trustedpartner.azureedge.net€¦ · Web viewComputing Policy and Infrastructure for Business Continuity. The Center continues to look at ways to improve business operations that

AREA PLAN ON AGINGDRAFT PROGRAM MODULE

PSA: 9

For the PeriodJanuary 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015

SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

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SCOT ANALYSISStrengths/Challenges/Opportunities/Threats

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Following is the SCOT analysis of Your Aging Resource Center (the Center) outlining the strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats that our organization faces.

Strengths

Infrastructure - Organizational restructuring from departments to Centers of Excellence allows us to better integrate and innovate as well as pursue quality and best practices across the entire organization. It also ensures that the time, attention and focus of the Center is on working toward that “common vision” with our community partners on the delivery of quality services to our consumers.. Establishing a culture based on Humility, Gratitude/Appreciation, Respect and Responsibility has improved communication and productivity. The increased effort to align and engage Board of Directors and Advisory Council members with specific Centers of Excellence strives to take the best advantage of the individual talents and expertise. Other outcomes include enhanced communication and employee knowledge of all parts of the Center which result in increased collaboration and efficiency across the organization.

The consolidation of Information/Referral and Intake services at the Center provides an infrastructure that allows for centralized information gathering and reporting regarding senior, individuals with disabilities, and caregiver needs and resources, as well as direction and integration for service delivery.

In March 2012 the Center was designated as an ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) broadening the community that we serve. We have increased partnerships, cross-trained staff, and enhanced the resource database to be more comprehensive in our service approach.

New technologies implemented in 2011 to create operating efficiencies and reduce operating costs include: Server Virtualization/Hyper-V, Storage Area Network (SAN), Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, and Gigabit Ethernet.

The current organizational structure of the Center facilitates diverse outreach activities throughout all centers of excellence (SHINE, RSVP, Communications, Foster Grandparents, Elder Rights, Healthy Living, and the Elder Helpline). This structure allows us to leverage staff and share resources to be more efficient in delivery of services.

The Center website provides an additional format for relaying information about elder needs and programs that communities can implement to meet these needs.

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Leadership engages Board and Advisory Council Members in the work of the centers of excellence. The CEO Headline News highlights timely, focused information about the centers of excellence.

The Board and Advisory Council embrace the opportunity to be engaged and devote more time to becoming ambassadors for the Center.

The CEO continues to identify and strengthen the bonds and relationships with the Center’s founders and former leadership in order to preserve and honor the history of the Center.

Computing Policy and Infrastructure for Business ContinuityThe Center continues to look at ways to improve business operations that would also benefit the recovery of its computing functions in the event of a disaster. Strategic planning and initiatives that have been taken to enhance business recovery capability are as follows:

1) Two offices each with independent phone systems, computer networks and Internet access. This gives the Centerthe choice of operating the Elder Helpline at either location. Internet access is required in order to work with CIRTS and REFER.

2) Virtualized Server Technology allows the Center to restore the more important servers at the secondary location. Important servers may include fiscal and email services.

3) The Center also has a business agreement with the phone service provider to forward all calls to the second location, or any other area agency when this is required upon as part of the Center’s disaster preparedness plan or criteria outlined in the Continuity of Operations Plan.

4) The Center also backs up all data to tape and stores the tapes offsite in a bank vault.5) Finally, in the event both locations are severely damaged, the Center has partnered

with the area agency in Jacksonville to take our calls.

Staff The Center has strong leadership as well as dedicated, committed and passionate staff who all work together toward a common purpose. Senior management has a commitment to quality and delivery of service which is evidenced throughout all levels of the organization. Recognizing that there is insufficient staff for all current objectives, management is committed to prioritizing.

Many staff have a number of years of experience in the workplace and bring a strong knowledge base and understanding of community needs and resources. The longevity of staff makes a strong foundation for institutional knowledge. Our diverse staff promotes a better understanding of the communities we serve and provides for a richer

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working environment. In addition, a substantial number of staff are already involved in their communities -- even outside of work. They take advantage of these involvements to speak to the needs of seniors and caregivers and to relay information to communities regarding the value of the senior population.

Accessibility

The Center has two facilities which provide visibility and easy access for consumers.. Both offices allow for co-location of other agencies with an aligned mission. Meeting space at the West Palm Beach location provides a venue for internal and external events.

The Center offers a toll-free Elder Helpline accessible from anywhere within the United States.

