Phone-Based Care Program Reduces Risk of Death in Older Adults
A telephone-based program linking chronically ill older adults to home or community services significantly reduces mortality risk, according to a new study.
“It’s not just medical or social services, but bridging those two together,” said lead author Gretchen Alkema of the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
The study appears in the latest online issue of Health Services Research.
The study involved 781 adults age 65 and older with chronic health care conditions who were enrolled in Medicare. After undergoing a detailed assessment of their health and functional needs, half of the adults received advice and referrals to in-home care, nutrition, home safety, transportation and other supportive services not covered by their health plan.