TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and amendments between the City of Long Beach and St. Mary Medical Center Foundation for the provision of Senior Links Program case management services in the amount of $25,265 for the period of March 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, and increase appropriations by $25,265 in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 1999, the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has received funding from a variety of sources to provide case management services for elderly Long Beach residents who are frail and at risk of institutionalization. During that time, the Health Department has helped over 3,700 seniors obtain housing, transportation, medical insurance, home delivered meals, mental health services, housekeeping, legal aid and in-home support services. The goal of the Health Department Senior Links Program is, that through home visitations, the Public Health Nurses and Social Worker can provide case management services for seniors at risk of being unable to maintain a safe and healthy home environment. They will link seniors to the health and social services necessary for them to continue to live independently in their own homes. Last year, the Program conducted over 400 home visits to provide assessments and case management for high-risk seniors, and the average monthly caseload is 30 clients.
A significant, vulnerable population of seniors exists in Long Beach. Many of them do not have access to necessary resources, health care, preventive and social services due to lack of transportation, inadequate health insurance coverage, and/or lack of information about the availability of services. Several of these seniors are at increased risk of serious health problems and loss of their independent living status. This can be minimized or prevented through referrals and linkages to services. Senior Links case management provides these linkages.
Senior Links Program Activities
The Health Department will use this award to continue to provide social worker case management, and to coordinate local services available to seniors through the St. Mary Medical Center Senior Connections Program. St. Mary will refer seniors, who are age 55 and older; who have acute or chronic disease conditions, major mental health problems, and/or have multiple severe health issues to the Senior Links Program Social Worker. The Senior Links Program Social Worker will provide case management to at least 25 clients referred by St. Mary's Senior Connections Program, and link seniors to the resources and services that St. Mary's and other local agencies can provide.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney, Linda Vu on February 7, 2013 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 19, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on March 12, 2013 as services under this agreement are scheduled to begin on March 1, 2013.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant revenues of $25,265 to offset expenditures of the same amount. An increase in appropriation in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) is included in the recommendation. There is no City match of funds required, no impact to the General Fund and no net impact to jobs associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUSAN PRICE
ACTING DIRECTOR OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER