This presentation describes the process and outcomes of a rural minority geriatric outreach program in three communities in South Carolina. A trained outreach worker, a geriatric coordinator links clients with health and social services; monitors clients' plan of care; and provides health promotion activites to enhance quality of life. Friendly home visits assess environmental home safety and gather information on several health status measures. Many clients were found to be poor, illiterate, and lacking in transportation. However, clients reported having strong local social support networks. Of the 261 enrolled clients, 49% were referred and successfully enrolled in public programs such as SSI/Disability (clients had been eligible but not enrolled until this outreach intervention). From a policy perspective, outreach efforts are as important for the elderly as they are for children. Lower education and a lack of knowledge and ability to access available resources necessitates third party arrangements and on-going monitoring for successful outcomes.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the components of a rural minority geriatric outreach program. 2. Discuss the benefits of a rural geriatric minority outreach program. 3. Understand the importance of providing outreach strategies for rural minority elderly populations
Keywords: Aging, Community Outreach
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.