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
Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime
Optimizing Health and Well-Being
Supporting Older Adults and Their Families
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!