# data[].attributes.body
Nursing home residents are primarily older adults requiring skilled nursing care due to chronic illnesses, disabilities, or rehabilitation needs. Many of these individuals have limited financial resources and rely on Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance for funding their care (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), 2024). These residents seek assurance that nursing homes can sustain high-quality care despite reimbursement challenges. It is crucial that facilities provide adequate staffing and infrastructure to ensure safe and effective care. Additionally, nursing homes require support in navigating and adhering to complex regulatory requirements without compromising care quality. Ensuring residents have unfettered access to essential medical, therapeutic, and social services is paramount, free from financial barriers (Martinez-Lacoba, Pardo-Garcia, & Escribano-Sotos, 2021).

# data[].attributes.body
Occupational therapists can play a crucial role as advocates for addressing financial disparities among the geriatric population in several ways:

Education and empowerment: Occupational therapists can develop and facilitate programs that educate older adults on financial management, budgeting, and planning for healthcare costs. By empowering them with knowledge and skills, therapists can help individuals make informed financial decisions.

Advocacy with healthcare settings: During occupational therapy assessments and interventions, therapists can integrate discussions on financial concerns and access to resources into care plans. They can advocate for comprehensive assessments that include financial well-being as part of holistic care.

Policy and systems advocacy: Therapists can engage in advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels to support policies that enhance financial stability and access to affordable care for older adults. This may include advocating for improved Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates or policies that protect against financial exploitation.

Community outreach and education: Therapists can collaborate with community organizations, senior centers, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about financial disparities among older adults. They can participate in workshops, seminars, and health fairs to educate the community about resources and services available to support financial health.

Research and evidenced-based practice: Occupational therapists can contribute to research on the impact of financial disparities on health outcomes in the geriatric population. By generating evidence-based findings, therapists can advocate for policy changes and interventions that address financial barriers effectively.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
occupational therapy advocacy for the elderly

# data[].attributes.body
Short-term impacts (1-3 years)

1. Increased Financial Literacy:

Within the first year, the program aims to increase financial literacy among geriatric community members. This will be achieved through workshops and educational materials focusing on budgeting, managing healthcare costs, and understanding insurance coverage.

2. Improved Access to Financial Resources:

The program will aim to improve access to financial counseling and resources for older adults. By the end of the first year, a measurable increase in the number of seniors utilizing financial planning services is targeted.

3. Advocacy for Policy Changes:

Advocacy efforts will focus on policy changes related to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Initial steps will include raising awareness and lobbying for fair reimbursement policies to ensure adequate funding for senior care.

Long-term Impacts (4-6 years)

1. Sustainable Financial Stability:

The program aims to establish sustainable financial stability among older adults by providing ongoing support and education. Culturally sensitive financial literacy programs will ensure long-term empowerment and informed financial decision-making.

2. Policy Reforms:

Over the long term, advocacy efforts will extend to influencing policy reforms at state and national levels. These reforms will address systemic financial disparities in healthcare funding and support equitable access to quality care for the geriatric population.

3. Improved Quality of Life:

The ultimate long-term impact will be an improved quality of life for older adults. This will be evidenced by enhanced socio-economic conditions, reduced financial stress, and increased access to comprehensive healthcare services, leading to better overall well-being.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Group Financial Literacy Sessions

Frequency: Bi-monthly sessions (twice a month).

Description: These sessions will provide a platform for occupational therapists (OTs) and older adults to discuss financial challenges and strategies for managing healthcare costs. Participants will share their experiences and cultural perspectives, enabling OTs to tailor advocacy efforts effectively.

2. Educational Workshops

Frequency: Bi-monthly workshops (twice a month), each lasting 2 hours.

Description: These sessions will involve healthcare professionals, social workers, and community members. Topics will include:

Improving Financial Literacy: Understanding Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage.

Budgeting and Financial Planning: Techniques for managing healthcare expenses and navigating financial assistance programs.

Legal and Estate Planning: Information on wills, trusts, and power of attorney to protect financial assets.

Advocacy and Policy Awareness: Empowering the geriatric population to advocate for fair healthcare policies and funding.

Advocacy

Empowering the Geriatric Population:

Provide resources and guidance for older adults to advocate for improved healthcare financing and access.

Encourage participation in community advocacy events and policy discussions to address systemic financial disparities in healthcare.

Funding and Marketing

Funding: Seek grants from foundations focused on aging, healthcare, and community development. Partner with local healthcare providers and philanthropic organizations for financial support.

Marketing: Utilize community newsletters, social media platforms, and local radio to promote workshops and group sessions. Collaborate with senior centers, healthcare clinics, and community organizations to reach older adults and caregivers effectively.

Program Summary

Program Start: Launch in July 2024 at local community senior center.

