SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH (SDOH): MAJOR FACTORS IN A SENIOR'S HEALTH OUTCOME

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life. These forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies and political systems.1 The US Department of Health and Human Services, in their research on SDOH and Older Adults found SDOH play a major factor in a senior's health, well-being, and quality of life as they age. 

Social determinants of Health are typically grouped into several different categories, including those below.  Each can influence health in positive and negative ways 

• Economic stability
• Social and community context
• Education access and quality
• Health care access and quality
• Neighborhood and built environment

Research shows that social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health.  Research also shows that SDOH account for between 30-55% of health outcomes and good personal care for seniors helps improve the positive and minimize the negative determinants.  Personal care programs that address them appropriately are fundamental for improving health.

Specifically:

• Social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk of dementia and other serious health problems in older adults — while having positive social relationships can help people live longer, healthier lives.
• About 8 in 10 older adults struggle to use medical documents like forms or charts, which could make it harder for them to make well-informed health decisions.
• Most older adults in the United States have at least 1 chronic health condition, making access to affordable, quality health care a priority. However, factors like a lack of health care options in rural areas, high out-of-pocket costs, and transitions from private insurance to Medicare often complicate older adults’ care.
• As mobility decreases with age, accessible neighborhoods and a built environment with convenient access to grocery stores and safe places to get active become increasingly important.

Quality personal care should work to improve the positive and minimize the negative aspects of SDOH.  For example, a good personal care agency must incorporate emotional care, social care, and quality of life into their program.  They reduce social isolation, increase social relationships, help with doctor appointments and following the recommendations of medical professionals, and provide activities to improve quality of life.  

Our care programs are evidence-based, using some of the latest available research available.  They are specifically designed to address SDOH and improve senior outcomes. 

But in the end, all the evidence and research continually point to what we've always done:  Be people-focused and care ABOUT the people and families we help; treat everyone like they were our own Mom and Dad.

DOES YOUR HOME CARE COMPANY UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF SDOH? OURS DOES.

CALL US AND WE'LL SHOW YOU

OUR NUMBER IS EASY TO REMEMBER:  757-525-2525