All Ages, All Stages NC

Is your practice aware of Executive Order 280, signed by Governor Roy Cooper on May 2, 2023? This order established North Carolina’s commitment to building an age-friendly state and called upon the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to develop a comprehensive, cross-sectoral plan to serve as a blueprint for the development, enhancement, and coordination of critical services for the state’s rapidly aging population. This planning initiative, known as All Ages, All Stages NC, creates a roadmap for aging and living well.

As you read the information below, notice how many of the themes related to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). This shows the importance of maintaining the SDOH part of medical records. SDOH can be obtained by any member of a person’s care team or through health risk assessments, screening tools, person-provider interaction, and individual self-reporting.

If you have not been collecting SDOH, it’s a good idea to collect this information at least annually. If your office does not have a suggestion to assist the member, refer them to the number on the back of their HealthTeam Advantage card, and we will gladly share any resources we can to help.

The Unprecedented Growth in Aging Presents Opportunities and Challenges

Amidst the current demographic expansion, addressing the demands of long-term services and supports will be a significant challenge. Meeting the diverse needs of the aging population, funding impactful programs, and tackling the growing prevalence of chronic conditions with limited healthcare resources present substantial hurdles.

Here are four of key themes identified by the Department of Health and Human Services:

Affording Aging

• Promoting educational opportunities for older adults
• Enhancing funding sources for home and community-based services
• Advocating for age-inclusive workplace practices
• Fostering intergenerational collaboration
• Expanding financial literacy and retirement planning education
  
  

Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime

• Enhancing disaster preparedness and emergency management
• Strengthening transportation services and options
• Addressing housing challenges
• Increasing access to older adult food resources
• Promoting social connectivity and digital literacy
  
  

Optimizing Health and Well-Being

• Promoting innovative healthcare delivery and accessibility
• Fostering a culture of healthy aging
• Developing comprehensive continuum of care services
• Addressing long-term care financing and delivery challenges
• Advancing healthcare workforce
  
  

Supporting Older Adults and Their Families

• Creating multidisciplinary teams for dementia care
• Promoting technology-based solutions
• Providing caregiver support
• Supporting aging individuals with disabilities
• Enhancing long-term services and support
  
  

Of course, to assist patients with the challenges above, you have to know what their needs are. So please make a habit of reviewing SDOH on your patients’ records!