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 service...
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