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 $16,075 for the period of October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012; and increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by the same amount. (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 Department has helped over 3,600 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, Public Health Nurses and Social Workers 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 350 home visits to provide assessments and case management for high-risk seniors. To date, a total of 41 new clients have enrolled in the program, and the average monthly caseload is 25 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
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's 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. The Senior Links Program will refer their clients to St. Mary's Senior Connections Program for the resources and services that it can provide.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on October 12, 2011 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 18, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on November 8, 2011, as services under this agreement began on October 1, 2011.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant revenues of $16,075 to offset expenditures of the same amount. An appropriations request in the amount of $16,075 is requested in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) and 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,
RONALD R. ARIAS
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER