Impact of the “Senior Tsunami” on the Health Care System

By Randy Hylton, Peak Vista Community Health Centers

While the term “Baby Boomers” is a common identifier in our culture, many are not aware of the looming challenge that will affect health care systems, support networks, economies and communities as this segment of our population ages. The Colorado State Demography Office expects the senior population (those over 65) in El Paso County to increase by 179 percent in the next 30 years. With Convening for Colorado funds, Peak Vista Community Health Centers (Peak Vista) and Innovations in Aging were able to study the potential impact of this “Senior Tsunami.” The organizations created a study model aimed at identifying shortcomings in resources and services in the Pikes Peak region, finding actionable steps for closing gaps and removing barriers.

The study model consisted of six distinct convenings. Three discussions were conducted in select areas of the community that were identified as having a sizable population of seniors. These meetings included senior citizens, referred by senior-serving organizations and other community agencies. The next two sessions included leaders, decision-makers and subject matter experts from various senior-serving organizations, including the El Paso County Public Health Department and Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging, Senior Resource Council, University of Colorado Aging Centers, YMCA and many others. The final meeting brought participants from both groups together with a focus on clarifying previously identified gaps, barriers and recommending solutions.

The convenings resulted in a number of recommendations for action. A regular theme in all of the meetings was how Medicare becomes an obstacle for so many seniors because of the lack of patient navigation services available. In El Paso County, the Area Agency on Aging offers senior insurance assistance, but few of the participants in the convenings were aware of the program. Several specific questions were raised about Medicare coverage and stories were shared on the frustration many seniors experience in attempting to gain understanding about Medicare services.

Another consistent theme was the lack of available Medicare providers. As a community health center that operates two centers designed specifically for senior care services and accepts Medicare, Peak Vista was particularly concerned about this finding. One attendee, who cares for a large number of senior women at the Mount St. Francis Nursing Center, reported the ongoing challenge of keeping their community members connected to primary care over the years because their providers dropped Medicare. She noted that at least 10 sisters over the last two-and-a-half years were impacted.

The conclusions resulting from the study have already resulted in new collaborative efforts, including the implementation of quarterly Medicare 101 classes at Peak Vista’s new Lane Family Senior Health Center. Innovations in Aging and Peak Vista are continuing to develop strategies to meet the needs of the senior population and to develop stronger coalitions around these efforts. For more information about this work, contact Randy Hylton or visit www.peakvista.org.