An emerging typology of community aging initiatives

Authors:
LEHNING Amanda, SCHARLACH Andrew, WOLF Jennifer Price
Journal article citation:
Journal of Community Practice, 20(3), 2012, pp.293-316.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philapelphia, USA

Although the majority of older people would like to remain in their own homes, many have to leave for nursing homes or other care facilities. In order to help older persons meet their long-term care needs and age in place, a growing number of initiatives have been implemented across the United States aiming to bring about comprehensive changes in community physical and social environments. The aim of this study was to develop a typology of community ageing initiatives and examine variations in these initiative types including the methods they use, roles of participants, funding sources, and challenges. Community ageing initiatives nationwide were identified through an online search and contact persons at these initiatives were invited to participate in an online survey. The final sample consisted of 124 community ageing  initiatives. These initiatives were grouped into 5 categories: community-wide planning; consumer-driven support networks; cross-sector systems change initiatives; residence-based support services; and single-sector services. It is hoped that this emerging typology may serve as a useful organising framework from which to develop future evaluations of the effectiveness and sustainability of these initiatives.

Subject terms:
models, older people, ageing, community care;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1543-3706
ISSN print:
1070-5422

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