As people get older staying healthy often means more than visiting doctors and taking medicines. An older adult may find it hard to get transportation to get food to manage housing concerns or to stay connected with community resources. These everyday challenges can directly affect health and independence.
This is where Community Health Integration (CHI) can help. CHI is a Medicare-covered care coordination service for patients. CHI can help address health-related social needs and connect those patients with proper community resources.
How can you know when an older adult may benefit from this type of support?
Here are five signs to watch for.
1. They Have Difficulty Getting to Medical Appointments
Transportation can become a major challenge for older adults, particularly those who no longer drive or have limited access to reliable transportation.
Missing medical appointments can make it harder to manage chronic conditions, complete preventive care, or follow up on health concerns.
Transportation Challenges Can Affect Health
An older adult who frequently:
- Misses or postpones doctor appointments
- Depends on family members for transportation
- Has difficulty using public transportation
- Avoids healthcare because getting there is difficult
may benefit from being connected to available transportation and community resources.
CHI may help eligible patients identify and connect with appropriate resources based on their individual needs.
2. Access to Healthy Food Is a Struggle
Nutrition is key to aging.
I have seen many older adults struggle to get food all the time.
Low income, trouble moving on transport and living alone can make shopping for groceries and cooking meals hard.
Signs of Food-Related Challenges
Pay attention if an older adult:
- Frequently skips meals
- Has difficulty buying groceries
- Relies heavily on inexpensive, less nutritious foods
- Has limited access to grocery stores or meal programs
- Needs help finding local food resources
Connecting seniors with appropriate food and nutrition resources may help address some barriers that can affect their overall well-being.
3. Housing or Utility Concerns Are Affecting Their Well-Being
A safe and stable home environment is important for adults. Housing problems can create stress. May make it more difficult to manage health conditions.
Concerns could include difficulty paying utility bills, unsafe living conditions, housing instability or needing assistance, with home-related resources.
Why Housing Stability Matters
An older adult who is worried about where they will live or whether they can afford essential utilities may struggle to focus on their healthcare needs.
CHI can provide a pathway for eligible patients to receive support in identifying relevant community resources for certain health-related social needs.
4. They Are Having Trouble Managing Everyday Needs
Sometimes the warning signs are simple: an older adult is struggling to keep up with tasks they previously handled independently.
They may have difficulty organizing appointments, understanding available resources, coordinating services, or getting help with daily challenges.
Look for Changes in Routine
Family members and caregivers may notice:
- Missed appointments
- Difficulty coordinating care
- Increasing dependence on others
- Trouble accessing community services
- Difficulty managing multiple healthcare-related needs
These challenges don’t necessarily mean an older adult needs more medical treatment. They may need better coordination and connection to existing resources.
5. They Feel Isolated or Disconnected From Their Community
Social connection plays a role in healthy aging. When an older adult lives by themselves doesn’t have ways to get around or doesn’t talk to people often they can start feeling more alone. Being isolated can make it harder for them to keep up with their health care appointments and take part in activities in the community.
Connecting Seniors With Community Resources
Depending on individual circumstances, an older adult may benefit from being connected with appropriate local programs, support services, transportation options, social resources, or other community organizations.
CHI focuses on helping eligible patients address certain health-related social needs by coordinating care and connecting them with available resources.
How Does Community Health Integration Help Older Adults?
Community Health Integration is designed to help address certain barriers that can interfere with a patient’s ability to manage their health.
For eligible Medicare patients, CHI may involve identifying health-related social needs, coordinating services, and connecting patients with appropriate community resources.
The goal isn’t simply to provide another medical appointment. It’s about helping bridge the gap between healthcare and the everyday circumstances that can affect health.
When Should Families Talk With a Healthcare Provider?
If an older adult is repeatedly struggling with transportation, food access, housing concerns, social isolation, or other health-related social needs, it’s worth discussing these challenges with their healthcare provider.
A healthcare professional can determine whether CHI or other support services may be appropriate based on the patient’s individual situation and eligibility.
Medcare Can Help Connect Healthcare With Everyday Needs
Healthy aging is not about treating illness. Sometimes having the support with everyday challenges can make it easier for older adults to stay engaged with their healthcare and keep independence.
Medcares Community Health Integration services may help eligible Medicare beneficiaries connect with healthcare and suitable community resources based on their needs.
If you or a loved one experiences challenges that make it harder to manage healthcare or everyday needs talk with Medcare to learn whether Community Health Integration may be right for you.
Learn more about Community Health Integration, with Medcare. Check your eligibility today.
