Policy Options for Integrating Health and Housing for Low-Income Older Adults

Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation, Community Catalyst in partnership with Leading Age LTSS Center @UMass Boston, authored a report outlining policy options to improve the integration of health care services with affordable housing for low-income older people.In recent years, there has been an increased recognition of the impact of stable and quality housing on health outcomes, including for older adults with complex health and social needs. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted older adults and particularly older adults of color, has forced a rethinking of our long-term care system. As we straddle the pandemic and post-pandemic world, we have a unique window of opportunity to re-envision care for older adults that meets their needs.Through focus groups with low-income older adults and stakeholder interviews, research surfaced five key building blocks for success:Emphasizing collaboration;Ensuring resident control;Being aware of what matters to residents;Making it easier to secure capital and finance projects; andConvening stakeholders to grow connectivity within the fieldClick "Download" to access this resource online