Older adults are a vital part of our communities, yet many live on fixed budgets and struggle to maintain their homes, meet basic needs, and cover the rising costs of health care.
To address these challenges, the Weinberg Foundation aims to connect older adults with the support and services they need to live independently and with dignity, which includes safe, accessible housing and access to quality health care. The Foundation’s new publication, “Supporting Older Adults’ Safety, Health, and Independence,” highlights efforts to do just that through the expansion of two evidence-based programs:
- Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) combines home repairs with occupational therapy and the care of a registered nurse to improve mobility, manage chronic symptoms, and decrease health care costs.
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) coordinates comprehensive medical care, physical therapy, meals, recreational and social opportunities, and other support that allows participants to continue living at home while having their needs met.
Among the results from the Foundation’s strategy to foster broader adoption of these programs:
- The creation of a national clearinghouse to drive CAPABLE’s expansion.
- Increases in both the number of CAPABLE sites and PACE centers.
- Investments in new facilities and home improvements that enable both programs to serve more individuals and communities.
- Innovations that tailor PACE services to specific community needs.
The Foundation hopes fellow funders and others can use the results and lessons learned to date to bolster support for, and investment in, these effective programs and services that help older adults remain in their homes and communities and maintain their independence.
