We have never experienced such a dramatic increase in the numbers of older people. We must find ways to serve the health needs of this growing segment of the population as effectively, efficiently, and appropriately as possible. Planning and developing models for home and community-based care must be done now, before it is too late. State and community level-service programs under the Older Americans Act have experienced a 40 percent reduction in capability over the past 15 years, while the older population continued to grow. This translates into programs having to serve a growing number of older people with fewer dollars.
Applied research can assist community services operate more efficiently and economically.
Copyright 1999 Leadership Council of Aging Organizations. All Rights Reserved. Your comments always welcome. Please contact the Webmaster .