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A continuum of quality care for seniors
The United States faces an enormous challenge as the babyboomers reach their senior
years. By 2030 the number of persons older than 65 will nearly double—reaching 20%
of the population. The new American Senior will attain higher education levels, have lower
levels of poverty, increased racial/ethnic diversity, fewer children, a longer life expectancy….
and more chronic illnesses. Who will care for these seniors? Where will they live? What
quality of health will they have? More importantly, what quality of life will they have? Will
there be a system in place to meet their needs and the public policy to support it? These
are just a few of the questions that frame the founding of The SCAN Foundation.
Currently, there is no continuum of care for seniors that helps them remain independent
as they age. Our delivery system is still very hospital centric and acute/episodic care
focused. The various programs that do exist are, at best, a patchwork—available in limited
geographic locations, to limited numbers of individuals, and often difficult to access. Most
of these services are underfunded relative to current need, let alone future need. Finally,
there’s a woeful lack of integration with current senior services, resulting in significant
inefficiencies and, worse, a bereft population of informal caregivers struggling to
coordinate care with little, if any, training or assistance.
These are the challenges. These are the opportunities! As a new foundation dedicated
to long-term care reform and to the creation of a continuum of care for seniors, we see
tremendous opportunities to make a meaningful difference, through changes in state and
federal policy, in public awareness, innovative programs, technologic innovation and
workforce development. We are meeting with experts across the country to synthesize
and formulate new thinking in this important work. As we make progress, our intention
is to move from thinking to acting on concrete solutions.
Our vision is a society where seniors receive medical treatment and human services that
are integrated in the setting most appropriate to their needs and with the greatest likelihood
of a healthy, independent life. Through partnerships with policy makers, elected officials,
thought leaders in innovative programs, research, technology and education, we will
advance the development of a continuum of quality care for seniors.
Sincerely,
Bruce Chernof, MD
Chief Executive Officer
The SCAN Foundation
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