The Biden-Harris Administration has made a significant investment to enhance the capabilities of primary care providers and support caregivers in delivering high-quality, tailored care for the aging population.
What happened
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of HHS, has announced the allocation of over $200 million to 42 programs nationwide. This funding will be channeled through the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, which focuses on integrating geriatric training into primary care settings. The goal is to ensure that healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and other clinicians, are well-prepared to identify and address the needs of their older patients.
Going deeper
This initiative stresses supporting family members and other caregivers who participate in the well-being of older adults. The program will work to educate and empower these caregivers, providing them with the knowledge and skills to better support their loved ones. This holistic approach recognizes the necessity of the caregiver-patient relationship and the need to equip both healthcare professionals and caregivers with the tools to deliver age-friendly and dementia-friendly care.
What was said
"For the Biden-Harris Administration, meeting the health care needs of older adults is a top priority," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "That's why we are helping to build the healthcare workforce needed to care for our friends and family members as they age. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to support the caregivers and family members who are essential to the well-being of older adults."
Why it matters
The Biden-Harris Administration is taking proactive steps to address the growing healthcare needs of the aging population by investing in the training and development of primary care providers and supporting caregivers. As the number of older adults, including those with Alzheimer's and related dementias, continues to rise, a healthcare system that is equipped to deliver age-friendly and dementia-friendly care is necessary.
This initiative tries to improve the quality of care for older Americans and recognizes the role of caregivers in supporting their loved ones. The Biden-Harris Administration is working to ensure that older adults receive the complete and compassionate care they deserve as they face aging challenges by empowering healthcare professionals and caregivers.
Farah Amod
