Health Law and Regulation

A landmark collaboration has been established to help the families of older Americans and veterans with disabilities of all ages care for their loved ones in the community. This partnership is making $10 million available to fund a nationwide home and community-based long-term-care support program to serve older Americans and veterans of all ages in 20 states.

This partnership will implement the Veteran Directed Home & Community Based Service (VDHCBS) program through HHS’ aging and human services network, in coordination with the Administration on Aging’s (AoA) Community Living Program (CLP), which helps the family caregivers of individuals with ongoing need to keep their loved ones at home. Both programs allow participants to direct their own care, including having control over the types of services they receive and the manner in which they are provided. This includes the option of hiring their neighbors, friends and even some family members to provide needed services.

HHS’ national network of aging and community-based organizations will work in close collaboration with the VA medical centers across the country to continue to develop and expand VDHCBS for veterans. The CLP, led by AoA, will help states and communities to assist individuals who are at risk of nursing home placement but who are not Medicaid eligible to remain at home.

Click here for more information about this opportunity.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, June 4, 2009

Discharge Planning Primer: Community Collaborations to Decrease Hospital Readmissions Risk

Coordinated planning of a patient's care following a hospital or nursing home stay can greatly affect health outcomes, likelihood of readmission and/or ER visits, as well as cost to patients, providers and insurers. A discharge management plan that integrates community resources and programs can further ease the transition from hospital to home and improve continuity of care. Discharge Planning Primer: Community Collaborations to Decrease Hospital Readmissions Risk profiles two aptly named discharge management efforts that access and maximize partner resources for their populations.

Discharge Planning Primer: Community Collaborations to Decrease Hospital Readmissions Risk is available from the Healthcare Intelligence Network for $97 by visiting our Online Bookstore or by calling toll-free (888) 446-3530.