This pilot program embedded community health workers (CHWs) into rural primary care teams to support older adults with the 4Ms of age-friendly care: What Matters, Mentation, Medication, and Mobility. CHWs conducted home visits for patients 55 and older, helping with social needs, check-ins, and care engagement. Among 388 participants, most patients and all providers reported … [Read more...] about Connected Care for Older Adults: A Pilot Intervention Engaging Community Health Workers to Advance Age-Friendly Care in Rural Oregon
Elder care
A Lay Health Worker-Led Symptom Intervention and Acute Care Use in Older Adults With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study tested whether lay health workers could help older adults with cancer by regularly checking their symptoms by phone. Patients who received these assessments had fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and were less likely to use acute care near the end of life. The findings suggest that lay health worker–led symptom monitoring can improve … [Read more...] about A Lay Health Worker-Led Symptom Intervention and Acute Care Use in Older Adults With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Impact of Youth Community Health Volunteers on Community Health Screening Program Outcomes for Older Adults: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study
This study evaluated HealthStart, a program where youth volunteers coach older adults after health screenings to improve follow-up and healthy behaviors. Among 192 participants, follow-up with primary care providers doubled from 43% to 85%, and 66% met their health goals. Participants were satisfied with the program, and interviews showed that support, goal-setting, and digital … [Read more...] about Impact of Youth Community Health Volunteers on Community Health Screening Program Outcomes for Older Adults: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study
Influenza Vaccine Uptake in the Elderly: Biopsychosocial Vulnerabilities and Effectiveness of a Community-Health Worker Administered Preventive Program
This study looked at older adults who had not received the flu vaccine and tested whether support from community health workers could help. Community health workers helped explain the vaccine, make access easier, and follow up with participants. After the program, flu vaccination rates doubled, and participants reported better overall health and less pain. The study shows that … [Read more...] about Influenza Vaccine Uptake in the Elderly: Biopsychosocial Vulnerabilities and Effectiveness of a Community-Health Worker Administered Preventive Program
Evaluating a 30-Hour Training Program for Community Health Workers on 4Ms Implementation in FQHCs Using the Kirkpatrick Model
This study tested a 30-hour training program for community health workers who support older adults in primary care. After the training, CHWs showed better knowledge, scored higher on the final exam, and most said they planned to use what they learned. Chart reviews showed that about 40 percent of patient visits included the full 4Ms discussion; what matters, mentation, … [Read more...] about Evaluating a 30-Hour Training Program for Community Health Workers on 4Ms Implementation in FQHCs Using the Kirkpatrick Model