The Buzz

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) included one-time funding for states to expand and enhance home and community-based services (HCBS) including modernizing infrastructure and expanding benefits. ADvancing States released two related papers on ARPA initiatives: one on increasing wages and career opportunities for direct service workers and another on expanding access to enabling technology.

Last week, Anika S. Heavener joined TSF as our first Vice President of Innovation and Investments. Most recently, Anika was a Vice President at Homethrive, where she helped the start-up reach over $40 million in total funding to support caregivers and their loved ones with the journey of aging in place. Anika will apply her extensive experience in both venture and operations to grow the Foundation’s innovation and mission-oriented investing.

A new report from the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging identifies technological opportunities to advance health and home care solutions.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute developed an Evidence Bank to help community-based organizations (CBOs) highlight their value as contracting partners to health care entities.

The American Society on Aging (ASA) 2022 meeting theme is advancing economic security. Program content is organized within five areas: justice and aging, innovation and social impact, health and well-being, economic security, and ageism and culture. We are taking part in several sessions on April 12:

• Preparing for an Aging State: Getting Started with a Master Plan for Aging (see related resources)
• Can Medicare Help Promote Economic Security for Older Adults? An Overview of New, Nonmedical Benefits in Medicare Advantage (see related report)

Finally on April 13, President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty will contribute to the Advancing Tech-Enabled Health and Home Care discussion.

Health care providers and payers are increasingly using Social Health Access Referral Platforms (SHARP) to refer patients to community-based organizations (CBOs). The Aging and Disability Business Institute identified key issues for CBO’s to consider when deciding whether to work with a SHARP.

TSF supported Village Capital to explore how startup companies can improve the design of products and services for older adults.

The report found opportunities for innovation beyond health care needs – which is where most startups tend to focus – particularly considering designing for independence and community.

High-quality design has made its way into just about every category of products and services except for those serving the 55 million Americans that are age 65 and older.

Attend a webinar this Friday with American researcher, professor, and author Don Norman.

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.

• 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.

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on how artificial intelligence (AI) applications can support independent living for older adults and people with disabilities.