Health Affairs Publishes Two Age-Friendly Health Papers in June Issue
Two Age-Friendly Health series papers have been published in the June 2023 issue of Health Affairs.
The Age-Friendly Health series aims to inform health policies and covers new issues related to building more equitable, high quality health systems for older adults.
The two Health Affairs papers in this issue are:
Dementia Care is Widespread In US Nursing Homes; Facilities With The Most Dementia Patients May Offer Better Care
Dana B. Mukamel, Debra Saliba, Heather Ladd and R. Tamara Konetzka
The prevalence of Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD) diagnoses among US nursing home residents are expected to increase and requires specialized care. Mukamel et al. addressed two questions: Are residents with ADRD concentrated in nursing homes where they are the majority? If not, what are the implications for their quality of care and life? The findings raise concerns about the quality of care and life for the majority of residents with ADRD, suggesting that current National Institutes of Health dementia research initiatives and the Biden administration’s policies to improve nursing home care should be coordinated.
Narrative Matters: Caring for the Body and Mind in Long-Term Care
Sharon Joag
Older Americans in long-term care need better access to behavioral health care that is individualized and integrated into their overall care plan. The author, a podiatrist and student of social work, describes how her experiences illustrate the need for truly coordinated care in long-term care. Joag also highlights collaborative care models that have proven effectiveness in promoting positive quality of life and behavioral health in patients, increasing efficiency among providers and decreasing clinician burnout.
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