A look back at the journey of the Vital Seniors Initiative—and where it’s heading next
Washtenaw County seniors are a rapidly growing population, expected to more than double by 2040. And many face everyday challenges—such as social isolation, food insecurity, and transportation. In 2018, the Vital Seniors Initiative, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) and funded by the Glacier Hills Legacy Fund, was developed to address these challenges. Four local organizations received …
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Michigan’s physicians and health care providers are burnt out: What can we do to help them navigate pandemic pressures?
Michigan’s latest COVID-19 surge is among the worst in the country, and if there’s one thing we know about COVID’s effect on our nation’s health care system, physician and health care provider burnout will soon follow. Physician burnout is a concern for everyone. It’s tied to lower-quality care, reduced clinical productivity, and increased physician turnover. In the general population, we …
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Here’s the current state of programs supporting Michigan’s 1.7 million caregivers
Like most of the United States, Michigan’s population is aging. Accordingly, the number of unpaid family and informal caregivers—those who support others with tasks related to daily living, such as transportation, feeding, and bathing—has increased substantially over the last three decades. The AARP Public Policy Institute estimated the economic value of unpaid caregiving at $470 billion in 2017. For reference, …
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Family caregiver support: learn about policy and programmatic solutions developed by state and federal agencies
More than 43 million U.S. adults, 13 percent of Americans, provide unpaid care to family members or friends. These family caregivers administer medical care, run errands, provide transportation, manage finances, and help with household chores, among other activities. Family caregivers, despite the lack of reimbursement for their efforts, are a significant component of the nation’s long-term care system. In fact, …
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The COVID-19 pandemic has added significant new stressors for family caregivers – here’s why that matters
Nearly 40 percent of all family caregivers find their caregiving situation to be emotionally stressful. When caregivers feel they have no choice in assuming their caregiving duties, this increases to 53 percent. Left unaddressed, caregiver stress can worsen physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as social and financial well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an incredibly challenging environment for …
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Children benefit from the integration of behavioral health consultants at pediatric clinics, but can practices bear the cost?
While a growing body of evidence demonstrates the health benefits of embedding behavioral health care consultants into medical practices, many providers–including pediatric practitioners–are rightfully cautious about embarking on integration initiatives. Integration is a complex process–one that requires a significant commitment of time and resources–and not all integration initiatives are economically sustainable. Here, we provide a simple tool for determining whether …
Read more >Administration of monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 in patient homes
Administration of monoclonal antibody for COVID-19 in patient homes JAMA Network Open October 14, 2021 Anurag N. Malani, Beth LaVasseul, Jason Fair, et al. MABs are recommended by both the National Institutes of Health and the Infectious Diseases Society of America for treatment of COVID-19 in ambulatory patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 with high risk for clinical progression. …
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King and Rontal published in the Annals of Family Medicine on annual wellness visit use among persons with disabilities
Persons with disabilities often face challenges accessing healthcare, despite having increased health needs. Annual wellness visits (AWV) and other preventive care may increase the overall health of persons with disabilities, but they can be unaffordable when they require out-of-pocket copays. One purpose of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was to improve health outcomes and use of preventive …
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Des Jardins contributes book chapter about ACO history, payment and delivery models
In a new book chapter for Springer’s Handbook Integrated Care (2021), CHRT’s executive director, Terrisca Des Jardins, communicates the history of ACOs and how they are being studied not only for improving the U.S. healthcare system, but as a model for other countries. The chapter, “Innovative Payment and Care Delivery Models: Accountable Care Organizations in the USA,” also includes future …
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EVOLVE, CHRT’s integration framework, featured in American Public Human Services Association journal
Across the United States and around the world, many organizations are attempting to integrate their once siloed health and human services and systems, due to the multiple benefits integration provides. However, many integration efforts have stalled, and some have failed–because the work is challenging and some partners do not fully reflect on the aspects and processes essential to successful integration. …
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