Rural Project Examples Addressing Elderly population

Updated/reviewed August 2023

Need: To educate rural community members about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and to support older adults in need.
Intervention: A community group formed in Winnemucca, Nevada, to discuss topics like health, housing, social events, community improvement, education, and transportation for older adults. The group also provides outreach to older adults, caregiver support, and a variety of of educational activities and events.
Results: The group's efforts have led to many changes for community welfare and safety as well as opportunities for education and activities.

Updated/reviewed August 2023

Need: Lakewood, Minnesota is classified as a food desert, where many rural families face food insecurity and low availability of both nutritious and affordable provisions.
Intervention: A collection of programs address food insecurity and the dietary health of members of the community, from children and families to older adults, supplying them with locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, and meat.
Results: Lakewood Engage conducts around 40,000 food insecurity screenings each year. Fresh produce, meat, and other goods are distributed to roughly 140 families (around 500 individuals), 200 seniors, and 75 school-aged children annually.

Updated/reviewed July 2023

Need: To help older adults age in place.
Intervention: For five months, CAPABLE participants receive home visits from a registered nurse, occupational therapist, and home repair services.
Results: There are currently over 35 CAPABLE sites across the country, 11 of which are located in rural communities.

Updated/reviewed March 2023

Need: Falling is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in adults over the age of 65.
Intervention: The Right Side Up program was implemented in rural Otter Tail County to address the prevention and management of falls and risk for falls through in-home assessments given by interdisciplinary healthcare professionals and students.
Results: Short-term outcomes revealed 100% of participants found the visit and recommendations for falls prevention to be helpful, and 78% implemented these recommendations.

Updated/reviewed September 2022

Need: Suicide rates among white males age 65 and older have been rising in North Carolina. Challenges include losing friends, illnesses, and the loss of independence – all of which can lead to isolation and depression.
Intervention: The Chatham County Council on Aging of North Carolina started Geezers, Gulpers, and Gardeners (3G Group) to connect retired men in need of male friends and mutual support.
Results: Men in similar stages of life and varying backgrounds are forming friendships, engaging in activities, and taking care of their mental health.

Updated/reviewed August 2022

Need: To provide transportation to rural seniors who are no longer able to drive.
Intervention: SMiles, a rural senior transportation program, was implemented in Blount County, Tennessee.
Results: Since 2013, SMiles has provided over 41,500 rides and errands to its rural seniors.

Updated/reviewed January 2022

Need: To reduce 911 use and improve older adults' health in rural Santa Cruz County, Arizona.
Intervention: Community paramedics made scheduled visits to patients and connected them to other community resources.
Results: CHIPP assisted over 150 people, and 911 calls decreased.

Rural Project Examples: Elderly population