Reducing Environmental Triggers in the Home for Older Adults with Asthma

Asthma in Older Adults is a serious problem in Massachusetts and particularly in Springfield. Their rate of hospitalization is second highest of any age group and on the rise. Among older adults (age 65 and older) in Springfield, the 5-year asthma prevalence is 11.6%, which is over 50% higher than that of the U.S. overall and 38% higher than the state (MDPH).   There are significant racial/ethnic disparities, with the rate of asthma hospitalizations for Latinos in Springfield 8.8x that of Whites.

PVAC coordinated activities for outreach and support to older adults with asthma in Springfield. These activities included:

Medical Grand Rounds- Asthma in Older Adults

Asthma Home Visits for Older Adults

NEW MATERIALS FOR OLDER ADULTS

• Large print version of Safe Cleaning for People with Asthma  - English, Spanish
• Caring for Your Inhaler and Spacer
• AAFA Older Adults Checklist

PVAC is partnering with Commonwealth Care Alliance Senior Care Options to provide asthma home visits.

PVAC's Reducing Asthma Triggers in Older Adults  is funded by the Tufts Health Plan foundation.