Massachusetts Innovative Action to Support those Aging with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD)

People with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD) may experience complex age-related issues, including dementia-related disorders, at earlier ages than the general population. To address changing needs, the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) formed a multidisciplinary workgroup of disability and aging-related public and private agency partners. The workgroup explored key areas of age-related needs, including end of life care and services; screenings for onset of age-associated changes and conditions; and innovative models and resources to support aging in community settings

Motivation for Active Aging: Results of a Pilot Study

The current research explores the question whether activity on the part of older people can be explained, in part, by a general motivation to be active that cuts across various forms of activity. One premise is that motivation defined as “personal interest or desire” is one of a number of forces that contributes to participation in an activity. A further premise is that a distinction may be made between motivation that is specific to a particular activity and general motivation to be active. A general motive to be active may help to explain specific forms of activity. Further, a general motive to be active may also help to explain the number of forms of activity in which people engage

Life at GrandFamilies House: The First Six Months

Recent reports cite estimates of more than two million children in the United States who are currently living in kinship care arrangements; 10% or approximately 200,000 of these relationships are children in foster care. Much kinship care is done by midlife and older persons who are finding themselves assuming new responsibilities associated with parenting their grandchildren, typically for a period of two years or more. This is a social phenomenon that cuts across all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups. There are many challenges facing these nontraditional families including healthcare, income security, education, social support, and housing. Public and private partnerships are beginning to take shape to respond to some of these challenges. This report describes the first six months of one initiative that was undertaken in Massachusetts to begin to address the need for supportive housing

Lessons From a Care Management Pilot Program for People With Acquired Brain Injury

PROBLEM: From November 2010 to August 2013, 161 adults with acquired brain injury in Massachusetts transitioned from long-term care settings to the community through a Medicaid-funded waiver. Most participants transitioned with minimal risk; for some, the transition resulted in an increase in risk incidents above the rest. Specifically, despite risk mitigation efforts, 11% of the participants accounted for more than 75% of the reported first year incidents. SOLUTION: A registered nurse Care Manager was engaged in a pilot program to address the needs of participants at the highest risk. Based on incidents or potential for incidents, 30 participants were enrolled in care management (CM). METHODS: Secondary data analysis, interviews, and surveys assessed whether CM was associated with a decrease in incidents and to what extent participants and providers were satisfied with CM. RESULTS: Care management was significantly associated with a decrease in incidents including hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Participants, Case Managers, and service providers were highly satisfied with the Care Manager. CONCLUSIONS: Focusing on a specific population with increased risk, clearly explaining the purpose of CM, and remaining flexible when addressing the complex and individual nature of risk management are important strategies to ensure an effective CM program

Motivation for Active Aging: Results of a Pilot Study

The current research explores the question whether activity on the part of older people can be explained, in part, by a general motivation to be active that cuts across various forms of activity. One premise is that motivation defined as “personal interest or desire” is one of a number of forces that contributes to participation in an activity. A further premise is that a distinction may be made between motivation that is specific to a particular activity and general motivation to be active. A general motive to be active may help to explain specific forms of activity. Further, a general motive to be active may also help to explain the number of forms of activity in which people engage

Motivation for Active Aging: Results of a Pilot Study

The current research explores the question whether activity on the part of older people can be explained, in part, by a general motivation to be active that cuts across various forms of activity. One premise is that motivation defined as “personal interest or desire” is one of a number of forces that contributes to participation in an activity. A further premise is that a distinction may be made between motivation that is specific to a particular activity and general motivation to be active. A general motive to be active may help to explain specific forms of activity. Further, a general motive to be active may also help to explain the number of forms of activity in which people engage

Life at GrandFamilies House: The First Six Months

Recent reports cite estimates of more than two million children in the United States who are currently living in kinship care arrangements; 10% or approximately 200,000 of these relationships are children in foster care. Much kinship care is done by midlife and older persons who are finding themselves assuming new responsibilities associated with parenting their grandchildren, typically for a period of two years or more. This is a social phenomenon that cuts across all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups. There are many challenges facing these nontraditional families including healthcare, income security, education, social support, and housing. Public and private partnerships are beginning to take shape to respond to some of these challenges. This report describes the first six months of one initiative that was undertaken in Massachusetts to begin to address the need for supportive housing