Supporting Rural Seniors Aging in Place Using Telehealth

Background: The United States is witnessing a demographic shift in that the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060; the percentage of the 65 and older age group will increase from 16 % to 23 % (Administration for Community Living, 2018). In this ever-growing population, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) 2018 survey found that 76% of Americans over the age of 50 would prefer to remain in their current residence and 77% would like to continue living in their community as long as possible; however, 59% foresee that they will be able to stay in their community, either in their current home (46%) or a different home within their community (13%) (Binette & Vasold, 2019). Problem Statement: As of 2022, there is limited aging in place (AIP) programming that addressed the varying needs of rural seniors and their QOL. Purpose: To evaluate the needs of rural older adults residing in Crowley County, Colorado to create an AIP program that is tailored to their specific needs and context, and to create a manual that provides a structure for a therapist that wishes to create their own AIP program in their desired location. The created program includes 5 modules (technology supporting AIP, occupations as a means, community mobility: transportation and occupation in rural communities, lifestyle impact on health, home modifications to enhance accessibility to occupations) that were included per the results of surveys, interviews, and a literature review. Conclusion: Occupational therapists have the knowledge and skillset required to create both efficacious and cost-effective telehealth programs in rural communities. This program can be readily modified to fit the unique demographics of a chosen population. There is much work to be done to ensure equity regarding aging, one viable option to accomplish this aim is to use telehealth programming.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2022/1004/thumbnail.jp