Increases in Home-Based Health Services Provide More Care Options for Seniors, According to New Report

Seniors have increasing access to home-based care and support services
that may help them continue to live at home, according to a new report
benchmarking the health of seniors in America.

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Increased availability of home health services is a key finding of the 2019 America's Health Rankings Senior Report, released by the United Health Foundation (Source: The United Health Foundation).

Data released by the United Health Foundation’s 2019 America’s Health
Rankings^® Senior Report reveal there are
550,000 more home health care workers than last year – a 21 percent rate
increase per 1,000 adults age 75 and older. Medicare decedents’ use of
hospice care, which can be provided while living at home, has increased
in all 50 states and 48 percent overall since 2013. Additionally, the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) now serves 5.4 million
eligible seniors, a 13 percent increase since 2015.

“Home is where most seniors want to be, so it is great news that
home-based services are being made even more available to help support
better health,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, executive vice president &
chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare National Markets, and an
adviser to America’s Health Rankings. “This is an encouraging
trend that may help seniors continue to live independently or remain in
their homes longer.”

The senior population has grown 45 percent since 2000, with more than 50
million seniors (age 65 and older) living in the United States today.

This year’s Senior Report offers a comprehensive analysis of the
health of seniors on a national and state-by-state basis across 34 core
measures. It was developed in collaboration with an advisory group of
public health leaders and in partnership this year with the
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA), a national
organization that represents and educates advanced practice nurses and
advocates for evidence-based, quality care of older adults.

The Senior Report identifies many encouraging trends; however,
other health concerns facing seniors are on the rise. Most notably,
depression increased 19 percent in the past year, with significant
increases in 11 states. Nearly 8 percent of seniors reported frequent
mental distress, with female seniors reporting a higher prevalence of
frequent mental distress (8.7 percent) compared with male seniors (6.8
percent).

“This data-driven report will have enormous impact on the care of older
adults. It pinpoints challenges and critical issues advanced practice
nurses see every day,” said GAPNA President Valerie Sabol. "Seniors
struggle with medical, emotional and lifestyle issues that must be
addressed immediately to promote healthy aging. This report provides the
key information we need to be proactive. Advanced practice nurses are
ready to ensure older adults have the right care, at the right time, in
the right setting.”

State Rankings in 2019: Hawaii Ranks No. 1, Mississippi Ranks No. 50
The
2019 Senior Report ranks Hawaii as the healthiest state for
seniors, followed by Utah (No. 2), Connecticut (No. 3), Minnesota (No.
4) and Colorado (No. 5). Mississippi fell from No. 49 in 2018 to become
the state with the most challenges for seniors this year, followed by
Kentucky (No. 49), Louisiana (No. 48), Oklahoma (No. 47) and West
Virginia (No. 46).

30 Years of America’s Health Rankings
The America’s
Health Rankings Annual Report is the longest-running annual
assessment of the nation’s health on a state-by-state basis. In its 30^th
year, the Annual Report analyzes a comprehensive set of
behaviors, community and environmental conditions, policies, clinical
care, and outcomes data to provide a holistic view of the health of the
nation.

About the United Health Foundation
Through
collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, the
United Health Foundation works to improve our health system, build a
diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local
communities. The United Health Foundation was established by
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private
foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, the
United Health Foundation has committed $430 million to programs and
communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at www.unitedhealthgroup.com/SocialResponsibility.

About the Gerontological Advanced Practice
Nurses Association (GAPNA)
GAPNA is the premier
professional organization that represents the interests of advanced
practice nurses who care for older adults. Advanced practice nurses are
active in a variety of settings across the health care continuum
including primary, acute, post-acute care, home care, and long-term
care. GAPNA provides opportunities for education, leadership, research,
advocacy, networking, and advancement of evidence-based care for older
adults. To learn more, visit our website at www.GAPNA.org.

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