Year(s) Funded: 2016-2017
Topic(s): Aging, Chronic Diseases and Conditions, Health Services, Hospitals and Clinics, Long-term Care, Post-acute Care
Project Lead: Carrie Henning-Smith
With the aging of the U.S. population, the number of adults with complex care needs is rising, particularly in rural areas. Despite this, nursing homes often lack the staffing, funding, and infrastructure to adequately care for them. As a result, access to appropriate, timely long-term care in skilled nursing facilities may be constrained for rural residents who need it most. This project will examine barriers to skilled nursing facility placement for rural residents with complex care needs, including obesity, dementia, and behavioral health problems, and explore potential implications for access to and quality of care.