Competitive Advantages

The Center currently has a wide array of programs already in place to empower older persons to stay healthy. These include Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Spanish Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (Tomando Control de su Salud), A Matter of Balance Program, vaccines for flu immunization, Disease Information, Health Promotion, Health Risk Screening, Tai Chi for Better Balance, and Medication Management.

The Elder Helpline shares a wide array of resources for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to enable them to remain in their home and community as long as possible. The Elder Helpline provides access to long term care options and assistance with challenges consumers are facing.

The Elder Rights Center is the recipient of two national awards - Volunteer Best Practice and Aging Innovations - from n4a (National Association for Area Agencies on Aging).

The Center staff is continually involved in on-going education and holds advanced certification in the following: Nationally credentialed advocate at the advanced level with a designation of

comprehensive victim intervention specialist FL Attorney General Victim Services Practitioner designation Certified instructor on Elder Abuse - Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and

Office on Violence Against Women

The Center has eleven years of experience providing direct services to senior crime victims and concurrently provides community outreach and professional trainings locally, state-wide and nationally on elder abuse/later life violence. The engagement of

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senior volunteers as victim advocates is critical in meeting the needs of the increasing number of victims and affords the opportunity to provide quality services.

Since April 2003, the Center has maintained a reliable and accurate senior crime victim data base of 29,956 cases. Concomitantly the Center is migrating its data management operations to a highly scalable cloud based system that will support anticipated growth.

Resources

The Center has an established infrastructure for recruiting and placing volunteers. Our senior volunteers remain actively engaged in their communities.

Center of Excellence

Annual number of persons served

Program Purpose

Annual current enrollment ( # of volunteers)

Number of hours

Economic Impact Special

Program Notes

Elder Rights 4,850 Victim Advocacy

9 3,500 $63,805

Healthy Living

1,800 Fall and Health Prevention

10 3,850 $59,500

RSVP 10,000 Volunteer Recruitment and Placement

960 159,985 $2,388,500

Foster Grandparents

800 Mentor K-3rd grade special needs students with math and reading skills

180 40,500 $738,315

SHINE 4,000 Provide free and unbiased Medicare and Other Health Insurance Counseling

30 3,500 Dollars saved on Medicare Part D (prescription drug) costs and Part B premiums

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Our demonstrated ability to recruit and place volunteers has resulted in a significant volume and variety of human resources which we are able to mobilize into home and community-based supports where they are most needed. These resources include volunteers trained to intervene and advocate on behalf of elderly crime victims and those that provide respite services, insurance counseling, health promotion, and disease prevention education to name a few.

Volunteers on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council add depth and breadth to the Center. The Board’s primary function is governance; however the individual talents of board members can complement the Center’s efforts in many ways as evidenced by their alignment with our Centers of Excellence. The Advisory Council members assist in developing the area plan and identifying unmet needs as well as participating in legislative advocacy to name a few of their contributions. Members of the Advisory Council have also aligned themselves with Centers of Excellence and bring a broad community-based focus to our efforts.

Community Alliances – The Center’s participation in the Palm Beach County Partnership for Aging and the Treasure Coast Advocacy Coalition allows it to combine efforts with local providers in order to advocate for funding for services that allow seniors to remain active and healthy. Staff is involved in the additional community alliances listed below.

AREA SERVED

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION


FOCUS AREA INITIATIVES

TARGET POPULATION

Palm Beach/ Treasure Coast

Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm. Beach. County, Inc.

Healthy Living

Fall Prevention and Education and First Aids Training

Age 60+ Seniors

Treasure Coast

Wellmed Medical Management of Fl., Inc.

Healthy Living

Fall Prevention, Education and in-kind support

Age 60+ Seniors

Palm BeachCaridad Center

Healthy Living

Fall and Health Prevention, Education and in-kind support

Age 60+ Seniors

Palm Beach Molina Health Care Healthy Fall and Health Age 60+ Seniors

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AREA SERVED




TARGET POPULATION

Living Prevention, Education and in-kind support

Palm Beach Medical Coral Center

Healthy Living

Fall and Health Prevention, Education and in-kind support

Age 60+ Seniors

Palm

Beach

Palm Beach County Adult Immunization Coalition

Healthy Living

increase immunization coverage among high-risk seniors

Age 60+ Seniors

Palm Beach 90 Active Stations that consist of a conglomerate of services industries

RSVP Early Childhood Education, Mentorship, Support Services that include food services, community safety, disaster recovery, & assistance to seniors with their day to day living needs.

