Health Needs, Outcomes in Affordable Housing

​"Subsidized housing properties are the 'hotspots' of health care need," reports a June 17, 2014, LeadingAge article. The article is based partly on a March 2014 report produced by LeadingAge and the Lewin Group, which linked data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for 12 geographic areas. Analysis of the data found that older adults who live in HUD-subsidized housing have more chronic conditions, are more likely to be hospitalized or use the emergency department (ED), and have higher healthcare costs than those in their community who do not receive HUD assistance. The author suggests that this data underscores the potential for housing plus services to help low-income older adults better manage their health. In related news, a July 14, 2014, LeadingAge article discusses how a recent study found that housing plus services may result in better health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.