Rural Health
News by Topic: Elderly population
May 9, 2023 - Describes anticipated nursing home closures in Iowa due to financial challenges from rising medical care costs and static Medicaid reimbursement rates. Notes that fewer long-term care facilities means other long-term care facilities and rural hospitals must absorb the communities served by the closed facilities. Iowa's aging population means that the strain of fewer long-term care facilities will impact the healthcare system far into the future.
Source: N'West Iowa REVIEW
May 8, 2023 - Highlights new research on aging in place for seniors and the impact that has on rural communities. Study shows that "senior smart towns" allow aging people the ability to live safely and comfortably, bringing economic and networking benefits to the community. Communities without an economic base to support services such as healthcare and grocery stores impact the quality of life for all residents.
Source: Daily Yonder
May 5, 2023 - Describes food insecurity issues for seniors in the Arkansas Delta region and a new program to address it - The Good Food Rx. Started by the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this program aims to use food to improve health outcomes for the region's 65 and older population with a diagnosed chronic health condition. Participants receive delivered weekly meals and a cookbook for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Health metrics will be tracked to measure the program's success at improving health outcomes.
Source: Magnolia Banner News
May 3, 2023 - Describes a project at the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health to address accessibility needs of the disabled Kentuckians. The program uses service-learning with physical therapy students and high school students to refurbish medical equipment and toys for the uninsured, underinsured, and other underserved populations. Success from the program led to additional funding streams and the ability to expand the program to include training, education, demonstrations, and more.
Source: AARP Livable Communities
HHS: National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters
Federal Register
Apr 28, 2023 - The National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters
(NACSD) will hold a virtual public meeting on May 25, 2023.
The committee will discuss, finalize, and vote on an
initial set of recommendations to the HHS Secretary and
ASPR regarding challenges, opportunities, and priorities
for national public health and medical preparedness,
response, and recovery, specific to the needs of older
adults in disasters.
Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 26, 2023 - Announces funding awarded from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for projects to modify homes and make repairs necessary for low income elderly homeowners to remain in their homes. Funded projects are grouped by "substantially rural" and urban locations.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Apr 24, 2023 - Announces listening sessions with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Five 60-minute sessions in April, May, and June will cover "national resilience" related to the challenges faced by the elderly and people with disabilities. Pre-registration is required. Also calls for applications for FEMA's National Advisory Council.
Source: Administration for Community Living
Apr 12, 2023 - Discusses the issue of malnutrition in California, noting a two-fold increase in malnutrition deaths between 2018-2022, with the highest rate among people over age 85. Includes a map showing county-level death rates from malnutrition.
Source: California Healthline, Kaiser Health News
Apr 11, 2023 - A series of recommendations from an advisory committee to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the expansion of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) could enable elderly residents in rural communities to age in place. Recommendations include expanding telehealth, supporting a program focused on Medicare beneficiaries, allowing PACE sites to be eligible for student loan repayment, and encouraging students trained through the Indian Health Service to rotate to PACE sites.
Source: HealthLeaders Media