The John A. Hartford Foundation And The Growth Of Geriatrics

Abstract

Motivated by the increasing number of older people-many with chronic illnesses-and the lack of support for them, the John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) made improving the care of older adults one of its two priorities in 1983 and its sole priority in 1994. To accomplish this, the foundation adopted a two-part strategy: first, create a field of professionals capable of caring for an aging population, and second, test models of care for older adults. The JAHF steadfastly pursued that strategy until 2013, when it adopted an approach focused on advancing age-friendly health systems. Geriatrics is now a recognized medical, nursing, and social work specialty, although low reimbursement, the stigma associated with caring for older people, and low prestige discourage students from entering it. Foundation-funded models of care have proven viable, and one of them-palliative care-has been widely adopted. The JAHF focused on an important social need for more than three decades, and this targeted and consistent effort has magnified its impact.