Problems & Solutions

Medicare Fails the Depressed Homebound Elderly

This study investigates home care social workers' perceptions of Medicare's
handling of social isolation and depression among elderly home
health beneficiaries.

The Problem

~Significant findings in the issues of social isolation and depression among Medicare's home health clients.

~ There is a critical lack of systematic assessments or treatments for social isolation and depression within our current Medicare beneficiaries.

~ Social workers believe there is an absence of such treatments that leads to worsened physical and mental health outcomes

The Study

~ 44 Social Workers in New York City were interviewed

~ Revealing that there is a widespread of social isolation and depression among our elderly

~ And there are zero preventative or long-term treatment options through Medicare.

~ The limited coverage has historically resulted in a low percentage
of national medical social workers
(as low as 1% or less)

The Solution

~ The study recommends policy changes to improve detection, monitoring, and coverage of social isolation and depression within the Medicare home health benefit.

~ According to William Cabin, social workers can influence policy changes in several ways

* Advocating for beneficiaries dealing with social isolation and depression

* Collaborating with others to build support for possible change

* Using expertise to develop and implement effective interventions

* Participating in research to build evidence in support of such policy changes

Local & Global Perspective

Reflection & Resources