5 ways our nation can reimagine disability care
One in four U.S. adults live with a disability and many of these people face major obstacles as they strive to live independently, remain healthy, and find affordable housing. That’s why WellSky is working to transform the way the public sector agencies think about serving individuals with disabilities. Currently, WellSky supports a vast number of organizations that serve individuals living with disabilities, including:
- Six Medicaid state waiver programs serving more than 75,000 people
- 300 aging and disability agencies across the country
- More than 200 continuums of care providing housing and shelter to people at risk of homelessness
- Two state vocational rehabilitation programs
That’s why every day, WellSky sees how supportive services can help individuals with disabilities live more independently, gain employment, and contribute to their communities. But there is so much more we can do. Here are five ways our nation can approach disability care to make our communities healthier, safer, and more connected.
1. Stabilize unhealthy living situations
People living with disabilities face increased risks for food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These stressors directly or indirectly increase the overall cost of care and can lead to worse outcomes and higher risk of institutionalization. By coordinating effective responses to address social determinants of health (SDOH), we can make public sector programs more effective. WellSky is pioneering new solutions like connected care hubs and more expansive closed-loop referral networks that will bring intelligent social care coordination to waiver programs, protective services agencies, area agencies on aging, housing continuums of care, and other community stakeholders.
2. Strengthen employment initiatives
Many people living with disabilities are eager and able to work when job training and reasonable accommodations are made available. We need secure data-sharing solutions and greater accessibility to increase collaboration among state vocational rehabilitation agencies, Medicaid waiver programs, schools, job counselors, and non-profit agencies. This will help more people living with disabilities enter the workforce and achieve greater independence, freeing up resources to serve even more people.
3. Ensure health equity
People with disabilities are more likely to experience poorer overall health and more mental distress. On average, they also have less access to healthcare and are at greater risk for preventable conditions. Severe health problems can lead to institutionalization, unsafe living conditions, and other negative outcomes. That’s why it’s important that we forge stronger relationships with hospitals, home health nursing, and personal care agencies, to reduce health risks and monitor post-acute care. As a leading technology provider to all these healthcare fields, WellSky is uniquely positioned to create these bridges.
4. Leverage assistive technology
Assistive technologies (AT) can help improve independence and reduce the need for intervention. These technologies range from devices as simple as a magnifying glass, to special computers that help people communicate. WellSky is researching algorithms and assessments that can recommend AT to people in need, query availability of devices at state AT labs or lending libraries, and recommend locations where AT can be purchased.
5. Ensure inclusion and equity
Delivering services equitably is not just the right thing to do; it ensures people receive help earlier in their care journey, when preventative and rehabilitative care can reduce long-term costs. An effective care equity program requires adequate policies, best practices, and safeguards that ensure compliance. WellSky is building learning management tools that can help states, local agencies and non-profits achieve equity.
Find out how you can get involved
If you’re interested in partnering with WellSky on any of these initiatives, contact us at [email protected].