Long-Term Supports & Services

MARC:

My favorite part of this job is working with my colleagues and students on our applied research projects.  The idea that we can bring knowledge and data to inform improved policymaking that can make a real difference in the lives of older adults is very rewarding.

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JANE:

We take an academic approach to our research process. Our end goal is not necessarily publishing, but trying to disseminate our findings where they can have a real-world policy impact. I also appreciate that every project we work on is a truly collaborative effort between our center and the organizations we work with, where everyone has a voice and can bring their ideas to the table. 

 

MARC:

There is a common misconception that older adults are financially asset-rich, which colors people's views on aging and LTSS policy. As we've seen in our work, older adults are at greater financial risk than most people realize. It's important for us to continue to disseminate research that reflects this reality. I also think that oftentimes people think we need sweeping policy reforms to better the affordability and availability of services and supports in later life or to improve race and wealth based disparities in the healthcare system. If I've learned anything from our work, it's that smaller and more tangible policy changes can still make a sizable impact that moves the needle in the right direction. 

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JANE:

We've learned that the vast majority of older adults have modest to no financial assets to be able to weather any kind of health or financial shock. With health care and LTSS costs continually rising and greater longevity among older adults, the risk of experiencing a financial shock and/or needing LTSS is an unavoidable reality for many in later life. Figuring out what we can do to help older adults and government social safety net programs prepare for this reality is of great priority."