Helping older adults stay safe and healthy in their homes
In recent years, the population of older adults in the United States has increased – and continues to grow. According to the America’s Health Rankings Report, there are 59 million adults age 65 or older, and by 2040, there will be more than 78 million.1 Addressing their health and housing needs is critical for their well-being, particularly those who may live in underserved communities.
In Washington, D.C., older adults make up 13% of the population.1 Of that, 43% of these individuals face housing costs burdens, which can lead to difficulties being able to afford other necessities, like food, heat or health care services.2
To help support their needs, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of D.C. collaborated with Seabury Resources for Aging® on a new Housing Stabilization Fund. This helps deliver targeted, one-time interventions for low-income and cost-burdened District residents aged 60 and older whose housing stability is threatened by unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
To help support their needs, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of D.C. collaborated with Seabury Resources for Aging® on a new Housing Stabilization Fund. This helps deliver targeted, one-time interventions for low-income and cost-burdened District residents aged 60 and older whose housing stability is threatened by unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
The Housing Stabilization Fund is designed to implement practical solutions that prevent a vulnerable older adult’s home from becoming a health crisis. In turn, this helps keep individuals out of emergency rooms and long-term care facilities and enables care providers to safely continue their work.
This includes:
- Providing an average of $1,500 per older adult (as needed) to address utility debt in response to rising utility costs
- Professional preparation and post-treatment restoration assistance to address things like bed-bug infestation
- Decluttering services to help prevent fire safety concerns or conditions that impact the ability of individuals to visit the home
The ability to secure and maintain a safe home is a key social determinant of health, a non-medical factor that can affect an individual’s physical and mental well-being.3 Older adults, who may spend more time in their homes, may experience greater health risks when housing quality is poor, potentially leading to physical and emotional distress.4
“We know that social factors like stable housing have a profound impact on overall health. Collaborations like this one demonstrate how the private and nonprofit sectors can work together to solve for the full spectrum of factors that impact health outcomes,” said Kathlyn Wee, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Maryland and D.C. “Seabury’s work to help older adults remain safely in their homes aligns with our mission to build healthier communities.”
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