moving to a retirement community, assisted living facility, or nursing home doesn’t appeal, home care services may be able to help keep you living in your own home for longer.

Home care services include:

Household maintenance. Keeping a household running smoothly takes a lot of work. If you’re finding it hard to keep up, you can look into laundry, shopping, gardening, housekeeping, and handyman services. If you’re having trouble staying on top of bills and appointments, financial and healthcare management may also be helpful.

Transportation. Transportation is a key issue for older adults. Maybe you’re finding it hard to drive or don’t like to drive at night. Having access to trains, buses, rideshare apps, reduced fare taxis, and senior transportation services can help prolong your independence and maintain your social network.

Home modifications. If your mobility is becoming limited, home modifications can go a long way towards keeping your existing residence comfortable and accessible. Modifications can include things such as grab bars in the shower, ramps to avoid or minimize the use of stairs, or even installing a new bathroom on the ground floor.

Personal care. Help with the activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or meal preparation, is called personal or custodial care. Home health aides can provide personal care services that range from a few hours a day to around-the-clock live-in care. They may also provide limited assistance with things such as taking blood pressure or offering medication reminders.

Health care. Some healthcare services can be provided at home by trained professionals, such as occupational therapists, social workers, or home health nurses. Check with your insurance or health service to see what kind of coverage is available, although you may have to cover some cost out of pocket. Hospice care can also be provided at home.

Day programs. Day programs or adult daycare can help you keep busy with activities and socialization during the day, while providing a break for your caregivers. Some daycare programs are primarily social, while others provide limited health services or specialize in disorders such as early stage Alzheimer’s.

System Changes Needed to Support Rural Communities  

• Payment Systems: Modifying current payment systems to better support rural elder care options
•   Policy Change and Innovation: State and federal policies should be coordinated to support the development of integrated care delivery models, such as PACE, care coordination models, such as Aging and Disability Resource Centers and SOURCE, and providers that expand the care options available to rural elders, such as small foster homes, and home care with enhanced telehealth services. Medicaid programs should review payment policies to assure these policies support the development of community-based long term care options that can effectively serve rural elders. Priority should be placed on directing flexible funding to the community-based care providers and care coordinators that will expand rural elders’ options. The infrastructure available in rural communities to support elder care options, including transportation, housing, workforce education and training services, and health information technology, should be assessed to identify and address gaps.
•   Workforce: Rural areas face particular challenges in finding the workforce to make community care options available to elders
•   Health Information Technologies: Health information technologies are needed in rural areas to support expanded elder care options. The use of electronic technology is growing including expanded use of the internet, web-based information and services, and electronic monitoring of medications, sleeping patterns, and security.