Review Article

Community-Based Supports and Services for Older Adults: A Primer for Clinicians

Table 1

Specific community-based supports and services.

Client servicesDescription

Home delivered mealsMeals delivered to the home of those who cannot prepare or obtain adequate nutrition
Congregate mealsMeals served in a community setting to those who cannot prepare or obtain adequate nutrition
TransportationIncludes subsidized mass transit, curb-to-curb paratransit and other assisted transportation, and driver education
Personal careHands-on or cueing to assist individuals with ADLs or IADLs
Homemaker servicesServices designed to maintain a healthy home environment such as housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, and shopping
Information and assistance Used to help individuals or their representatives identify, access, and use support services (exclusive of case management)
Nutrition education and counselingAssessment of and assistance in meeting of an individual’s nutritional needs by a licensed nutritionist or dietician
Adult day careCommunity-based program offering social, recreational, and health-related services in congregate setting
Case managementProfessional management of an individual’s health care; identification and assessment of biopsychosocial needs; monitoring use of services to ensure positive outcomes
OutreachTo inform and educate the public of the availability of services, benefits, and programs
ChoreHousehold tasks such as heavy cleaning and yard work
Legal assistanceConsultation and representation for consumer issues, housing, benefits, etc.

Caregiver servicesDescription

RespiteCan involve adult day care, in-home or brief periods out of home in a nursing home or assisted living facility
Access assistanceAssistance to caregivers to gain access to AOA programs
Counseling, support group, trainingMiscellaneous: individual counseling; caregiver support groups; training in caregiving skills
Supplemental servicesExtra services provided on a short term basis

From Administration on Aging: FY 2012 Report to Congress [3]. Each column is listed in descending order based on units of service.