Communities of individuals and families with unmet needs

Martin County

Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization Local Coordinating Board for the Transportation Disadvantaged

Planning and Consumer Care

Transportation Seniors and individuals with disabilities

Indian River Indian River County Planning Transportation Seniors and

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AREA SERVED




TARGET POPULATION

County Local Coordinating Board for the Transportation Disadvantaged

and Consumer Care

individuals with disabilities

Okeechobee, Hardee, and Highland Counties

Transportation Disadvantaged Multi-County Board



Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie Counties

TC3 Quarterly Transportation Meeting



St. Lucie County

Transportation Coordination Network


Identifying what transportation is needed to those outside of the transit operator’s hours.

Seniors and individuals with disabilities

St. Lucie County

St. Lucie Local Coordinating Board for the Transportation Disadvantaged



Palm Beach County

Palm Tran Service Board Paratransit Subcommittee



Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County Transportation Disadvantage Local Coordinating Board



Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County Emergency

Planning and

Emergency Response (Food

Senior Communities

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AREA SERVED




TARGET POPULATION

Management Consumer Care

and Water)

The Center is a leader of an entire aging network for Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties.

Staff has a strong visibility in local communities through participation in meetings of local Chambers of Commerce, the Partnership for Aging, Treasure Coast Advocacy Coalition, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County Homeless Coalition, West Palm Beach Housing Authority, Provider Resource Network, REAL, Disaster Recovery Coalition, Palm Beach County Housing Authority, Palm Beach County Black Chamber of Commerce, the Okeechobee Kiwanis, Okeechobee County Rotary, Martha’s House, GIN, PATCH, and the Glades Ministerial Alliance and local Red Cross.. Staff is recognized in these organizations as experts in and advocates for communities which value elders.

RSVP volunteers placed in local not-for-profit community organizations provide a first-hand example of seniors contributing to their communities. .

The Elder Helpline maintains an alliance with over 1,300 community resources in order to effectively serve the community.

Collaborative Partnerships

Area Served Community Organization

Focus Area Center Of Excellence

Palm Beach Disaster Recovery Coalition

Disaster recovery ADRC

Palm Beach The ARC Disability ADRCPalm Beach/Treasure Coast

CILO Disability ADRC

Palm Beach Palm Beach Habilitation

Disability ADRC

Treasure Coast COSA Senior networking ADRC

Palm Beach PRN - Professional Network

Senior networking ADRC

Palm Beach 15th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Task

Abuse, neglect & exploitation

Elder Rights

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ForcePalm Beach 15th Judicial Circuit

Victims Rights Coalition

Crime victims Elder Rights

Palm Beach Domestic Violence Council P.B. Co.

Victims of domestic violence/dating, sexual assault and harassment

Elder Rights

Palm Beach Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council

Senior safety & well-being in facilities

Elder Rights

Palm Beach PBC Anti-stalking Collaborative

Prevention and services for stalking victims

Elder Rights

Palm Beach Adult Protection Team

Victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation

Elder Rights

Palm Beach Community Care Standing Committee

Alzheimers and related dementias

Elder Rights

Palm Beach P.B. Economic Crime Unit

Economic crime Elder Rights

Palm Beach Law Enforcement Planning Commission

Crime Elder Rights

19th Judicial CircuitTreasure Coast counties

19th Judicial Circuit Victims Rights Coalition

Crime victims Elder Rights

19th Judicial CircuitTreasure Coast counties

Domestic Violence Council 19th Judicial Circuit

Victims of domestic violence/dating, sexual assault and harassment

Elder Rights

Palm Beach

Veteran’s Administration Medical Center Veterans

RSVP

Palm BeachThe Palm Beach County School District

Education RSVP

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Challenges

Center Promotion – Promotion is a constant focus and challenge. This is evidenced in the following key areas:

1) To maintain a current, comprehensive, and dynamic website.2) Education of employees, Board Members and Advisory Council Members regarding promotion of the Center should be improved to result in a broader and more thorough understanding of each Center of Excellence and its impact in our Planning and Service Area. Each employee as well as Board Members and Advisory Council Member should be able to provide accurate information about the Elder Helpline and the services offered to seniors and their caregivers. 3) Orientation for new employees.

Staffing Shortfalls – The Center is understaffed in a number of areas and there is a lack of support staff.

Unmet Needs - 1) Insufficient funding prevents the Center from meeting all the needs of those who come to the Center for services.2) The inability to expand current programs that do meet the needs of seniors and caregivers and individuals with disabilities.3) Insufficient resources to launch a nationally driven outreach initiative to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Elders (LGBT)

Customer Satisfaction – There is room for improvement in customer satisfaction where it is felt that the challenges lie in the areas listed below:

1) Some methods currently used to measure goals and outcomes of programs do not appropriately measure how well customer needs are being met. 2) The Statewide ReferNet database is not customer friendly.

