Increases in life expectancy coupled with the aging of our society have resulted in a growth of the elderly population. As the demographic profile of our nation shifts, the need to understand and develop programs to promote health and independence among older adults is critical. The Kaiser Permanente Geriatric Care Management Program was developed to respond to the unique needs of this growing population. Methods: Frail Kaiser Permanente Members over the age of 65 referred to the Geriatric Care Management program are assessed for study eligibility through a structured telephone instrument. Those eligible are randomized into one of three study groups: (1) Information and Referral, (2) Geriatric Care Management (GCM), or (3) Geriatric Care Management plus a purchase of service benefit. The eligibility assessment serves as a baseline with follow-up data collected at four months and twelve months following study enrollment. Data is collected on ADLS and IADLS, cognition, depression, quality of life, caregiver stress, satisfaction with services, and service utilization. Results: 431 participants were enrolled in the study between 2/99 and 12/99 and four-month follow-up interviews were conducted among 284 of these patients. Nearly half (49.5%) of the participants were white, 22.2% Latino, and 20.6% African-American. Sixty-four percent were female; half (47.4%) were married and 40.2% widowed. Preliminary results of this study will be presented and variables related to variations in service utilization will be reviewed. Implications for future program development and refinement will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1.Describe the Geriatric Care Management Model. 2.List factors that attribute to higher service utilization among geriatric managed care patients. 3.Identify factors that must be considered in developing and maintaining care management programs for the elderly
Keywords: Aging, Case Management
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Kaiser Permanente
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Subcontracted as evaluator by Kaiser Permanente