What is a Collection?
Playbook Collections explore interventions that address the needs of people with complex needs by curating available peer-reviewed research, case studies, and tools. Although not exhaustive, Collections evolve as new and promising research and other resources are available.
Community health workers (CHWs) — also referred to as promotores, community health representatives, and peer navigators — are trusted professionals who share lived experience with the individuals and communities they support.
While CHW programs have a long-standing presence in primary care settings, there is a growing focus on integrating CHWs into interdisciplinary teams specifically to support older adults. These initiatives aim to address the complex and interconnected needs of aging populations, including physical health, behavioral health, and health-related social needs. Emerging evidence demonstrates that connecting older adults with CHWs can lead to reduced acute care utilization and costs, improved chronic disease management, enhanced social connectedness, and decreased health disparities.
Health care stakeholders can use this Playbook Collection to understand the evidence behind CHW programs supporting older adults and practical strategies to support effective implementation of these programs. CHW programs featured focus on improving care for older adult populations with complex health and social needs, including dual-eligible individuals, individuals with dementia, and individuals experiencing social isolation, depression, and housing insecurity.
What works in community health worker programs for older adults?
Following are summaries of peer-reviewed research and briefs on community health worker programs for older adults. Many of these programs have demonstrated positive results, such as improved health outcomes and reduced care utilization.
What do these programs look like in practice?
Below, find on-the-ground perspectives or experiences in implementing community health worker programs for older adults. Featured case studies may be useful for organizations interested in implementing these initiatives.
How can my organization implement these approaches?
Following are implementation tools, financing considerations, and evaluation strategies that state policymakers, health systems, providers, health plans, and other interested stakeholders can use when seeking to create or improve CHW programs for older adults.