Aging issues: nursing imperatives for healthcare reform

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Policy
• Public Health

Background:

• The 2008 US election signaled a demand for healthcare reform.
• Older adults face complex needs, particularly in end-of-life care.
• Current eldercare financing is fragmented and inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of healthcare reform on older adult care.
• To analyze the demographics, workforce, and financing of eldercare.
• To advocate for integrating aging issues into healthcare reform.

Main Methods:

• Demographic analysis of the older adult population.
• Assessment of the eldercare workforce.
• Review of current healthcare financing models for eldercare.

Main Results:

• Healthcare reform efforts partially address some aging issues like chronic care.
• Other critical areas, such as health information technology for elders, remain marginalized.
• The opportunity to influence healthcare reform for older adults is limited.

Conclusions:

• Nurses and healthcare professionals must advocate for older adults' needs.
• Urgent action is required to ensure current and future eldercare needs are met.
• Strategies and resources are provided for nurses to engage in healthcare reform debates.