Aging in place: a new model for long-term care

Abstract

It is expected that at least 40 percent of the population over 75 will need extensive health care services late in their lives. The public has a negative view of nursing home placement that has, to some extent, been confirmed by research finding that the health of a frail older person deteriorates each time he or she is moved. The Aging in Place model of care for the elderly offers care coordination (case management) and health care services to older adults so they will not have to move from one level of care delivery to another as their health care needs increase. University Nurses Senior Care (UNSC) is the service entity of this project and provides as its core service care coordination with a variety of service options. These options include care packages or services at an hourly rate to meet individual client needs. The Aging in Place project will be evaluated by comparing project clients to residents of similar acuity in nursing homes and to similar clients receiving standard community support services. Data from this project will be important to consumers, researchers, providers, insurers, and policy makers.