Community Health Workers Can Boost Care for Rural Seniors

Medscape January 26, 2026
Edited by Manasi Talwadekar

TOPLINE:

Community health workers were integrated into primary care to deliver age-friendly care services to rural older adults. Initial results indicated a reduction in hospitalizations, with positive feedback received from patients, caregivers, and primary care providers (PCPs).

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a pilot study of a program in rural Oregon that embedded community health workers into primary care teams to implement age-friendly care protocols aimed at improving the quality of care and engagement of rural older adults.
• The study enrolled 388 medically frail patients (average age, 77 years; 63% women; 82% White) referred by 79 PCPs across seven clinics.
• Community health workers conducted home or clinic visits and made patient phone calls.
• Protocols comprised a conversation tool for patient priorities,...

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