This research article demonstrates how telehealth can enhance care for older adults in congregate care communities (CCC). Through partnerships formed by the Virginia Infection Mitigation, Prevention and Control Through Technology initiative, administrators, staff, and leaders across Virginia identified barriers and needs for this population. This collaboration led to the “Four I” Framework—Initiate, Integrate, Incentivize, and Inspire—which provides a practical roadmap for age-inclusive telehealth readiness and implementation in CCC, PACE centers, and other settings.
Use of Digital Health Technologies by Older US Adults
This study explores the evolving landscape of digital health technology (DHT) adoption among U.S. adults aged 50 to 80, examining who is using these technologies, the factors influencing adoption, and existing gaps. Findings reveal that older adults widely use DHTs, with adoption patterns similar to those of younger adults. Additionally, the research identifies a statistically significant link between race/ethnicity and DHT use.
Addressing Barriers to Equitable Telehealth for Older Adults
This opinion article explores the challenges older adults face in accessing telehealth services. The authors identify barriers such as physical and cognitive impairments, limited health and digital literacy, lack of access to technology, and implicit age-related biases among healthcare providers. To address these challenges, they propose solutions that emphasize the need for telehealth services tailored to the specific needs of older adults to ensure equitable healthcare delivery.
Identifying Factors Associated With Variation in Telemental Health Delivery at Federally Qualified Health Centers
This research article examines telemental health use at U.S. health centers, the authors observed notable variations linked to workforce composition, grant funding, and state policy environments. They emphasize that targeted policy efforts, infrastructure investments, and adequate reimbursement mechanisms are critical for ensuring equitable and sustained access to virtual mental health services, particularly among underserved communities.
Implementing Age-Inclusive Telebehavioral Health
This implementation guide provides healthcare providers and organizations with a comprehensive framework for delivering effective telebehavioral health services to older adults. Each behavioral health care model included offers practical examples of how to incorporate the Principles and Guidelines for Telehealth and Aging, ensuring the specific needs of older adults are met.
Telehealth Implementation Strategies for Integrated and Coordinated Care
The integrated and coordinated care implementation strategies offer real-world examples of how healthcare providers and organizations can apply the Principle 3 Telehealth and Aging Guidelines across various clinical settings.
Telehealth Implementation Strategies for Equitable and Accessible Care
The equitable and accessible care implementation strategies offer real-world examples of how healthcare providers and organizations can apply the Principle 2 Telehealth and Aging Guidelines across various clinical settings.
Telehealth Implementation Strategies for Person-Centered Care
The person-centered care implementation strategies offer real-world examples of how healthcare providers and organizations can apply the Principle 1 Telehealth and Aging Guidelines across various clinical settings.
CE4TA Webinar: Advancing Digital Health Readiness for Older Adults
In this webinar, Dr. Kristin Rising, Professor and Executive Director of the Center for Connected Care at Thomas Jefferson University, and Frank Sites, Vice President of Connected Care Operations at Jefferson Health, presented strategies for supporting digital health readiness across the care continuum for aging populations. The session featured a panel discussion with AARP California State President Joe Garbanzos, who shared valuable insights for advancing digital health readiness.
Implementing Age-Inclusive Telehealth in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Settings
This implementation guide offers practical solutions for delivering age-inclusive telehealth services in post-acute and long-term care settings. It ensures that telehealth practices are person-centered, equitable, integrated, and coordinated to meet the unique needs of older adults. The guide includes valuable tools such as use cases, workflows, communication strategies, training approaches, and performance metrics.
CE4TA Webinar: Hospital at Home in a Post Pandemic Era
In this webinar, Dr. Linda DeCherrie, Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Implementation at Medically Home, provided an in-depth overview of the Hospital at Home (HAH) model, highlighting the key role it plays in delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care to older adults. The session featured a panel discussion with Dr. Bruce Leff (Johns Hopkins) and Rani Snyder (John A. Hartford Foundation), who shared strategies for improving healthcare accessibility and tailoring care to address the unique needs of older adults.
CE4TA Webinar: Creating Access to Care in Rural America
In this webinar, Rebecca Harless, Vice President of CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in West Virginia, presented strategies for establishing telemedicine hubs to ensure access to care in rural communities. The session also featured a panel discussion with experts in telehealth, geriatric care, and rural health, offering valuable insights to improve healthcare delivery in these critical areas.