The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67398

Joan F. Van Nostrand, DPA, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Rural Health Policy, HRSA, 10765 Deborah Drive, Potomac, MD 20854, 301-443-0613, jvan_nostrand@hrsa.gov

Rural elderly are more likely to need long term care (LTC). They report poorer health status and have more functional limitations (ADLs). In rural places the infrastructure for providing home and community-based LTC is limited. Ratios of providers to population are low, especially for specialists like geriatricians. This presentation analyzes two promising models for providing home and community-based LTC within the limited rural infrastructure. The rural LTC network model pools resources to create a team by sharing providers and equipment among rural communities. The rural-urban LTC linkage model links rural-urban providers and facilities to expand the existing urban LTC infrastructure into rural places. Analysis of the implementation of the models emphasizes practical solutions and reimbursement approaches. Implementation takes full advantage of the commitment to community and history of cooperation in rural places.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to:
• • Recognize rural-urban differences in LTC infrastructure
  • Analyze how the new models address the rural context for long term care
  • Assess the viability of the new models in meeting the long term care needs of rural elderly.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Long-Term Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.