Feasibility of aging in place clinics in low income senior housing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of implementing interdisciplinary senior housing clinics. Feasibility was based on evidence of resident participation, services provided, improvement in clinical outcomes and sustaining clinics over time. Data were collected prospectively in four senior housing communities which included approximately 375 residents 60 years of age and older. Over the 12-month implementation period, 228 residents were seen, 61 % of all residents. We gave 131 immunizations, checked 576 blood pressures, completed 92 foot care treatments, 69 hearing evaluations and cerumen removal, completed 16 advance directives, 119 Annual Wellness Visits, and 13 assessments for acute medical problems. Overall, 87 individuals (38 %) had a decrease in their blood pressures, 121 (54 %) maintained their pressures and 19 (8 %) had increases in blood pressures. We reached over half of the residents living in these communities and estimated we could financially maintain the clinics with reimbursement based on billing.