Film by Passenger Productions
Providing the services and resources so that rural, older residents can “age in place” — a practice that is more cost-effective than assisted living or long-term care facilities — has been at the heart of Community of Care’s work for the past decade.
Today, Community of Care offers a one-stop service center to assist seniors with information, referrals and Medicare Part D drug plan enrollment; a volunteer program to facilitate transportation to medical appointments; and a faith community nurse program focused on preventative health through outreach visits, exercise classes, and health education. All programs focus on reducing isolation for rural residents.
The model’s economic benefits are apparent. In 2013, the Medicare Part D drug plan enrollment work Community of Care provided, just one of its extensive services, served 246 clients and provided an average savings of $411 per client. To sustain its model, Community of Care has formed a public/private partnership with the North Dakota Legislature and Department of Human Services, with plans to pilot similar efforts in other rural communities.
