The Buzz

Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2021-22 proposed budget on January 8. Read our fact sheet to learn how the budget connects to California’s Master Plan for Aging.

According to new research from the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, one-third of older adults report that their care preferences were rarely or only sometimes taken into account, with large variations by race, income, and other factors. Learn more!

Join the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ATI Advisory for a
new webinar on ways to advance non-medical supplemental benefits in 2022 and beyond, featuring experts from health plans, providers, and advocacy groups.

• Hear insights from ATI experts
• Review the roadmap and two-page summary
• Watch December 4th webinar recording and slides

People who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are among the nation’s highest-need, highest-cost populations. The Better Care Playbook has grouped resources on care models that integrate services and financing for these beneficiaries. Read the related blog.

Today, the state released the Master Plan for Aging, a visionary, 10-year blueprint that seeks to build an equitable California where everyone has the opportunity to age with dignity and independence in the place that they call home. Hear from the foundation CEOs.

Watch the video conference to learn about the Master Plan’s five bold goals and 23 strategies for building a California for All Ages by 2030.

Join us for a January 22 conversation about how states can improve long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. This event will honor the winning states of the 2020 Pacesetter Prize: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. The Prize, which uses data from the AARP LTSS State Scorecard, shines light on states that are actively building a high-quality infrastructure for aging Americans.

A new article from USA TODAY explains why the holidays are a great time to start talks about growing older with aging loved ones.

A recent radio and print piece from KQED explores how decisions families make around keeping an aging parent home or moving them out for potentially better, more constant care have become all the more complicated this year.

What is complex care? Visit the redesigned Better Care Playbook to learn about adults with complex health and social needs and the myriad resources available. Watch a related video to learn more about what’s new.

ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) shared resources on the non-medical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage. The related November 19 webinar recording and presentation slides are now available on the Better Care Playbook.

Read additional information from the Aging and Disability Business Institute: Changes to Medicare Advantage Reinforce the Role of CBOs in Supplemental Benefits.

Last month, the 2020 Pacesetter Prize for leadership in improving long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers was awarded to Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.

Read related coverage of this year’s LTSS State Scorecard in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) magazine.

The ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) released new resources on the expanded, non-medical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage, including a roadmap outlining actionable steps as well as a brief explaining short- and long-term policy opportunities.
 
Join today’s 9:30 am (Pacific time) webinar from the Better Care Playbook to hear more.

The field of complex care is creating models and innovative approaches to better serve people with complex care needs. Grantmakers in Aging released Creating New Connections: How Philanthropy Can Support Better Care for People with Complex Health and Social Needs, which summarizes key issues and includes case studies for funders to deepen their work.

Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio received the latest Pacesetter Prize for leadership in improving long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Each winning state had improvements or innovations in key areas of LTSS, based on data from the AARP LTSS State Scorecard.

Read the American Society on Aging (ASA) Generations Blog: Work Left to Be Done After LTSS Scorecard Shows States’ Performance

An upcoming webinar from the Better Care Playbook will explore considerations for health plan adoption and implementation of expanded supplemental benefits to address social needs. Register today.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives, which reflects on our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older. You can also now access all the Forum materials and recordings.

In Public Policy & Aging Report, Dr. Alkema envisions a post-COVID-19 landscape and highlights five actions the next president should take to ensure that all people – regardless of age, life circumstance, or ability – can live well in the place they call home.

The Better Care Playbook is a resource that helps the complex care field find promising approaches to better care for people with complex health and social needs. To ensure the Playbook is highlighting the right information for you, take the survey.

TSF celebrates DayBreak Adult Care Centers as this year’s Innovation Award winner! DayBreak is a member organization of our California Advocacy Network that has delivered initiative-driven leadership to improve the lives of older adults in California. Learn more.

A new report shares takeaways from the 2020 Social Isolation Impact Summit convened by the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging.

Register now for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older on October 19-20! It will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more. Materials for our sessions are now available in the Forum Lobby.

• Wondering if you have time to join us? Check out our detailed agenda and read our attendee frequently asked questions.
• Use the Forum App to network and receive helpful notifications throughout the two-day event. Search for “The SCAN Foundation Forum” in the App store (Apple or Android) and select “Download.” The Forum App is totally free! You will need to log in using the email address you used to register for the Forum and sign up for notifications.

New polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows that more than one-third of U.S. family caregivers have seen their responsibilities increase due to COVID-19. Yet, 2020 has not led to any heightened awareness when it comes to preparations for growing older or providing support to others.

A related Associated Press article further distills caregivers’ current experiences. 

This Better Care Playbook blog features insights from interviews with more than 50 leaders in the field, each who share their perspectives on balancing margin versus mission tensions in complex care.

Our virtual lobby is now open for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older! The two-day event, October 19-20, will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more.

The Better Care Playbook is continually being updated to better meet users’ needs, and several exciting changes are coming this fall. As they continue to refine their approach, they want to hear from you. Take the survey.

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20! Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more. Watch the video!

In the latest Public Policy & Aging Report, Dr. Alkema envisions a post-COVID-19 landscape and highlights five actions the next president should take to ensure that all people – regardless of age, life circumstance, or ability – can live well in the place they call home.

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20! Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more. Watch the video!

The California Advocacy Network is a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore our map, and learn more about the Network’s goals through 2021.

Learn how three family caregivers are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, check out our resources for millennial caregivers and families.

Community health workers (CHWs) are health professionals who connect the communities they serve with needed health and social services. The Better Care Playbook curated this diverse set of recent resources for health care organizations interested in developing and expanding CHW programs.

To help us navigate the challenges of a pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging states to allow for a family member to serve in a paid caregiver role. This blog is part of a series of posts in advance of the 2020 release of the next Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard.

Learn about a complex care management program that lowered costs and improved outcomes for people with complex care needs by adding key members to individuals’ care teams.

What is the tipping point when implementing a person-centered care program for Medicare beneficiaries with complex care needs becomes financially advantageous for medical/provider groups? A report by Victor Tabbush answers this question and provides insights, and Dr. Chernof shares his perspective.

On June 29, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California’s 2020-21 budget. The budget addresses the $54.3 billion deficit while maintaining funding for critical programs serving older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. The risk of budget deficits in future years could still pose a threat to these critical programs. Read our fact sheet.

On July 10, State Health & Value Strategies at Princeton University hosted a webinar on Manatt Health’s COVID-19 state resource guide. Watch the recording and access the slides.

For years, there has been a push toward rebalancing, or moving long-term services and supports (LTSS) service delivery away from institutions and toward home- and community-based settings. AARP recently discussed states’ progress.

Last year, we celebrated the power of communications to broaden awareness and impact change for older adults and families. Check out our 2019 Annual Report.

The California Advocacy Network is a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore our new map, and learn more about the Network members’ goals for 2020-21.

A new guide and worksheet from the Aging and Disability Business Institute and the National Council on Aging help community-based organizations (CBOs) develop value propositions to promote their services to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.

With Alive Ventures, we aim to inspire and support leading entrepreneurs and innovators to gain better insights into what older adults want. Dr. Chernof discussed the opportunity with Grantmakers in Health.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute (ADBI) has released two parts of a new community-based organization (CBO)/health care resource that shares best practices for contracting.

Our latest policy brief takes a closer look at how California has implemented federal flexibilities to ensure the state’s long-term services and supports (LTSS) system is responsive to the needs of older adults and people with disabilities during the pandemic. Earlier this month, Manatt Health reviewed how other states have responded to meet LTSS needs.

In his latest Perspectives, Dr. Chernof discusses opportunities to drive change and meet person-centered needs during the coronavirus and beyond.

What is the tipping point when implementing a person-centered care program for Medicare beneficiaries with complex care needs becomes financially advantageous for medical/provider groups? A new report by Victor Tabbush answers this question and provides insights. Also, read Dr. Chernof’s perspective.

Manatt Health highlights how states are using flexibilities available during the coronavirus pandemic, with an emphasis on continued access to long-term services and supports in the community.

New analysis from ATI Advisory and the Long-Term Quality Alliance shows how new non-medical supplemental benefits can play an important role in meeting the evolving and dynamic needs of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A poll from NORC shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19. It also reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Access the chart pack for the full findings and visualizations.

COVID-19 is shining a light on the lack of coordination between Medicare and Medicaid, and is uncovering new opportunities to better serve dually eligible populations. Read TSF Board Member Melanie Bella’s blog post in the Better Care Playbook.

Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade discussed meeting older adults’ needs during COVID-19 on a Writers Guild of America/Hollywood, Health & Society panel. Watch the recording and check out our related resources page.

Alongside the long-term care flexibilities created due to COVID-19, mobility managers connect older adults and people with disabilities to transportation services in their communities. A recent AARP blog unpacks the latest trends.

A new poll from NORC, sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation and TSF, shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19, including one in six who have delayed essential medical treatments.

The nationally representative survey reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Read the full poll findings.

Hollywood, Health & Society is partnering with the Writers Guild of America to connect screenwriters and experts on a variety of COVID-19 topics. Today at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET, Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade will discuss older adults and caregiving. RSVP for the webinar.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute annual survey unpacks how community-based organizations (CBOs) are adapting and expanding services to meet the health-related, social needs of older adults and people with disabilities. The deadline to contribute is May 1.

Hollywood, Health & Society is partnering with the Writers Guild of America to connect screenwriters and experts on a variety of COVID-19 topics. On April 28, Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade will discuss older adults and caregiving. RSVP for the webinar.

April 16 was National Healthcare Decisions Day, a time set aside to educate and empower everyone about the importance of advance care planning. To support health care professionals at the center of the pandemic, California State University (CSU) is offering free educational tools through June 30.

Amid the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) began a series of interviews with Area Agency on Aging directors who are working across the United States.

Health care stakeholders are changing how they operate to confront coronavirus (COVID-19). As new policies emerge, the Better Care Playbook has created a resource center to curate federal guidance aimed at addressing COVID-19 for people with complex care needs.

Millennial family caregivers experience unique challenges. Read perspectives in this recent Washington Post piece. Within it, Aisha Adkins expresses hope that the current COVID-19 crisis exposes what needs to be fixed in the health care system.

Health care stakeholders are changing how they operate to confront coronavirus (COVID-19). As new policies emerge, the Better Care Playbook has created a resource center to curate federal guidance aimed at addressing COVID-19 for people with complex care needs.

Also, ATI Advisory created a helpful slide deck to describe recent federal and state policy action.

In California’s COVID-19 Response Toolkit, find videos and social media content about state and local resources to support the health, safety, and well-being of all Californians during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has compiled a variety of information and resources for those working in the health care sector. Also, read the World Health Organization publication on the rights and responsibilities of health workers, including considerations for occupational safety and health.

California is preparing for an increase in the number of people who need health care in our communities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The state is opening additional sites to treat people affected by COVID-19 and to relieve pressure on our health care system by providing care for non-COVID-19 cases. Learn about the California Health Corps.

Earlier this week was National Doctors’ Day. To commemorate their heroic efforts, Forbes shared first-person stories from the front lines.

Case managers play an increasingly vital role in today’s hospital landscape. The Care Excellence case management training for hospitals contains three series of self-paced courses.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute annual survey unpacks how community-based organizations (CBOs) are adapting and expanding services to meet the health-related, social needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

Today at 10 am, PT, tune into AARP’s Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall on caring for family, friends, and neighbors during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They’ll talk about creating a care plan, coordinating backup care, staying connected to isolated loved ones, and accessing local resources.

In addition, check out the following:

• We’re sharing ideas on ways to cope with the near and long-term effects of the pandemic—because we are all in this together.
• Family Caregiver Alliance has compiled a list of resources and articles for caregivers and their loved ones.
• An article from Recode shares how older adults can use technology to stay healthy and connected during this challenging time.

We honored caregivers of all generations at the 2020 Rose Parade® earlier this year. Aging Today recently wrote about several of the caregivers whose experiences and advice we’ve shared.

Learn about a Northern California model’s three-pronged approach to help long-term care residents return to the community.

New federal opportunities are prompting states to develop or enhance integrated care programs for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. In this new brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), early adopters of these care models share insights on the factors that drove their investment and led to successful implementation.

Dr. Chernof and the Administration for Community Living’s Lance Robertson published a Health Affairs blog on addressing social determinants of health through partnerships between health care and community-based organizations (CBOs).

A webinar on the Better Care Playbook unpacks how two health care innovators are successfully engaging their communities and using consumer insights to rethink service delivery.

