Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. While SDOH assessments are crucial for understanding the health of a population, many current assessments fall short when it comes to housing. They often fail to consider future implications and overlook critical aspects such as the member’s preference to age in their own home and their emotional receptivity to potential relocations or modifications.
Most SDOH assessments today are confined to evaluating the current state of housing without fully accounting for potential future concerns. According to the CDC, understanding data on SDOH, such as access to health care, safe housing, nutritious foods, and physical activity opportunities, can help focus efforts to improve people’s health on a local level. However, these assessments often overlook the emotional and psychological aspects of housing stability, which can significantly impact an individual’s well-being.
A survey by Kaiser Permanente revealed that 68% of Americans experienced at least one unmet social need in the past year, with stable housing being a significant concern. Those who experienced unmet social needs were twice as likely to rate their health as fair or poor compared to those who did not. This highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to SDOH assessments, particularly in relation to housing.
To address this crucial gap, Upside offers a comprehensive screening methodology that goes beyond a surface-level examination of housing-related risks. Our approach explores the extent of safety modifications needed, the capability of individuals to perform daily activities, and their preferences towards relocating versus staying in their current homes.
We ascertain the member’s preference to age in their own home and the emotional importance of such a choice. This is crucial as three-quarters of Americans want to age at home, yet just 3.5% of all U.S. housing is considered accessible. Understanding a member’s preference to age in their own home and the emotional importance of such a choice is crucial. A study found that 40% of older adults express concerns about being able to afford and maintain their homes as they age.
We identify potential safety issues and evaluate the need for basic or advanced home modifications to create a secure living environment. This is in line with our mission to improve the lives of seniors by enabling them to age in the right place. Identifying potential safety issues and evaluating the need for basic or advanced home modifications can create a secure living environment. This is especially important considering the increasing number of seniors who prefer to age in place.
We assess whether regular home maintenance assistance could enable the member to age in place comfortably. This is crucial as 1 in 3 people over 65 will move due to a ‘trigger event’, often related to the inability to maintain their homes. Regular home maintenance assistance could enable the member to age in place comfortably. This support can range from home repair and maintenance to food preparation.
We determine the level of help required by the member to sustain daily living activities, considering their unique health and mobility needs. This is important as the annual cost per fall incurred by Medicare plans in the absence of intervention is $27,300. Determining the level of help required by the member to sustain daily living activities is crucial, considering their unique health and mobility needs.
We gauge the member’s feelings towards and acceptance of potential relocations, acknowledging the emotional significance of such decisions. This is crucial as 96.5% of all U.S. housing is considered inaccessible, yet more than 75% of Americans want to age at home. Gauging the member’s feelings towards and acceptance of potential relocations is essential, acknowledging the emotional significance of such decisions.
We uncover the desire for community engagement. This insight informs Upside’s interventions, such as Senior Friendly Apartments and Senior Living Facilities.
By addressing the limitations of standard SDOH assessments, particularly in relation to housing, Upside’s comprehensive screening methodology enables Health Plan executives to proactively address future housing concerns, promote overall health, and ensure member satisfaction. As we continue to innovate and improve our approach, we remain committed to our mission of improving the lives of seniors and helping them age in the right place. As the population ages, it becomes increasingly important to address these issues head-on, ensuring that our members can age in place comfortably and securely.
Upside Corporate Headquarters
6365 NW 6TH Way, Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
