ABSTRACT
The rural service network is composed of various formal and informal services, many of which operate with limited funding. Considering the impact of the social determinants of health, this entry will look at access to health and mental health care, transportation, housing, and advocacy for older adults and their families residing and aging in small towns and rural communities. Creating an infrastructure of transportation services in rural America will take decades, and in the meantime, innovative solutions are needed to meet the needs of older adults. Service coordinators are members of the management team in affordable housing communities who help older adults maintain their independence at home by linking residents to services, facilitating health and wellness programs, and providing transportation. Older adults and their families are often in need of legal services and advocacy for such issues as resident rights in skilled nursing facilities, age discrimination, and access to entitlement programs.
