Linking Lives: Long Term Supports Over the Life Course

The report, Linking Lives: The Future of Aging Services, addresses the spirit of possibility in shaping the future of episodic and long term services and supports.  It explores multiple dimensions of life that influence people’s needs, desires and ability to pay for services and supports.  People are viewed in the context of their strengths with services complementing what people can do.  The shift toward person-centered care is happening and this paper explores what this means in terms of service models and financing systems.  Linking Lives addresses change that is happening in who, how and where long term care is provided.  Advocacy positions of major players are also discussed.  Understanding the complex, multi-faceted world of aging services will lead us toward a movement of hope and grace toward a society that values generosity, inclusion, justice, and mutual care.