Introduction: Caregiving for older adults—by family and friends—is an essential component of the U.S. health and long-term care systems. Though often rewarding, caregiving is associated with higher rates of poor health. Respite is valued by caregivers and associated with positive outcomes; however, access is limited. Exhale—The Family Caregiver Initiative, known as Exhale, was established to support the development of respite programming consistent with local priorities.
At least one in 10 older adults in the U.S. experiences abuse or exploitation, perpetrated mostly by family members or trusted friends. This means that home is often a dangerous place for older adults; providing safe alternatives designed to meet the specific needs of older adults experiencing harm is critical.
Pioneered by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Justice at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale (The Weinberg Center), the elder justice shelter (EJS) model was established to meet the temporary housing needs of older adults experiencing abuse or exploitation.
This research, conducted by NYAM’s Center for Evaluation and Applied Research (CEAR), evaluating four EJS programs in New York (2 sites), Colorado, and Indiana, provides evidence supporting the positive impact EJS has on participating older adults and the broader community.
NYAM found that participants in EJS experience increased security, greater stability, and improvements in mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. Findings also explore barriers to utilization of EJS programs, as well as opportunities to increase access for those in need, including a call for sustainable and sufficient funding to expand EJS support for those in need.