4034.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 8:48 AM

Abstract #13290

Community-based long term care: Eliminating health disparities for the elderly

Rita Munley Gallagher, PhD, RNC, Department of Nursing Practice, American Nurses Association, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Suite 100 west, Washington, DC 20024-2571, 202-651-7062, RGallagher@ANA.org

The most comprehensive and emotional issue facing America, today, is unquestionably health care and its continuing need for reform. No part of the health care system generates as much passionate discontent as does long term care. Long term care has been viewed, historically, as taking place in a nursing home. In reality, only about 5 percent of even the oldest elderly live in nursing facilities. While the skilled nursing facility does have a definite place in the long term care continuum, the vast majority of necessary long term care services can, and should, be provided within a community-based health care delivery system, utilizing a nursing care management approach. Whenever the need for long term care arises, be it for America's young or senior citizens, it must be readily available. The issue is one of policy. Currently, the U.S. budget is U.S. health care policy, the only policy that will likely affect long term care. This policy must be reformed. Long term care must be provided in response to health care policy that is determined by public need as well as by funding priority and public policy regulation in order to eliminate health disparities for the elderly (and others). According to the WHO constitution: Governments have a responsibility for the health of their peoples which can be fulfilled only by the provision of adequate health and social measures. It is the responsibility of citizens, young and old alike, to make that mandate, and their support of it, known to policy makers.

Learning Objectives: 1. Identify relevant aspects of community-based long term care. 2. Detail factors affecting access to and use of healthcare for the elderly. 3. Discuss policy perspectives related to the elimination of disparities in the provision of Community-based long term care services for the elderly

Keywords: Community-Based Health Care, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Nurses Association
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Full Time Employee

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA