PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: REIMAGINING AGING AND LONG-TERM CARE FOR HEALTH EQUITY DURING AND POST-COVID-19: A HEALTH SCIENCES FOCUS

In line with the theme of the conference, this symposium highlights exemplars of health sciences scholars who are identifying key issues and opportunities to re-imagine aging and long-term care, through a health equity lens, as highlighted by COVID-19. This lens is inclusive of the wide range of long-term care stakeholders whose well-being and health outcomes have been affected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including older adults, family caregivers, and the healthcare workforce. We focus in particular on vulnerable aging populations, such as older adults who are living with neurocognitive disorders, racial/ethnic minority older adults, and older adults receiving palliative care. Finally, we consider these issues at both individual and systems-levels. Our first presenter examines person and family engagement in assisted living for older adults living with ADRD and the impact of COVID-19. The second presenter provides insights into palliative care needs in nursing homes, and the implications for transition to an endemic. The third presenter examines long-term care needs in the community, with a focus on the consequences of unmet needs for racial/ethnic minority older adults. The fourth presenter highlights the role and capacity of the nurse practitioner in nursing homes during COVID. Our final presenters provide a systems-level look at the COVID-19 response, focusing on self-organizing community coalitions to support nursing homes. Presentations reveal how re-imagining aging and long-term care in health sciences, requires consideration of health inequities experienced throughout COVID-19, whether newly emerging inequities, or long-standing challenges and inequities that have been exacerbated by COVID-19.

COVID-19 RECOVERY: LESSONS LEARNED AND POLICY ACTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Focusing on Covid-19 recovery, this symposium will feature a selection research studies that highlight lessons learned that are applicable across the continuum of care for older adults, their families and care partners. The collection of presentations bring perspectives from local to global. Each of the presenters will highlight implications for health and aging policy.