Integrating Care for Older Adults

Over the past six months, there has been renewed investor interest in companies providing services to help older adults "age in place." The flow of capital signals an understanding that it is not enough to only invest in managing medical costs and quality. Respecting older adults means providing whole person care. By addressing the so-called "Social Determinants" of health - e.g., transportation, nutrition, housing - new models and new technologies can help us provider a better quality of life for our aging population.

The "safety net" - the health plans, providers and other organizations that care for our most vulnerable populations -  has been a pioneer in experimenting with new payment models and interventions. Some models have received national attention, as the New Yorker has covered innovations like "Hot Spotting" that focus on high utilizers. But many others have been regional programs that have gone unsung.  In San Francisco, the Institute on Aging, a community-based non-profit, has been working with the City & County, housing providers and other community-based organizations to align incentives around addressing social determinants. One of the flagship programs is the Community Living Fund, a partnership to transition older adults and adults with disabilities who can safely live in the community out of nursing homes and into supportive community settings.

Based on the impact of the Community Living Fund, as well our general understanding of the space, Jacquelyn Kung and I have pulled together an infographic on what it means to integrate medical and social care. It lays out why integrating services and aligning payments models is key, and uses San Francisco as a case study. As we find new ways and places to provide and pay for whole person care, we will unlock new opportunities across the economic spectrum.

Integrated Aging (Kung & Bernstein)

Have an idea for a program or place where integrated care for older adults could have an impact? Interested in learning more? Have a better name for the category than aging in place? Let us know!

Julia BernsteinComment