Making a Difference in Health Actually Takes a Community

Ann Kunkel told the story of Betty, an older woman living in a senior community, who, in her day, “was a force to be reckoned with.” She was a social activist for women’s rights and racial equality, but in her later years, she became isolated and developed diabetes and osteoarthritis. Her unresolved grief and growing alcohol dependency compounded her problems. When she did go to her doctor’s office, they would treat whatever flare-up had occurred but didn’t know her aspirations or goals. Care transformation changed Betty’s life for the better.