As of this time, the “Capable” program is limited to the Baltimore area but it certainly could possibly influence other cities to consider creating a similar program for their senior community.
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“While the program results are not yet available because it is ongoing, initial observations show success not just for those with many needs, but also those who just need assistance with one ADL.
“We have had surprising success with both sides of the spectrum,” says Sarah Szanton, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and Principal Faculty with the Center for Innovative Care in Aging.”Some almost seemed too functional. They can take a walk, get out, cook; and we think we’re not really going to be able to do much. But we have had great success. [On the other hand], our first participant from CMS had difficulty in every single demand of self care. She went from limitations to all ADLs to not being limited in any of them.”
The cost savings are substantial: the $4,000 over four months that essentially allows a person to remain in his or her home compares with the national median monthly rate for assisted living care of $3,450 or more than $200 per day for nursing home care, according to Genworth Financial’s Annual Cost of Care Survey [1]. The researchers also note the cost is roughly equivalent to one third the cost of a hospitalization for an episode such as a fall or other injury.
The program is limited to Baltimore area currently, but a similar project is being rolled out in Michigan with the potential for more adopters across the nation. Private companies may also take a vested interest in the option, Szanton says.
“Commercial insurers for long term care want to keep people out of nursing homes,” she says. “You could imagine a model where they pay for it or provide lower premiums if someone has gone through the program.”
Under around $4 million in grant funding, Capable is expected to save $6.8 million over three years.”
Written by Elizabeth Ecker [2]