The Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA), a coalition of 35 national organizations, has been at the forefront of advocating for improved geriatric care. Established in 2009 by the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI) and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), EWA focuses on preparing the healthcare system to meet the needs of an aging population. Their efforts have led to significant policy changes, including the passage of the 2018 RAISE Family Caregivers Act and ongoing support for the Title VII Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program. (phinational.org)
Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
EWA’s advocacy spans several critical areas:
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Geriatric Training: Recognizing the shortage of geriatricians, EWA supports initiatives to integrate geriatrics into medical education and promote specialized training for healthcare professionals.
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Workforce Support: The alliance advocates for policies that support family-based immigration, aiming to address the shortage of home care workers. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Legislative Efforts: EWA played a pivotal role in the passage of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act in 2018, which aims to support family caregivers through improved policies and resources. (johnahartford.org)
Technological Innovations in Geriatric Care
Recent technological advancements are transforming geriatric care:
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Telehealth Services: The integration of telehealth platforms facilitates remote consultations, making healthcare more accessible for older adults. (thehealthcareexecutive.net)
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Wearable Devices: Technologies like wearable sensors monitor vital signs in real-time, enabling proactive management of health conditions. (tomorrow.bio)
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Artificial Intelligence: AI-driven tools assist in predicting treatment outcomes and personalizing care plans, enhancing the quality of geriatric healthcare. (findcontinuingcare.com)
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
A holistic approach to geriatric care involves:
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Physical Health Evaluation: Assessing functional abilities and managing chronic conditions.
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Cognitive and Emotional Well-being: Addressing mental health through screenings and support services.
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Social Engagement: Promoting activities that combat isolation and encourage community involvement.
Conclusion
The Eldercare Workforce Alliance continues to be a driving force in advocating for policies and practices that enhance geriatric care. Through their efforts, along with technological innovations and comprehensive assessment strategies, the quality of healthcare for older adults is improving, ensuring they receive the support and care they deserve.
References
Telehealth and wearables are neat, but AI predicting treatment outcomes? Does that mean my grandma’s going to be getting health advice from a chatbot? I hope it has a good bedside manner! Seriously though, where do we draw the line between helpful AI and HAL 9000 in elder care?
That’s a great point! The “bedside manner” of AI is definitely something we need to consider. It’s not about replacing human connection, but augmenting it. AI can assist with data analysis and personalized care plans, but the human touch remains essential, especially in elder care. Finding the right balance is key.
Editor: MedTechNews.Uk
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Geriatricians in medical education? So, are we talking mandatory bingo nights and denture-gluing seminars as part of the curriculum now? Just kidding! But seriously, how do we make geriatrics a *sexy* specialty to attract the best and brightest, beyond just good intentions?
That’s a great question! It’s not about bingo, but showcasing the intellectual challenges and rewards of geriatric care. Perhaps highlighting innovative technologies, research opportunities, and the profound impact on patients’ lives could attract top talent. We need to reframe the narrative!
Editor: MedTechNews.Uk
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