Work

Exploring Transitional Care Challenges Among Older Racial/ethnic Minorities

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: For minority older adults and their families, being stigmatized has historically resulted in poorly managed transitions and likely poorer health outcomes and increased health care costs. Vulnerable older adult patients and their families are possibly being missed or are not taking advantage of resources available because of their own sense of stigmatization and lack of trust of their health care providers. Our goal was to address these disparate gaps and explore established evidence-based transitional care models to identify the gaps and needs of racial/ethnic older adults and their family members. Results suggest that trust and communication between team members and families, empowerment of patients and families, and culturally tailored coaching will make transitions smoother. The context in which vulnerable families understand the model of care must be developed more effectively, ultimately saving money and improving quality of care. Recommendations for research, education, and practice based on analyses will be discussed.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.286