RWJBarnabas Health’s Post

How do accessible communities prioritize the health and well-being of their residents? Accessible communities prioritize the health and well-being of their residents by implementing various strategies and initiatives. Here are some ways in which accessible communities address health and well-being: 1. Access to Healthcare: Accessible communities ensure that residents have convenient access to healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals. They prioritize the availability of quality healthcare services and work to eliminate barriers that may prevent individuals from receiving necessary medical care. 2. Active Transportation: Accessible communities promote active transportation options, such as walking and cycling. They prioritize the development of sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to encourage physical activity and reduce reliance on motor vehicles. This not only improves physical health but also reduces air pollution and traffic congestion. 3. Parks and Green Spaces: Accessible communities provide ample parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities. These areas offer opportunities for residents to engage in outdoor activities, exercise, and connect with nature. Accessible design principles are applied to ensure that parks and green spaces are inclusive and can be enjoyed by people of all abilities. 4. Healthy Food Access: Accessible communities prioritize access to healthy and affordable food options. They support the establishment of grocery stores, farmers markets, and community gardens in underserved areas. This ensures that residents have access to fresh, nutritious food, reducing food insecurity and promoting healthier eating habits. 5. Mental Health Support: Accessible communities prioritize mental health support services. They work to reduce the stigma around mental health and provide resources such as counseling services, support groups, and mental health awareness programs. These initiatives help residents maintain positive mental well-being and access the support they need. 6. Age-Friendly Design: Accessible communities design their infrastructure and public spaces to be age-friendly. This includes features such as well-maintained sidewalks, benches, ramps, and accessible public transportation. These design elements make it easier for older adults to navigate the community independently and safely, promoting their overall well-being. 7. Inclusive Recreation and Social Activities: Accessible communities offer a range of recreational and social activities that are inclusive and cater to diverse needs. This may include adaptive sports programs, inclusive community events, and spaces that accommodate people with disabilities. These activities foster social connections, reduce isolation, and promote overall well-being.

An Independent Report on reforming health and social care-- Integrated Care Time to act: A roadmap for reforming care and support in England Road Map for Action 1. Reimagine care and support with people who draw on it 2. Improve assessment and planning to put people in the lead  3. Increase community capacity for wellbeing and prevention 4. More people live at home, or in a place they call home 5. Better support for carers 5. Join up care and support for fulfilled lives 6. More accessible and affordable for everyone 7. Diverse and sustainable providers, focused on outcomes 8. Harness the potential of digital technology 9. Redesign and reward the workforce  https://bit.ly/3LuqUNC

Let's talk about the top ten challenges facing community health practices today. In the following days, I will comment on each challenge: Community health practices face unique challenges due to their focus on delivering care within specific populations or geographic areas. Here are ten key challenges they often encounter: 1) Limited Resources: Community health practices often operate with limited funding, staffing, and access to technology, which can impact their ability to provide comprehensive care. 2) Health Inequalities: Disparities in health outcomes exist within communities, often along socioeconomic, racial, or ethnic lines, requiring targeted interventions to address. 3) Access to Care: Some communities face barriers to accessing healthcare, such as transportation issues, lack of health insurance, or availability of providers. 4) Preventive Care and Health Promotion: Promoting healthy behaviors and preventive care can be challenging in communities with limited health literacy or cultural barriers. 5) Chronic Disease Management: Managing chronic conditions requires ongoing support and resources, which can be challenging for community health practices to provide consistently. 6) Mental Health Services: Access to mental health services is often limited in many communities, leading to unmet needs and challenges in addressing mental health issues. 7) Data Collection and Analysis: Limited resources and infrastructure can hinder the collection and analysis of health data, which is essential for evidence-based decision-making. 8) Community Engagement: Building trust and engaging with the community to understand their needs and preferences is crucial but can be challenging. 9) Workforce Development: Recruiting and retaining qualified staff, including healthcare providers and support staff, can be challenging in community health practices. 10) Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies that support community health and addressing social determinants of health requires ongoing effort and collaboration with policymakers.

The publication of a Housing Ombudsman Spotlight report might cause a few shivers around the sector these days, but for whg there was little cause for trepidation, as it highlights the organisation's effective relationship and integrated partnership with health. #ukhousing #health #partnerships Fay S.

Providing good care in social care for vulnerable people is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts their quality of life, well-being, and overall health. Here are some key points highlighting the importance: 1. Dignity and Respect Good care ensures that vulnerable individuals are treated with dignity and respect. This is fundamental in maintaining their self-esteem and human rights. 2. Safety and Protection Quality care safeguards vulnerable people from abuse, neglect, and harm. It involves creating a safe environment and promptly addressing any risks. 3. Health and Well-being Proper care contributes to better physical and mental health. Regular monitoring and appropriate interventions can prevent health issues from escalating. 4. Independence and Empowerment Good care promotes independence by supporting individuals in their daily activities, enabling them to live as autonomously as possible. It also empowers them to make choices about their care and lives. 5. Emotional Support Providing emotional and psychological support is essential for vulnerable individuals, many of whom may feel isolated or anxious. Compassionate care helps in building trust and reducing feelings of loneliness. 6. Social Inclusion Quality care encourages social interaction and participation in community activities, reducing isolation and enhancing social inclusion. 7. Personalized Care Each person’s needs are unique. Good care involves tailoring services to meet individual needs and preferences, ensuring that care plans are person-centered. 8. Improved Outcomes When care is of high quality, it leads to better outcomes, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and overall life satisfaction. 9. Support for Families Providing good care also supports the families and caregivers of vulnerable people, alleviating their stress and burden, and ensuring they have confidence in the care being provided. 10. Ethical Responsibility There is a moral and ethical obligation to provide good care to vulnerable populations. Society has a duty to protect and support those who cannot fully care for themselves.

I recently wrote about the future of social work in value- based care. Here’s a recap of ways social work can steer the future of healthcare: Comprehensive Care: Social workers address medical, social, and environmental factors affecting health. With greater understanding and focus on social determinants of health social workers are positioned to drive changes in healthcare delivery. Patient Empowerment: Social workers use relational and practical strategies to ensure individuals actively participate in their healthcare decisions, driving improved outcomes. Advocacy for Equality: Social workers are trained to recognize, anticipate and work against systemic barriers to healthcare access. Team Collaboration: Social workers can represent the voice and interest of a patient when working with diverse healthcare teams, improving care quality. Support in Crisis: Expertise in crisis management and resilience aids patients and families. Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural competency, a core value in social work practice, can proactively address healthcare disparities. Preventive Initiatives: Community engagement and outreach, health promotion, addressing risk factors, collaboration with health partners all connect your population health efforts to value-based care. Value-based models need social work leadership for successful implementation. #valuebasedcare

Is there a network of change makers and innovators in health, care and community work? I meet so many people who are passionate about improving the quality and equality of access to community services, and working hard to make change within their roles. But everyone's working in silo's and it's hard to share ideas and what works with each other. There's plenty of research projects happening, with findings being shared above our heads in policymaker meetings and networks. But we don't seem to have the same network to share and collaborate on the ground. Has anyone spotted one? What's the next best thing? Or can we start one...? #healthandsocialcare #nhs #charitysector #changemakers #innovation #healthandcare #communitywork

The Social Innovation Challenge funds and supports innovators to kick-start solutions that tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Do you have a social enterprise idea addressing inequality within the core building blocks of good health & well-being? Expressions of Interest for this year's Social Innovation Challenge are now open. For more info see image attached. #socent #socialenterprise #socialbusiness #socialinnovation #socialchange #socialentrepreneur #wellbeing #health #wellbeingeconomy

Healthy Equity + Vital Conditions for Health & Well-Being Here at IEHP Foundation we aim to eliminate the myriad of factors that have led to long-time health disparities in our region to help every person who calls the IE home live a healthier and more joyful life. To reach this goal and address the SDOH, the Foundation utilizes the Vital Conditions for Health & Well-Being Framework. Each Vital Condition or “action area” is key in addressing health inequities and laying the Foundation for Vibrant Health in the Inland Empire: 🌳 Thriving Natual World 🏥 Basic Needs For Health + Safety 🏡 Humane Housing 👨🏭 Meaningful Work + Wealth 👩🎓 Lifelong Learning 🚎 Reliable Transportaion 🗳Belonging + Civic Muscle Every community organization and leader can play a crucial role in increasing health equity across the region. We hope to partner with many of you who are already doing the incredibly hard work of combatting health inequities and improving access to the various factors that improve a person’s health and well-being. 🙌 Learn more at IEHPFoundation.org #HealthEquity

Effective community engagement is crucial for advancing health equity. Here’s why it matters: Local Insights: Communities provide valuable insights into their unique health challenges and needs. Trust Building: Engaging communities fosters trust and collaboration, leading to better health outcomes. Sustainable Solutions: Solutions co-created with communities are more likely to be sustainable and impactful. At Vibrant Health Equity Group, we prioritize community engagement in our health equity strategies. Let’s work together to empower communities and create equitable health solutions. #CommunityEngagement #Empowerment #HealthEquity