Aging's Szanton Named Edge Runner - Johns Hopkins Nursing Magazine

Professor Sarah L. Szanton, PhD, ANP, FAAN, has been named an American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner for her Community Aging in Place: Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) intervention. The honor recognizes models of care that influence health, cost, and policy.

Professor Sarah Szanton chats with visitors in the cafeteria during Accepted Students Day.

“Our goal is to test ways to help older adults age where and how they would like,” says Szanton, director of the Center for Innovative Care in Aging. “We are thrilled that this approach also has long-term sustainability and cost savings. I’m grateful for the academy’s support and the privilege to continue such meaningful work.”

CAPABLE combines home visits from a nurse, occupational therapist, and handyman to equip low-income older adults to live more comfortably and safely in their homes through renovations like installing hand rails or lowering shelves.

Results show that CAPABLE decreases disability and depression. It has expanded to 17 cities in 10 states (plus Australia) and received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center, and the Robert Wood Johnson and Rita and Alex Hillman Foundations.

“This is a stellar recognition of Dr. Szanton’s work,” says Dean Patricia Davidson, PhD, MEd, RN, FAAN. “It’s this sort of innovation and the academy’s support that continue to advance health care and accelerate nurses in leadership.”