Rural Elder Care Coordination on Cape Cod: A Community-Based Approach to Closing the Gaps

Abstract

One quarter of the population of Cape Cod is over age 65, and in the eight outermost towns on the peninsula of Cape Cod, known as the Lower and Outer Cape, the challenges of caring for an older population are compounded by the effects of rural isolation. As many residents have chosen to “age in place” with little family or social support, medical and behavioral health needs often go unaddressed due to the lack of access to needed healthcare and supporting services that plagues underserved rural areas. Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS), a federally-qualified community health center and the primary medical and behavioral health provider in the area, has established a home visit program to reach isolated patients who may otherwise be denied access to these services. This program is lead by the Care Coordination team, which collaborates with local Councils on Aging, the Visiting Nurses Association, EMS, and other community resources to identify and engage these complex, high-acuity patients and provide wrap-around services. However, gaps remain in communication among agencies regarding existing and potential cases. Additionally, little data exist on the health challenges faced by this underserved population, and how care coordination can better address medical and psychosocial needs. To address these gaps, a cross-departmental team at OCHS has begun a community-based research project with the goal of developing a network of consumers, providers and agencies to develop research questions and collaborate on interventions. The team is in the process of identifying key stakeholders and developing community-building strategies.