• Old People Are Cool, Design for Them Sucks: High-quality design has thankfully made its way into just about every category of products and services…except for things made to serve Americans age 65 and older. Learn what TSF is doing to improve design efforts with older adults.
• Treating the Other 1% – Americans with Unmet Needs: One percent of people with complex care needs account for 20 percent of U.S. health care expenditures, and they often experience multiple medical and long-term care challenges. Join Dr. Chernof for a discussion on delivering better care to these individuals.

Watch videos, both of our float at the Tournament of Roses® parade and of our two youngest float riders sharing what they’ve learned about caregiving.

How can services that address social needs be integrated into clinical care? A new report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine identifies current approaches and recommendations to expand social care in health care delivery. Read the related blog post.

The Care Excellence training program helps prepare care management teams in health plans and hospitals to best serve diverse older adults with complex needs. Check out the latest course offerings.

By participating in the 2020 Rose Parade® presented by Honda, we recognized family caregivers of all ages that serve as everyday heroes in the lives of older loved ones. Here are a few related media stories:

• USA Today – Watching the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day? One float will honor family caregivers with message of hope
• Forbes – Policymakers still are not paying attention to the needs of frail elders and their families
• The Orange County Register – Rose Parade float shines the spotlight on unsung humanitarians: adult caregivers

We honor caregivers of all generations, particularly younger adults who have unique needs and experiences. Check out this Vox video and story on how millennial caregivers can be recognized, get informed, and feel supported.

Representing the GenX generation on our Rose Parade® float, Claudia Farfan has cared for her mother for 33 years and is appreciative of the family medical leave benefits her employer offers.

Representing the baby boomer generation on our Rose Parade® float, Jerry and Judy Crotsenberg care for Judy’s mother from the family farm in Hillsboro, Wis. Read their story about how they are the epitome of a care team.

We honor caregivers of all generations, particularly younger adults who have unique needs and experiences. Check out this Vox video and story on how millennial caregivers can be recognized, get informed, and feel supported.

Aisha, a millennial, and Cooper of Gen Z are riding on our Rose Parade® float. While caregiving, each learned about their own values and goals. Read Aisha’s and Cooper’s stories.

Family caregivers represent all ages, backgrounds, and cultures and serve as unsung heroes in the lives of older loved ones. They deserve recognition for everything they balance in their lives. Their stories also inspire conversations about what people want for their own aging experience.

We will celebrate family caregivers through Hope’s Heroes: Honoring Caregivers of All Generations, a float at the 2020 Rose Parade® presented by Honda. The parade is a beloved New Year’s Day tradition, televised live from Pasadena, Calif. Tune in on January 1, 8 am PT/11 am ET.

Craig Terasawa of Temple City, Calif., is one of eight caregivers riding on our Rose Parade float. Craig runs the family pharmacy while serving many roles: primary caregiver for his father and sister, doting husband, and active dad. Watch his video.

Most Americans want to age in place in their homes and community and are largely supported by family, friends, and neighbors. Learn what Minnesota is doing to ensure their publicly funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) also support older adults’ needs and preferences.

A new model in Memphis, Tenn., reduced emergency department visits nearly 70 percent and saved the health system more than $7 million by fostering secure and genuine connections between patients and providers.

The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) shared lessons learned from four hospitals that participated in a person-centered care pilot initiative.

• Learn about TSF Initiatives.
• Review past e-blast content on The Buzz.
• Explore our Resources & Tools.

As part of our Cal MediConnect evaluation, the latest University of California slide deck unpacks the effects of home- and community-based services (HCBS) for California dual eligibles.

Improving health means addressing upstream social factors, like access to stable housing. Read the latest report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).

Californians with Medicare and Medi-Cal have many choices to get the health coverage they need, but it varies by county. This policy brief outlines available choices across the state, and describes the My Care, My Choice web resource.

Unable to watch Monday’s livestream on TSF’s California Master Plan for Aging Forum: Designing a System Built Around People and Partnerships? Read about the day’s events, and join our state’s discussion.

New findings, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine and supported by the Six Foundations, explore mechanisms and motivations used by high-performing accountable care organizations (ACOs) to improve complex care.

What are special needs plans (SNPs)? Who do they help? A new primer on the Better Care Playbook explores the three different types of SNPs and the populations each serve.

