State and Local Initiatives and Research Questions for Rural Long-Term Care Models

Abstract

This closing article describes rural long-term care models, including the Community Partnership Program in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc., in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and the Oregon Senior and Disabled Services Division, and relates these efforts to the concepts of the preceding research articles. Overarching themes are discussed, such as flexibility and local control, consumer-driven focus, the importance of health policy at both the state and federal levels, the significance of partnerships, and newprofessional roles. Finally, research questions in the areas of long-term care service development in rural areas and crosscutting issues in case management are identified to guide future research and program development efforts.