Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults summarizes the evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. This report makes recommendations specifically for clinical settings of health care to identify those who suffer the resultant negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness and target interventions to improve their social conditions.

The Social Needs Screening tool screens for five core health-related social needs, which include housing, food, transportation, utilities, and personal safety, using validated screening questions, as well as the additional needs of employment, education, child care, and financial strain.

The revised Social Needs Screening Toolkit combines Health Leads’ 20+ years of experience implementing social needs programs with well researched, clinically-validated guidelines from sector authorities like the Institute of Medicine, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention — all in a single how-to guide.

This How-to Guide supports teams in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and their community partners in co-designing and reliably implementing improved care processes to ensure that residents have a safe, effective transition into and are actively received by the SNF .

This How-to Guide is designed to support hospital-based teams and their community partners in co-designing and reliably implementing improved care processes to ensure that patients who have been discharged from the hospital have an ideal transition to the next setting of care (such as a primary care practice, home care, or a skilled nursing facility).

This How-to Guide is designed to support home health care improvement teams and their hospital and community partners in co-designing and reliably implementing improved care processes to ensure that patients who have been discharged from the hospital have an effective transition into home health care in the first 48 hours after discharge from the hospital, a post-acute care setting, or a rehabilitation facility. 

This How-to Guide is designed to support office practice-based teams and their community partners in co-designing and reliably implementing improved care processes to ensure that patients who have been discharged from the hospital have an ideal transition back to the care team in the office practice. 

Read your state’s Naloxone access rules and valuable resources.

A link to the most current State Operations Manual (SOM) for Long Term Care Facilities.

A Sepsis Staff Training Program

This resource provides strategies for making long term care more culturally and linguistically appropriate for residents, especially racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).

Companion document to Nursing Home Tag Specific Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Communicating well with a doctor is an important part of getting good medical care. These National Institute on Aging (NIA) articles and worksheets can help patients prepare for a medical appointment, discuss sensitive topics, manage medications, choose a new doctor, and coordinate help from family caregivers.

Telehealth: What Is It, How to Prepare, Is It Covered?

Find information about telehealth services, including information on how to prepare for an online appointment and whether your online visit is covered by insurance.

Talking With Your Doctor Worksheets

Download, print, and copy NIA’s worksheets to help you organize your questions, medical history, and more when talking with your doctor.

How to Choose a Doctor You Can Talk To

Use these 5 steps to find a new doctor you can trust. These tips can help you find the best primary care physician for your needs and values.

17 Questions to Ask When Choosing a New Doctor

Looking for a new doctor? As you search, keep this list of questions handy. It covers clinical qualifications, practical issues, and office policies.

How to Prepare for a Doctor’s Appointment

Plan what you’d like to discuss with the doctor before your visit. Make a list of concerns and medications. Request an interpreter if you need one.

Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Doctor’s Visit

Get tips on how to make the most of your time at your doctor’s appointment. Decide what’s most important, be honest, and set priorities for best results.

What Do I Need to Tell the Doctor?

Learn how to describe your symptoms, medications, daily habits, and other concerns to your doctor so you get the best possible care.

What Should I Ask My Doctor During a Checkup?

Don’t wait for the doctor to raise a topic you’re worried about. Ask questions about tests, diagnoses, and prescriptions to proactively manage your health.

Discussing Health Decisions with Your Doctor

Work with your doctor to make important decisions about your health. Learn how to get a second opinion if you need one. Read questions to ask your surgeon.

How to Talk with Your Doctor About Sensitive Issues

How do I talk about embarrassing topics with my doctor? These tips can help you bring up memory loss, falls, driving, sexuality, incontinence, and more.

Discharge planning begins shortly after the patient is admitted to the hospital, using the 8P risk assessment screening tool will help identify which patients have the highest risk for readmission.