Integrating primary care, geriatric education and community partners

Through the Aging and Disability Institute, I have the great privilege of interacting with some of the most innovative partners across the country. Physicians, nurses, social workers, administrators, government officials, funders and academics who are working hard to change the health care delivery system to one that rewards excellence and improves the quality and value of care for all of us. But honestly, what impresses me the most are the unsung heroes working day in and out in community-based organizations across the country delivering vital home- and community-based services, usually on a shoe-string budget.

Once in a while a visionary leader comes around that gets it and we are quite fortunate to have Terry Fulmer at the helm of The John A. Hartford Foundation. Terry was with us at the American Society on Aging's recent Aging in America conference. She joined us on a panel that looked at what we are learning from the community collaborations occurring across the country as a result of the Health Resource and Services Administration's Geriatric Workforce Education Program. Check out Terry's blog post.

One of my favorite stories comes from the Fort Worth, Texas area, where they have great partnership between the University of North Texas Health Science Center and the United Way Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County. As part of their training, they take MD residents along on home visits, many of whom have only interacted with older adults in hospital settings before. Many are surprised to see how humble the surroundings these individuals live in and learn that the Meals on Wheels provided to them can often be the only meal they receive, which these seniors often share with their pets. These medical residents have remarked that this has truly changed the way they think about health for their older patients! That's what I love about the field of aging -- continually learning from each other -- especially from those older than us.