California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, announced the Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee, of which Dr. Chernof and TSF Board Chair Jennie Chin Hansen have been appointed. The committee will advise a Cabinet Workgroup on Aging as it develops the Master Plan, slated for completion by October 1, 2020.

• Read Dr. Chernof’s related Perspectives.
• Watch the recent We Stand With Seniors Capitol briefing.
• Join the new Together We ENGAGE Pledge for Action campaign, encouraging all Californians to share ideas for how to build an age-friendly California.

Help us showcase TSF initiatives at South by Southwest (SXSW) next March. Here’s how!

First, join the SXSW voting panel. Then vote on our two panels below by clicking the “Vote Up” button on each webpage.

• Organized by TSF: Old People Are Cool, Design for Them Sucks
• With The Permanente Federation: Treating the Other 1%: Americans with Unmet Needs

This summer, MemoryWell reporting unpacked “daughterhood circles” for family caregivers and the proportion of millennial caregivers from Hispanic families.

As part of Do YOU give a care?, learn how one millennial caregiver gives a care.

Read a Better Care Playbook blog post from Anne Tumlinson on the importance for health plans to cover non-medical services and coordinate resources to help individuals and families manage their care.

Reflecting on our 10th anniversary, Driving Change: The SCAN Foundation’s First 10 Years highlights successes during our first decade and recommits to transforming care for older adults, now and for the future.

The Care Excellence training program helps prepare care management teams in health plans and hospitals to best serve diverse older adults with complex needs.

We worked with the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research to bring person-centered care conversations to life. Check out this video interactive to hear what matters to Ed and Annette Reus.

Aligning care around what matters to older adults is an essential element of person-centered care. Today, the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) initiative launches a digital campaign with resources that providers can use to facilitate conversations.

With a focus on sharing skills and resources, the Aging and Disability Business Institute (ADBI) seeks to strengthen partnerships between health care systems and community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve older adults and people with disabilities.

• Health Care Quality Metrics and Measures provides an overview of compliance and quality improvement for CBOs entering into contracts with health care entities.

Do you know the four fundamental components of helping people with complex care needs? One complex care hospitalist program highlighted in the Better Care Playbook aims to address these and more.

A new video series from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement/Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation explores the transformation of care for people with involved disabilities.

Raising awareness about younger caregivers and Do YOU give a care?, MemoryWell recently shed light on the complex medical care that half of family caregivers provide. It also reported on California lawmakers’ consideration of establishing a volunteer care corps.

Institute for Healthcare Improvement released inpatient and outpatient return on investment (ROI) calculators. These tools are designed to help financial and clinical teams collect and analyze data in their organization, and ultimately make the business case for spreading age-friendly care.

One in three U.S. Millennials care for older loved ones; Online community will help manage stress and offer support

The SCAN Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to aging with dignity and independence, is launching a new consumer campaign called Do YOU give a care? to provide a community for the 10 million Millennials who provide daily care to family and friends.

LEARN MORE

The Handbook of Geriatric Assessment, Fifth Edition, is a multidisciplinary text that takes a contemporary approach in line with person- and family-centered care.

Authored by Drs. Terry Fulmer, president of The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF), and Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, and with contributions from other foremost experts in the field, it contains the latest information on geriatric assessment for older adults.

Completely updated and revised, the Fifth Edition includes several new chapters, including demographic trends, age-friendly health systems, payment reform and impact, the Veterans Affairs health system, self-care and management, impact on familial relations, vulnerable populations, building geriatric interdisciplinary teams, advance care planning, caregiver information, spiritual assessment, older adult hunger, and transitions of care.

Learn more

States have significant flexibility to transform their Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs in ways that advance care quality and manage costs. This toolkit from the Center for Health Care Strategies and Manatt Health shares proven, replicable strategies for states to improve person-centered, community-based options. It identifies concrete policy strategies, operational steps, and federal and state authorities that states have used to advance their LTSS reforms. The toolkit, developed with support from The SCAN Foundation and the Milbank Memorial Fund, also highlights opportunities and challenges that states faced in designing and implementing reforms.

In summer 2016, TSF led a discussion at the Aspen Ideas Festival about matching care with a person’s goals to get results. It featured Dr. Chernof and Dr. Mark McClellan, Director of the Center for Health Policy at Duke University, and was moderated by Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times. Listen to the panel here.