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Rural Health Information Hub

Other Case Studies and Collections of Program Examples: Elderly population

In addition to RHIhub's Rural Health Models and Innovations rural program examples, you may also want to browse other case studies, databases, and websites with collections of health programs.

Each resource listed below uses its own criteria for selecting program examples, which may range from programs known to be effective based on research to anecdotal accounts. In each resource, you may want to review information on the level of evidence required for a program's inclusion.

May include non-rural programs that could be applicable to rural health delivery.

Innovations from the Field: AAAs Work to Improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Presents case studies of how seven Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) implemented equity and inclusion efforts within their organizations and through service delivery. Highlights programs serving rural Iowa, Oregon, and New York.
Date: 05/2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USAging
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Getting in Front of COVID-19: Addressing Social Determinants of Health to Save the Lives of Seniors
Presents an overview of Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District's (SoHum Health) efforts to proactively meet the needs of seniors sheltered-in-place due to COVID-19. Describes how SoHum Health has repurposed facilities and staff, and partners with local Humboldt County, California, organizations, to determine the needs of local seniors and make deliveries of groceries and medications. Discusses contingency plans in the event of a COVID-19 surge.
Date: 04/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Promising Practice: Forum on Aging in Rural Oregon Brings Together Innovative Ideas and Programs
Features a promising practice on rural aging from Oregon State Office of Rural Health. The annual Forum on Aging in Rural Oregon allows community organizations to come together to share ideas and resources on what works to address the needs of an aging population in their communities.
Author(s): Beth Blevins
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
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National Program Helps Older Adults in Rural Maine and Hawaii Feel More CAPABLE
Highlights CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place—Advancing Better Living for Elders), a national model that connects low-income older adults with an occupational therapist, registered nurse, and home repair services. Features programs implemented in Hawaii and Maine based on this model.
Author(s): Allee Mead
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Ray of Hope Behavioral Health Program: Cottage Hospital – Woodsville, NH
Describes Cottage Hospital, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, providing healthcare services to a large region of New Hampshire and Vermont, with an additional 10 beds for the Ray of Hope behavioral health program designed for older adults. Discusses the Ray of Hope program and covers impacts, lessons learned, and future goals of the program.
Date: 06/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Rural Transportation Best Practice: Transportation for Individuals with Chronic Care Conditions
Highlights a program called Mountain Empire Older Citizens (MEOC), which is a transportation assistance service for individuals with chronic conditions in Big Stone Gap, VA. Details the demographics of the town, as well as the structure of the program.
Date: 10/2017
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
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Rural Promising Practice Issue Brief: Interdisciplinary Clinical Video - Telehealth for Geriatrics and Dementia
Highlights the development, implementation, and evaluation of an interdisciplinary telehealth program designed to help caregivers provide coordinated care for aging rural veterans suffering from dementia. Discusses the interdisciplinary team model comprised of social workers, geriatricians, primary care providers, and rural caregivers coordinating to maintain a uniform level of care. Includes outcomes regarding the increase of access to education and caregiver support, as well as the ability of providers to prescribe medication to rural patients.
Additional links: Overview
Date: 05/2017
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Veterans Health Administration's Office of Rural Health
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Rural Healthy People 2020: A Companion Document to Healthy People 2020, Volume 1
Provides a rural focus for the Healthy People 2020 priorities. Includes overviews of the top 10 rural health priority areas identified by rural stakeholders. (Volume 2 discusses priorities 11-20.) Topics addressed include: health insurance, primary care, emergency services, nutrition and weight status, diabetes, mental health, substance abuse, heart disease and stroke, physical activity, older adults, maternal and child health, and tobacco use. Each overview includes reviews of the relevant literature and models that rural communities can use to address the issues. Document is available for free download, after providing brief information about intended use.
Author(s): Jane N. Bolin, Gail Bellamy, Alva O. Ferdinand, Bita Kash, Janet W. Helduser
Date: 2015
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Southwest Rural Health Research Center
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