Addressing the Unique Care Needs of Older Adults
Addressing the Unique Care Needs of Older AdultsThere is an urgent need for age-friendly healthcare – more than 1.5 million of the 7.7 million adults in Michigan are over the age of 65, according to current census data. In addition, many older adults have more than one chronic disease and take multiple medications. These have implications for the healthcare system unprepared to care for complexities of advanced age, medical care and treatment. Health systems must adopt evidence-based models and delivery care practices that meet the needs and preferences of older adults, not only across the care continuum but also across the continuum of life.
46 Million
There are more than 46 million Americans ages 65 and over, and that number is projected to double to more than 98 million by 2060.
Aging is Inevitable
Every person in every community will age. As individuals age, care and treatment often become more complex.
Confronting Ageism
Confronting ageist stereotypes and discrimination against older adults by embracing people of all ages.
Source: Projections of the Size and Composition of the U.S. Population: 2014 to 2060, 2015
Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit
The MHA Keystone Center is committed to supporting its member hospitals to ensure that every person in every community receives high-quality and safe care. The Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit was created to help hospitals and health systems implement and maintain a caregiver navigation program – designed to support caregivers in their role by providing connections, support and education.
Half of informal caregivers have never performed medical or nursing tasks before, and most do not have time to prepare themselves for their caregiving role. Healthcare systems are uniquely positioned to help prepare caregivers for their roles.
The Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit is meant to serve as a resource for healthcare staff looking to develop or improve the caregiver navigation program across their system. Although caregiving is relevant across all age groups, this toolkit is primarily intended for use on adults aged 18 years or older, with a special focus on older adults. The toolkit allows users to assess current structures to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in caregiver support. It also provides guidance to create actionable plans for program development and expansion.
The MHA Keystone Center Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit is funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.