A new issue brief from the National
Center for Medical-Legal Partnerships at the George Washington University's
Milken Institute School of Public Health describes the pressing legal needs
facing older adults, and ways that partnerships between clinical settings
and legal assistance providers can address social determinants of health,
preserve independence, and improve their care.
In a medical-legal partnership (MLP), lawyers become an
important part of the health care team, taking referrals and providing
consultations. "As the U.S. population ages,
MLP is a promising approach to support older adults and their families in
navigating fragmented and confusing systems of care, optimize choice and
self-determination, and protect and promote health and
well-being," the brief concludes.
The brief highlights six "common goals ... for the
effective integration of legal, social, and health care services"
including promoting "autonomy and self-determination through a
person-centered approach to legal, social, and health care" and screening
early for unmet social and legal need.
ACL served as a consultant and key informant on this issue
brief.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment