Supporting Health Equity by Closing the Gaps in Care
Sadly, in the U.S. today, many seniors lack basic access to transportation, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. The unfortunate reality is these barriers, also known as social determinants of health (SDOH), result in billions in unnecessary healthcare costs and thousands of lives lost each year due to premature or preventable death.
As our elderly population is growing, it’s more critical than ever to address the physical, emotional, and social factors that are affecting seniors living at home. Whether it’s transportation to the pharmacy or a nutritious meal for dinner, these fundamental needs are an important part of health and well-being. By providing easy access to essential services, we can support health equity so that everyone has the opportunity to realize their full health potential.
Addressing Essential Needs
Surprisingly, in a nation known for its wealth, more than 1 in 5 seniors lack reliable transportation, and 1 in 10 are considered food insecure.1-2 These factors can put aging adults at a higher risk of chronic disease, depression, dementia, and a host of other medical conditions.
Fortunately, there is a better way to deliver access to services such as transportation, meal delivery and support. With the simple push of a connective care device, seniors can receive healthy meals delivered directly to their homes or access a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Not does can this technology act as a gateway to addressing SDOH factors, but it also offers individuals easy access to 24/7 emergency and non-emergency care and support.
Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation
Another predominant factor affecting many seniors is loneliness. According to research from AARP, more than 40 percent of older adults experience loneliness, and 20 percent are considered socially isolated.3 Both of which are associated with higher risks of anxiety, depression, and poor health outcomes.
Whether someone needs special assistance or just needs to hear a friendly voice on the other line, having that human connection with just a push of a button helps bring comfort and peace of mind to lonely seniors.
Quick Access to Quality Care
In an emergency, every second matters. Access to timely, quality healthcare can often mean the difference between a positive outcome or a negative one. Lifesaving connective care devices such as personal emergency response systems (PERS) and remote patient monitoring (RPM) help deliver quick access to care and can improve health outcomes while preventing unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. By ensuring seniors have the help they need when they need it, these digital health technologies facilitate more preventative care while supporting safety, independence, and peace of mind.
A Connective Care Platform That Supports Health Equity and SDOH
For healthcare organizations seeking strategies that support health equity and SDOH, Connect America’s connective care platform helps payers and providers address many of the factors that disproportionately affect aging and at-risk populations. The result is better access to care, improved health outcomes, fewer hospitalizations, and lower care costs.
References:
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-security-and-nutrition-assistance/
- https://www.nadtc.org/about/transportation-aging-disability/unique-issues-related-to-older-adults-and-transportation/
- https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2018/loneliness-social-connections.html