Policy Brief: Community Health Workers and Rural Age-Friendly Care
Summary
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has released a new policy brief examining the role of community health workers (CHWs) in supporting aging in place for rural older adults.
Rural older adults experience many barriers in accessing support services and resources that can support aging in place. CHWs are uniquely qualified to provide age-friendly health care delivery in rural areas because of their connection to the community served.
CHWs can advance age-friendly care through improved access, prevention, care coordination, support for social determinants of health, education, and patient advocacy. However, challenges remain in implementing CHW programs, including limited integration in health care systems, workforce training and retention, sustainable funding, and cultural competency. NRHA provides an overview of policy strategies that states can use to overcome these barriers and improve access to CHWs in rural communities.
Rural older adults experience many barriers in accessing support services and resources that can support aging in place. CHWs are uniquely qualified to provide age-friendly health care delivery in rural areas because of their connection to the community served.
CHWs can advance age-friendly care through improved access, prevention, care coordination, support for social determinants of health, education, and patient advocacy. However, challenges remain in implementing CHW programs, including limited integration in health care systems, workforce training and retention, sustainable funding, and cultural competency. NRHA provides an overview of policy strategies that states can use to overcome these barriers and improve access to CHWs in rural communities.