Community Alliances - Data regarding the needs of seniors and their value to the community is not communicated widely outside the Center.

Resources - There are not enough volunteers for the SHINE and Healthy Living programs.

If volunteer numbers increase, it requires an increase in funding needed to support the management of the volunteers.

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Refocusing volunteers in programs for required impact areas (includes right-sizing).

Recruiting new volunteers for identified community impact areas.

Lack capacity to deliver the Elder Sensitivity training.

Many needed technology improvements such as document management are not yet affordable.

There is additional data regarding the needs of and value of elders that has not yet been analyzed. This is especially true in terms of relating data to the local level..

There are only a small number of RSVP volunteers that are baby boomers

Comprehensive recordkeeping for our donor database.

The need to reinstate some employee benefits that were suspended due to economic conditions.

Fundraising.

Access – Current wellness and disease prevention programs do not reach homebound individuals, persons with limited English speaking ability, or those who lack transportation.

The process that will be required to transfer the Medicaid eligibility determination process from case management agencies to the Center under Managed Care Long Term Care reform – especially for homebound applicants.

Knowledge – The need for continuing education for staff, Board Members, and Advisory Council Members to have better knowledge of the work done by and programs operated by the Center.

Environment - The large geographical area of our Planning and Service Area requires substantial travel and time for Advisory Council Members, Board Members and staff to participate.

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Opportunities

Community Partnerships – The following areas provide an opportunity to capitalize upon current and new community partnerships:

1) Co-locate additional agencies serving seniors and caregivers at the Center’s facilities. This will make the Center offices even more appealing to the general consumer.

2) Grow existing partnerships with aging network partners, advocacy groups, educational institutions, governmental organizations, faith-based entities, the business community, the disability community and current and potential funders.

3) Utilize providers and community partners to promote the Elder Helpline and other Centers of Excellence.

4) Utilize providers and community partners to educate legislators/public officials/general public and or community partners regarding the services the Center offers seniors and caregivers.

5) Form alliances with providers (lead agency directors) to investigate joint funding in their communities for Center programs.

6) Make use of lead agencies non-DOEA grant-funded programs to serve more consumers.

7) Partner with the Veterans Administration through programs such as Consumer Directed Care to increase services to seniors and promote the goal for elders to remain in their homes.

8) Expand partnerships with faith-based volunteer programs.9) Continue to support the work of community partners participating in the work

group to develop, implement and evaluate a Care Transition Pilot Program.10) Continue to expand relationships with area hospitals and community health

providers to promote evidence-based wellness and prevention programs for underserved seniors.

11) Capitalize on the urging of the U.S. Department of HHS and the DoEA to initiate outreach partnerships in the aging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered community.

12) Ensure that our providers are aware of the most low cost method of completing background checks so that more service dollars are available for direct services.

Community Alliances –Mentoring programs moving from Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County to United Way of Palm Beach County provide the opportunity to offer the Foster Grandparent Program to other venues besides the school systems.

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Local Leagues of Cities provide the opportunity to increase direct communication with municipalities in terms of relaying the needs of seniors, promoting their value and investigating and documenting their community resources.

Partner with for-profit long term care providers to offer pro bono services to meet senior needs.

Unite with the Homeless Coalition to advocate for the needs of seniors facing homelessness.

There is an opportunity through CMS to obtain a reward for the reporting of Medicare or Medicaid Fraud.

There is an opportunity to partner with universities to enlist students to deliver elder sensitivity training.

Collaborating with universities to include an orientation as to Your Aging Resource Center as part of their curriculum can increase the awareness of our organization in the community.

Business Alliances – Expand partnerships with law enforcement agencies within the planning and service area. This alliance may provide an opportunity to identify ways to obtain security systems to address the threat of seniors who do not feel safe in their home. There is an opportunity for our Board Members to become more knowlegeable about the aging network services through site visits with our providers.

Current corporate social responsibility philosophies provide additional opportunities for recruiting Board volunteers.

Expand with our legal partners the availability of pro bono attorneys to provide services to meet seniors’ needs

Partner with financial institutions to address the fraud, scams, and financial exploitation of seniors.

Partner with physicians to train them to recognize signs and symptoms of financial exploitation among seniors.

Internal Business Opportunities – There are opportunities to utilize existing strengths and expertise to develop additional revenue streams and capacity.

