Glenridge: A Partnership for Eldercare

Abstract

Societal trends of rising health care costs and changing elder demographics dictate the need for new and innovative approaches to cost-effective health care and other services for this age group. As individuals age, their need for assistive services increases, and access becomes a priority. Housing models that provide an environment which facilitates independent living are very desirable and usually cost-containing by postponing and/or preventing institutionalization. Through access to health promotion and maintenance services, residents are enabled to stay in their preferred home environments as long as possible (Zink & Bissonnette, 1990, p. 70). A major obstacle to these models is a clear definition of the elder population's needs and a coordinated effort to meet these needs (Little, 1980). An innovative partnership involving nursing education, an area agency on aging, and a developer provided a unique opportunity for a school of nursing to play a pivotal role in the coordination of health care for "well" older adults.