Facilitating interdisciplinary practice through mobile service provision to the rural older adult

Reaching the older adult in the rural communities in which they reside is desirable in an effort to support aging in place. The Idaho State University (ISU) Senior HealthMobile is an innovative, interdisciplinary rural health outreach effort designed to meet the needs of the older adult and support healthy aging. Health and wellness support services are provided through mobile interdisciplinary teams involving students and faculty in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and dietetics, among other disciplines. Students and supervising faculty provide services in the ISU Senior HealthMobile, in the rural senior centers, and in the home, providing a unique opportunity to be a part of the life of the older adult in the rural community setting. Partnerships and collaborative linkages within the community setting support the enhancement of existing services in collaboration with the ISU Senior HealthMobile.