The Department of Health and Human Services this week released $27 million in stimulus package grants for state programs to help seniors manage chronic conditions.
The money will be distributed to 45 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, according to a HHS press release. The Communities Putting Prevention to Work Chronic Disease Self-Management Program will provide self-management programs to older adults with chronic diseases, build statewide delivery systems, and develop the workforce that delivers these programs. The program will emphasize the patients’ role in managing their illness and building their self-confidence so they can be successful in adopting healthy behaviors, according to HHS.
According to a recent report in the Almanac of Chronic Disease, roughly $1.7 trillion was spent treating chronic conditions in 2007 alone. (McKnight’s, 5/19/09) Nine out of 10 people aged 65 and older in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition, and about 77% of seniors have two or more chronic conditions. (McKnight’s, 5/30/08)
