Partnerships for Rural Healthy Aging Programs
To successfully implement a rural healthy aging program, it is important to identify and pursue partnerships with individuals, providers, and organizations who could contribute to the program's success. Through identifying and assembling community partners and other interested parties, the program can connect with community assets and resources to better meet the needs of older adults.
There are multiple potential partners to consider engaging, including:
- Senior centers
- Area Agencies on Aging
- Libraries
- Clinics and hospitals
- Churches or other faith-based organizations
- Mayors, county commissioners, and other local leadership
- Transportation programs
- Health insurance plans
- Governmental agencies
- Academic institutions
- Philanthropic organizations
- Organizations that provide training for providers on healthy aging topics
- Architects and home remodelers
When engaging with partners, programs should assess the partners' available resources. Often, rural communities have a variety of untapped assets and resources. For example, local libraries can function as a space for older adults to congregate. Primary care clinics can integrate topics related to Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and falls prevention in their appointments. Regardless of the type of healthy aging program, partnerships and resources can be leveraged to expand capacity and ensure efforts are not duplicated. To nurture partnerships, the program can conduct formal and informal meetings or establish a committee that meets regularly to discuss progress. Establishing a plan for frequent communication and transparency early in the implementation process is essential for success.
It may also be important to partner with local community leadership to gain their support for the program. Due to balancing multiple priorities, mayors or other community leaders may not be aware of healthy aging programs in the community. Programs can share action plans and progress reports to keep leaders informed and engaged. Such partnerships can be useful to promote the benefits of investing in programs that support a vibrant, healthy older adult population.