Geriatric Research

Over a period of several years, LTG worked with the Bureau of Primary Health Care [BPHC], Division of Programs for Special Populations, in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, on geriatric policy and practice. LTG both made use of existing data and gathered new qualitative and quantitative data from Community Health Centers across the U.S. In one project, LTG conducted a series of site visits and focus groups in order to assess the nature and extent of services available for geriatric populations. The data were also used to assess the barriers to and facilitation of those services, to make recommendations for a BPHC geriatric initiative, and to identify areas for further study. In a companion project, LTG conducted interviews and site visits to sites that participated in the HRSA Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant Program. The final report included a description of the factors instrumental in Community and Migrant Health Centers [C/MHCs] serving geriatric clients with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. It included recommendations to the BPHC on the development of geriatric care within C/MHCs.

LTG was awarded a Professional Services Contract for the Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant Program for the specific purposes of developing the design for and conducting a nationwide telephone needs assessment; analyzing data and making recommendations; and, planning, developing, and testing training protocols for a BPHC-wide geriatric training program initiative. LTG’s final report of the needs assessment activities included specific recommendations for the geriatric initiative. LTG then began the next phase of providing technical assistance to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Geriatric Primary Health Care Initiative. The purpose of this contract was to develop, pilot test, and implement training for BPHC-supported Community Health Center personnel on critical issues in geriatric management and treatment. Five modules were developed and tested including:

• Geriatrics: Primary Health Care Considerations;
• Depression;
• Dementia;
• Medication Management; and,
• Cultural Diversity.

Finally, LTG delivered a field-focused summary of best practices in geriatric care for health centers; this document “Optimum Geriatric Services” was widely distributed by HRSA and developed a clinician and caregiver focused Geriatric Resource Directory.