Don't Forget The Needs Of Older Persons. Community Health Needs Assessments.

In a recent review of hospital community health needs assessments and implementation strategies, which are now required of tax-exempt hospitals by the Affordable Care Act, the Catholic Health Association found childhood obesity' and mental health services2 were some of the most commonly identified needs that hospitals planned to address. However, CHA found little or no mention of the needs of the elderly and their family caregivers. This was surprising, given the rapid aging of the U.S. population, a population that is living longer with multiple chronic conditions.