The Buzz

A Better Care Playbook blog highlights how older adults and people with disabilities who are homebound have lower rates of COVID-19 vaccine than the general population. Learn about steps being taken to consider the needs of homebound individuals and increase vaccination rates.

In 2020, TSF acknowledged the depth of disruptive change, focused on resiliency through creativity, and remained committed to its mission. Read our annual report.

Read a new Bipartisan Policy Center brief identifying key challenges and opportunities to expanding Medicare and Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS), as well as policy options for congressional consideration.

Review highlights from the recent Forbes Health in Action event. Our president & CEO discussed person-centered care and health care transformation in a post-pandemic world.

Read a new brief by Health Management Associates, co-funded with The Commonwealth Fund, which tracks Medicare regulatory flexibilities created during COVID-19. It provides a useful framework for policymakers to consider which temporary flexibilities should become permanent.

Read recent articles highlighting thoughts from our new President and CEO, Dr. Sarita Mohanty, and TSF grantee work:

• The New York Times spoke with Dr. Mohanty on how COVID-19 made many families and older adults reconsider nursing home care.
• In an op-ed for The Hill, Dr. Mohanty shares why investing in a Master Plan for Aging and person-centered care models is essential.
• The Sacramento Bee article describes how the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps older adults age well in community during COVID-19 (via UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program).
• The Associated Press reported that Americans believe government should help adults age at home, according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.

California leads the way with a Master Plan for Aging, and other states are considering the opportunity. A key element of a successful Master Plan is committed leadership from elected officials. Learn more about Master Plan activities in California and other states:

• Read a new report from National Conference of State Legislatures highlighting policy approaches for meeting the needs of an aging population, including a Master Plan.
• Watch a briefing on a recent California poll where voters called for state leaders to invest in equity and the Master Plan.

This spring, J. Wallin Opinion Research surveyed 1,000 likely voters across California to gauge support of the Master Plan for Aging. Findings showed that voters want elected officials and state leaders to invest in the Master Plan for Aging, with a focus on equity and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more about the survey and share key findings:

• Presentation: Understanding Voters’ Perspectives on California’s Master Plan for Aging
• Press release
• Infographic & social media toolkit

Read a new report from the National Academy of Medicine on how care systems responded to COVID-19, outlining priority actions to move forward on person-centered care and public health efforts.

Eight foundation leaders herald the California’s Master Plan for Aging, calling forth the importance of partnership and priorities to ensure equity in aging with dignity and independence for all.

Read Manatt Health’s updated resource guide, spotlighting how states are transforming long-term services and supports during COVID-19 and planning for the future.

UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program launched an exploration into issues older adults are facing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the following articles picked-up by a variety of news outlets:

• KQED: With COVID-19 Concerns, Anxious Families Eye In-Home Senior Care
• The Mercury News: Rapid Vaccine Rollout at California Nursing Homes Raises Concern
• CalMatters: ‘How Am I Going to Keep This Up?’ COVID Intensifies Plight of Family Caregivers
• Los Angeles Times: Vaccine roll-out at board-and-care homes

Nearly 250 federal regulatory changes have occurred in response to COVID-19, and will likely continue in the near future. Read Health Management Associates’ new analysis and blog on updates to Medicare regulatory flexibilities since July 2020 (co-funded with The Commonwealth Fund).

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.

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.

Our recent AARP Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard blog identifies opportunities for reshaping how services are delivered to older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers.

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.