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		Healthy Aging Project: Promoting and Managing Health in Subsidized Housing Barbara K. Haight, RN, PhD College of Nursing
		Specific Aims: Establish a clinic for elderly patients Evaluate the role of the geriatric technician Assess health needs at two subsidized housing sites for elderly persons Design strategies for independence of elderly persons Educate students to provide care to elderly patients
		The U.S. population is aging and the oldest (over age 85) persons spend most of the health care dollars because of multiple and costly health problems. South Carolina is the sixth fastest growing state in terms of the population 65 years and older and one of 13 states with the highest poverty rates among the elderly population. The purpose of this community-based interdisciplinary health promotion program and clinic is to provide health promotion and case management services to elderly people living in subsidized housing in a medically underserved area of Charleston. This clinic provides basic primary care and referral services to persons who do not have a primary care provider, health promotion and disease prevention activities to the whole population, and case management of residents through a geriatric technician. Dr. Haight and her colleagues help the elderly patients maintain their independence and educate MUSC students to work with frail elderly people and to participate in interdisciplinary team management.
		Results: 305 unnecessary emergency room visits prevented in the first two (2) years of operation. Estimated cost saving for use of the emergency room and EMS transportation was over $150,000, an amount well above the cost for running the program.
		This clinic was supported for one additional year on patient revenues, but the income could not sustain program. Dr. Haight’s program won the regional award of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials for its innovation and effectiveness. Outcomes from the project were used to gain funding for a Geriatric Training Grant for graduate students in MUSC College of Nursing. Nurses and others in South Carolina, as well as, all across the country are being trained to conduct therapeutic life reviews. Dr. Barbara Haight, DrPH, RN, FAAN is a Professor for Research & Practice with the College of Nursing. You may obtain further information regarding her work with the Healthy Aging Project: Promoting and Managing Health in Subsidized Housing by e-mail Dr. Haight at haightb@musc.edu.

Main Menu | Introduction | Goals and Objectives | 28 Initiatives | Monitoring and Evaluation