Our vision for the future of central Indiana is that:

The fragmented aspects of our health care system are integrated; the focus of care is prevention of disability and optimizing function and independence as opposed to solely treating disease; seniors and all people take individual responsibility for their health and are supported by education programs which address wellness, well-being, and positive role opportunities. Providers have special skills pertaining to the care of older adults and an ethos of involving seniors in care, treating them with respect. Seniors have options of care, residence and providers of services, and they know how to access care.

We know we have achieved this vision when:
1. Barriers have been removed to increased access to health care, both mental and physical.
2. Public and private insurance coverage includes preventive care for seniors.
3. There are more senior friendly health care services available.
4. There is community support for quality healthcare for older adults.
5. Seniors assume individual responsibility for their health

Broad directions and possible actions:

1. Access to health care — Increase senior access to healthcare, both mental and physical.

Possible ways you can take action:
Increase availability of geriatric services.
Improve accessibility of insurance coverage for long-term care.
Promote community programs that connect people with mental and physical health problems to health care services.
Develop and expand creative approaches to greater access to affordable prescription drugs.

Some who can do it: AARP, all area hospitals, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Indiana HospitalHealth Association, Indiana State Medical Association, insurers, IU School of Medicine, Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation, United Senior Action, neighborhood health centers, state and local mental health associations, disability advocacy groups such as the Governor s Planning Council for People with Disabilities (GPCPD) .

2. Preventive care — Increase the availability of preventive care for the elderly.

Possible ways you can take action:
Actively promote the reporting of prevention and disease data by physicians and other providers to establish a community health profile.
Advocate changes in Medicare/ Medicaid and private insurance reimbursements for prevention and wellness measures, geriatric assessments, and care management services.
Actively promote preventive care and socialization among seniors (e.g., exercise programs, routine physical checkups, diet)

Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, community centers, hospital-based senior programs, hospital and health provider nutritionists and physical therapists, media, Marion County Department of Health, OASIS, senior centers, disability advocacy groups such as the Alzheimer s Association, YMCA.

3. Senior friendly healthcare services — Help providers of healthcare services become more senior friendly.

Possible ways you can take action:
Increase the number of centralized health facilities for multiple doctor appointments.
Increase the number of health facilities appealing specifically to seniors (e.g., hospital centers for senior health).
Identify what seniors want from providers of healthcare services and educate providers on how they can change.
Expand geriatric medical education.

Some who can do it: Indiana State Medical Association, Indiana HospitalHealth Association, IU School of Medicine, Insurers, Marion County Health Dept.

4. Research and education — Build community support for quality healthcare for older adults.

Possible ways you can take action:
Promote more research and education of current and future providers on aging issues for mental/ physical health and quality of life.
Rally support for public policy changes to improve the quality of geriatric care.

Some who can do it: AARP, Citizens Action Coalition, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, information and referral organizations, IU Center for Aging Research, Marion County Dept. of Health, disability advocacy groups such as Cerebral Palsy.