Location: Conduct sessions at the community senior center.

Timing: Bi-monthly sessions on Thursdays, alternating between group therapy and educational workshops.

Participants: Targeting older adults in the community, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Objectives: Improve financial literacy, empower advocacy efforts, and enhance access to healthcare resources for the geriatric population.

# data[].attributes.body
We expect after the completion of the program the activities will produce the following evidence of service delivery:

Improved Access to Financial Counseling Services

Outcome: Enhanced accessibility to financial counseling and planning services for geriatric individuals.

Measurement: Track the number of participants accessing financial counseling services post-program completion.

Increased Knowledge of Financial Management

Outcome: Improved understanding of financial management strategies, including budgeting and healthcare cost planning.

Measurement: Conduct pre- and post-program assessments to gauge participants' knowledge levels on financial management.

Enhanced Awareness of Healthcare Funding Options

Outcome: Increased awareness of healthcare funding options such as Medicare, Medicaid, and financial assistance programs.

Measurement: Evaluate participants' awareness levels through surveys and feedback forms.

Frequency of Sessions

Output: Conduct 48 sessions over the course of the program (4 sessions per month).

Measurement: Maintain a log of session dates, topics covered, and attendance records to ensure consistent delivery.

Participation Rate

Output: Achieve at least a 75% participation rate in the entire program and for each session.

Measurement: Track attendance and participation rates for each session, adjusting program elements as needed to maintain engagement.

Engagement with Financial Resources

Output: Aim for 25% of participants to actively engage with financial resources (e.g., attending counseling sessions, accessing financial assistance) monthly.

Measurement: Collect data on participant engagement with financial resources through follow-up surveys and feedback mechanisms.

Distribution of Educational Materials

Output: Distribute and ensure utilization of 90 educational materials (e.g., brochures, handouts) throughout the program.

Measurement: Monitor distribution and gather feedback on the usefulness and impact of educational materials on participant knowledge and behavior.

Financial Health Assessments

Output: Aim for 25% of participants to receive financial health assessments annually.

Measurement: Track the number of participants assessed and their financial outcomes as a result of program participation.

# data[].attributes.body
The purpose of this program is to address the financial disparities among the geriatric population, enhancing their access to essential healthcare services and improving their financial stability. The community effects this program aims to achieve include:

1. Improved Financial Stability and Healthcare Access:

Outcome: Enhanced access to affordable healthcare services and financial resources for geriatric individuals.

Impact: Increased financial security and improved health outcomes among the geriatric population.

2. Increased Advocacy and Policy Change:

Outcome: Strengthened advocacy efforts for fair reimbursement policies and financial support for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

Impact: Policy changes that improve funding and support for geriatric healthcare, ensuring sustainable care for older adults.

3. Enhanced Quality of Life:

Outcome: Improved quality of life for older adults through better financial planning and access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Impact: Reduced financial stress and enhanced well-being among the geriatric population.

4. Community Engagement and Empowerment:

Outcome: Empowered community members to advocate for their healthcare needs and financial rights.

Impact: Increased community engagement in healthcare decisions and improved trust in healthcare systems.

5. Educational Outreach and Awareness:

Outcome: Increased awareness and understanding of financial management and healthcare access options among geriatric individuals.

Impact: Greater financial literacy and informed decision-making regarding healthcare among older adults.

6. Reduced Healthcare Disparities:

Outcome: Addressed disparities in healthcare access and financial resources for the geriatric population.

Impact: Narrowed gaps in healthcare outcomes and financial security among older adults in the community.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
elderly person happy in a skilled nursing facility

# data[].attributes.body
A.Sadek, C.Billock, & K.Jordan. (2023). Exploring

reimbursement pathways for lifestyle medicine and

health promotion services in occupational therapy.

American Journal of Occupational Therapy

Vol. 77(3), 7703090010.

doi:https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050251

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, (CMS). (2024).

National impact assessment of the centers for medicare

& medicaid services quality measures report. Baltimore,

MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

National Impact Assessment of the Centers for

Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Measures

Reports | CMS

E.Marfeo. (2020). The supporting older americans act of

2020: How policy connects with occupational therapy

principles and practice. American Journal of

Occupational Therapy, Vol. 74(5), 7405090010p1–

7405090010p6.

doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.745002

Heiks, C., & Sabine, N. (2022). Long term care and skilled

nursing facilities. Delaware journal of public health, 8(5),

144–149. https://doi.org/10.32481/djph.2022.12.032

Martinez-Lacoba, R., Pardo-Garcia, I., & Escribano-Sotos, F.

(2021). Aging, dependence, and long-term care: A

systematic review of employment creation. Inquiry: A

journal of medical care organization, provision and

financing, 58, 469580211062426.

https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580211062426