RIHousing, along with HousingWorks RI and
LeadingAge RI, recently held a Senior Health & Housing Forum to discuss
innovative ways for health care and service providers to collaborate with
housing providers.
Over the next ten years, Rhode Island’s senior
population is expected to grow significantly – which has important implications
for our state. Particularly as Baby Boomers age, their needs and expectations
are different than the seniors of previous generations.
Seniors today are not drastically slowing down
their lives when they reach age 65. Rather, they are remaining active, staying
in the workplace longer and living longer, and, more seniors are choosing to
“age in place,” or remain in their homes. To meet the needs of this growing
demographic, Rhode Island must plan now to find solutions for senior housing,
healthcare and services.
A full capacity crowd heard insights from
Marianne Raimondo, Executive Director of the Institute for Education in
Healthcare at Rhode Island College, which provides cross-disciplinary education
and learning opportunities for the health care workforce in Rhode Island.
Keynote speaker Linda Couch, LeadingAge's national Vice President of Housing
Policy, discussed the rapidly changing landscape of senior care and how changes
at the federal level will impact our states. Attendees also participated in
breakout sessions to share best practices on housing and healthcare for
seniors.
For more information on the Forum, including
materials and other related resources, click
here.