News on transforming care for older adults
The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago conducted a 2022 survey on the health care needs and experiences of Californians age 55 and older. Our new fact sheets distill findings as they relate to care coordination, mental health, income disparities, and caregiving.
Learn about our initiative to influence access and care delivery and coordinate medical and nonmedical services in support of community living.
Our latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll indicates that most U.S. adults think private health insurers (60%) and Medicare (57%) should have a large responsibility for paying for the costs of long-term care, and about half think the same about Medicaid (53%).
Also, majorities of Black and Hispanic adults are very or extremely concerned about having access to high-quality health care when they need it. Read the press release and article.
Few Americans say their lives have returned to what they were pre-pandemic, according to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC). Groups that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic – such as Black and Hispanic Americans – express more reservations about returning to public life and cite the availability of effective COVID-19 treatments as essential for doing so.
“It’s critical to consider the needs of Hispanic and Black American communities beyond masking and testing, but also through the continuation of pandemic-era services like telehealth, curbside pickup, and virtual options for social activities that help those concerned about the virus to still engage with public life,” said Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation.
See the related Associated Press article.
According to the latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) survey, some segments of the older population – especially those who live in rural areas and who are Black or Hispanic – have more concerns about the availability and access to services that support aging in their local community. See the related Associated Press article.
Through our partnerships with the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC), reporters are sharing the experiences of older adults living in community. The following coverage rounded out 2021:
An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) poll finds that preferences for telehealth vary based on age, race and ethnicity, education, and income. Appointment availability and avoiding COVID-19 are top reasons respondents chose telehealth, but many older adults, especially people of color, have concerns related to access and quality.
“The expanded use of telehealth provides a tremendous opportunity to rethink how we provide health care through the lens of equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty, President & CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “Older adults see telehealth as a faster, more convenient, and in some cases more affordable way to access care. Addressing their concerns about access to technology and quality of care could go a long way to expanding its use even further.”
Read the related Associated Press coverage.
Journalists from the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley are sharing the experiences of older adults living in community through an equity lens. Recent coverage includes:
Also, summer polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) showed Americans generally think their communities offer the services needed to age at home. Yet, people of color and people with lower incomes are less likely to report their area does a good job providing health care, transportation, and in-home supports, among other services.
An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) poll finds that many older adults continue to worry about COVID-19 infection and are more likely to practice social distancing. To cope with increased isolation, older adults are using video chat, social media, and telehealth when needed.
Read the press release and related Associated Press coverage.
The latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) poll shows Americans generally think their communities offer the services needed to age at home. Yet, people of color and people with lower incomes are less likely to report their area does a good job providing health care, transportation, and in-home supports, among other services.
“Americans want to age at home, but not all populations have the ability to do so—particularly communities of color and those of lower socioeconomic status,” said Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty, President & CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “Through the thoughtful use of the American Rescue Plan funds, states and localities can make a huge difference by creating more equitable access to key community services that make living well and safely at home a reality.”
Read the related Associated Press coverage.
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 recent articles highlighting thoughts from our new President and CEO, Dr.
Sarita Mohanty, and TSF grantee work:
A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows strong public support for government policies to help people age in their own homes and communities. Given the choice, most Americans want to receive care and support at home as they grow older.
Likely voters across California were surveyed on their support of the Master Plan for Aging and state leadership investment in key goals. On May 3, join us for this special briefing to hear poll findings and a discussion among key state leaders and stakeholders.
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. 
In the midst of crisis, the Master Plan for Aging remains a top priority.
Watch the recording from our Aug. 10 briefing and review related materials.
