Understanding and Implementing

1
Understanding and Implementing

• Older Adult Coalitions

2
Community Coalitions

• What are they?

Why do we need them?
How do we create them?
3
Older Adult Health Conditions

• Depression is prevalent
• Age group with highest rate of suicide
• Alcohol abuse problems
• Polypharmacy
• Anxiety disorders
• Cognitive impairments and dementia
• Emotional difficulties

4
Impediments to Service Delivery

• Reluctance to seek care due to stigma associated
  with substance abuse or mental health problems
• Lack of elder specific treatment programs
• Lack of specialized training for professionals
• Inadequate insurance coverage
• Lack of organized constituency to advocate

5
Coalition Benefits

• Resource coordination
• Improved collaboration
• Professional development
• Credibility

6
If You Build It They Will Come

• Identify the players and partners.
• Each member has something of value to offer to
  the effort.
• Broad-based representation will increase the
  credibility and help secure grassroots support.
• Recruit natural allies AND other stake holders.

7
Components of a Productive Partnership

• Shape a shared vision
• Clarify partners roles and responsibilities
• Establish mechanisms for coordination
• Provide means for resolving conflicts