Chronic Care: A Call to Action on Health Reform (2009)

This is the ninth volume of AARP's Beyond 50 series. It paints a portrait of chronic illness from the perspective of chronically ill patients and their caregivers. More than 70 million Americans age 50 and older have at least one chronic condition. The study?s focus groups and surveys reveal consumer and caregiver concerns about quality problems with the health care system and coordinating care. Two problems that caregivers noted were poor communication among clinicians and unnecessary tests. About two in five caregivers reported providing care to more than one person simultaneously. The authors offer recommendations for improving care, aimed at providers, family caregivers and patients. The website also provides videos of family caregivers speaking out.

Author AARP Public Policy Institute

Date March 2009

To View The Report http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/health-care/health-qual/articles/beyond_50_hcr.html

Topic: Care Management/ Coordination/ Transitional Care