Aging

JSI conducts research, training, technical assistance, and consumer education to help health systems meet the complex needs of older people and to help older health care consumers access services effectively. In addition to focusing on prevention and healthy lifestyles for older adults, JSI also works to improve access to care and helps develop state policies on aging. In the documents that follow, JSI shares some of it its research and materials developed for clients around aging.

For JSI-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals please go to Journal Articles.

Please note the following are listed in chronological order starting with the most recent publication.

Emergency Preparedness Planning for Nursing Homes and Residential Care Settings in Vermont (PDF, 9.84 MB)

JSI created an all-hazards emergency planning and response guide for Vermont's licensed long-term care facilities (nursing homes, residential care homes, assisted living residences, therapeutic care homes and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded) under a contract with the Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., 2010.

Just in Case...Be Ready for an Emergency:An Emergency Readiness Planning Guide for People Who May Need Extra Assistance (PDF, 669 KB)

JSI created an all-hazards emergency planning and response guide for Vermont's home- and community-based long-term care providers (e.g., area agencies on aging, home health agencies, adult day programs, developmental services group homes) serving older adults and individuals with disabilities residing in community settings under a contract with the Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living. This booklet offers practical tips and guidance on how to stay safe during an emergency. It is written especially for people with special needs. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., 2010.

Vermont Rural Health and Primary Care Plan (PDF, 4.82 MB)

Under contract with the Vermont Department of Health JSI facilitated a strategic planning process to develop a State Plan on Rural Health and Primary Care. The plan is a requirement of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy as part of the funding requirements of all State Offices of Rural Health. The document sets forth the resulting goals, objectives and activities for the State Office of Rural Health and Primary Care to achieve over the next three years. This document provides a list of recommended activities that are based upon data, qualitative input from stakeholders and an analysis of present opportunities. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., March 2009.

Vermont Dementia Plan (PDF, 1.13 MB)

The prevalence of dementia is expected to increase significantly as the population ages. In Vermont more than 20% of the population will be over 65 by 2020. As such, Vermont will be impacted by aging-related diseases such as dementia. Under contract with the Vermont Department of Disabilities Aging and Independent Living, JSI developed a Vermont State Plan on Dementia which outlines the strategic programming to improve existing services for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders as well as project the future service needs of the population. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., Dec. 2008.

Providing Medication Assistance For Seniors: A Guide For Resident Service Coordinators, Pharmacists And Nurses (PDF, 428 KB)

Many seniors living independently have health-related needs that could be addressed by home-based assistance, enabling seniors to "age in place." However, the delayed recognition of such needs and a lack of appropriate assistance services oftentimes lead to institutionalization. This guide has been developed with input from an interdisciplinary team from Vermont including resident service coordinators from unlicensed congregate housing sites, a visiting nurse, and a pharmacist as an aid to those providing medication assistance to seniors. The guide is divided into three sections covering the three different types of medication assistance services offered by the Vermont Medication Assistance Services program. Each section provides step-by-step instructions to guide a RSC/Nurse/Pharmacist team in carrying out the activities comprising various services for medication assistance. The specific roles of each team member are described, and the team member who may take the lead for each activity is indicated. The Guide includes handouts or forms used for various purposes in delivering Vermont Medication Assistance Services. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation. 2008.

Assessment of the Needs of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Doña Ana County, New Mexico Report (PDF, 966 KB)

The Housing Authority of the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico and the City of Las Cruces Senior Programs are exploring the development of housing programs for the estimated 3,000 grandparents raising grandchildren in Doña Ana County. As a first step in that process, JSI conducted a comprehensive assessment of the social service and housing needs of grandparents raising grandchildren in the county. The report describes the methodology of the assessment (a survey), the challenges reported by the more than 100 grandparents raising grandchildren who participated in the assessment, their housing and social service needs, and a set of recommendations for future activities. The report and the results of the assessment will be used by the city's Housing Authority and Senior Programs, as well as other local service providers to develop or expand programs and services to address the unique needs of this population. Jeremy Holman, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., January 2008

Dutchess County Cancer Control Needs Assessment Report (PDF, 573 KB)

As part of the Dutchess County Department of Health efforts to develop a county-level cancer control plan, JSI Research & Training Institute completed a comprehensive assessment of cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and support services in the county. The report includes three substantive parts: an epidemiologic profile of the burden of cancer in Dutchess County; detailed findings from the three components of the needs assessment (key informant interviews, the resource inventory survey, and focus groups); and a set of themes and recommendations to Dutchess County based on these findings. Together, these themes and recommendations form a basis and provide direction for the next stage of comprehensive cancer control in Dutchess County. Stewart Landers, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., 2008.

Evaluation of Vermont's Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grant to States Programming Report (PDF, 495 KB)

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., conducted an evaluation of Vermont programs that provide supportive, educational and direct service interventions to caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder (ADRD) for the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. JSI's evaluation presents important considerations for other states which may be planning similar programs. Craig Stevens, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., 2008.

Findings from Vermont Medication Assistance Services: A Pilot Program for Seniors Living in Unlicensed Congregate Housing (PDF, 8.38 MB)

Due to the propensity for medication-related problems among older adults and without intensive focus on medication safety and medication adherence in this population, the related morbidity and mortality can only be expected to rise. Innovative, comprehensive models are needed to address medication-related problems among seniors in congregate housing and other independent living environments. This report examines one model, the Vermont Medication Assistance Services program, which is designed to address medication safety, adherence and assistance for seniors living in unlicensed congregate housing in Vermont. To date the multi-dimensional Vermont Medication Assistance demonstration project is the first to encompass proven interventions to address medication safety and adherence for seniors living in the community. The report looks at implementation issues and how they were resolved, the selection process for pilot sites, and how those implementing the model were trained. It also includes individual feedback from pharmacists, nurses, and seniors themselves. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation. 2008.

Cultural Diversity: Focus Group Report (PDF, 822 KB)

This final report presents findings from a qualitative study of elders from diverse communities conducted on behalf of the Boston Partnership on Elder Adults and the Eldercare Alliance. The consultant utilized community-based participatory research methods to rapidly organize focus groups with elders from different ethnic and social groups. The key questions focused on whether elders from each community would use various community- and home-based services and the factors influencing their choices. The findings were presented at a 2005 summit entitled What Does It Take to Keep an Elder at Home? in Roxbury, Massachusetts. JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., June 2005.