1) The ability to donate online through our website may increase funds to assist seniors

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2) Your Aging Resource Center Foundation (Foundation) was formed to assist the Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc. as a supporting agency organization as defined in Section 509 (a) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The principal purpose of the Foundation is to support the Agency in its charitable efforts to improve the lives of senior citizens in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties. The Foundation’s functions include, but are not limited to: raising, receiving, investing, managing and administering funds for the Agency to use for its charitable purposes.

3) The formation of a charitable giving committee comprised of Board Members will provide for new fundraising initiatives.

4) There is the opportunity to use Board or Advisory Council Members to assist with the shortfall of volunteers within the SHINE and Healthy Living programs.

Additional Promotional Vehicles – There is an opportunity to use broadcast media to promote the Center.

The new user-friendly website design will allow for all topical kinds of media presentations.

There are still opportunities to expand the education of faith-based organizations and senior communities regarding Center services.

Additional SHINE promotional funding will allow media advertisement opportunities.

EHEAP outreach funding will provide the opportunity for media advertisement.

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Threats

Economic Conditions -. As the economy declines seniors and family caregivers are seeking employment. This means that there are fewer family caregivers at home.

The depletion of many seniors’ resources puts more people on the waitlist. This has led to seniors being unsafe in terms of long term care needs, health, depression, isolation and vulnerability to abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The cost of the Level II background checks among aging network providers reduces the amount of dollars available for services.

Funding - Flat or reduced funding has reduced the number of seniors who can receive services.

Demographics - Growing waitlists with a projected growing population of the “older-old” threatens the delivery of services beyond network capacity.

Current Environment - Detailed needs assessments show that Planning and Service Area 9 is severely lacking in many of the supports needed by seniors. Access to medical care, assisted living services, and even basic supplies are limited because of an insufficient provider base.

Customers have limited knowledge of the availability of resources and how to access them.

There are family members, companies and individuals who exploit seniors. There is a growing amount of fraud among companies who provide services to seniors.

Elder services and issues are not seen as a priority by some politicians or members of the public.

Some elders may experience changes to their cognitive abilities which increases their vulnerability to fraud and exploitation. PSA 9 has a higher average than the State of seniors who do not feel safe from crime in their home.

Public Perception - There is a misperception among many communities that seniors drain the economy.

There is a lack of awareness of the Center by the general public.

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Many seniors hold a mind-set which is resistant to change and implementing activities tomaintain health and/or activity

Society’s image of older adults as not having worth when compared to the needs of children can limit funding.

Society’s social attitude that older adults do not have value can have a negative impact on a senior’s feeling of self-worth and powerlessness.

Victims and other concerned people assisting elder victims of crime do not know where to turn for assistance. Many seniors are embarrassed that they have been a victim of abuse or exploitation and often do not report the crime.

In some communities crimes against the elderly are given low priority in investigation, prosecution and investigation.

Resources - There are insufficient family support systems in place to support the growing number of seniors. At the same time the number of seniors in need has increased.

Medicare and Medicaid fraud reduce the dollars available for services for senior recipients.

There are limited affordable resources for seniors to include long term care services, housing, legal services, and transportation.

Limited local public transportation systems prevent many seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities from participating in activities.

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GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

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GOAL 1: Empower older people, individuals with disabilities, their families, and other consumers to choose and easily access options for existing mental and physical health and long-term care

OBJECTIVE 1.1: ▲ Provide streamlined access to health and long-term care options through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to address ways you link people to information and services. Strategies should address ways to improve connecting people to information and services through the ADRC. Examples include building new relationships and/or partnerships, and the effective use of technology.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS: Your Aging Resource Center (the Center) will provide outreach activities targeting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and professionals in the community to educate them about our role in being the gateway for long-term care options.

The Center website will be an access site for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to access information on private pay and publically-funded programs.

The Center continues to develop referral agreements with community organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

The Center offers outreach to educate about easy access to healthy living activities including evidence-based workshops.

Our network providers will assist us in linking people to information and services by:

Making appropriate referrals for information and services to the Center;Distributing our pamphlets and brochures;During home visits, refer patients and caregivers to the Center as needs areidentified; andPlacing links to the Center on their websites.

Our contracted providers also link people to other community resources by: Referring to 211;

Referring consumers to the CARES Unit for Long-term care options counseling; A partnership The Volen Center has established with CROS Ministries to determine eligibility for food stamps and possibly other Medicaid programs. In this program a

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representative from Cros Ministries visits The Volen Senior Center several times per month and does direct online eligibility which links seniors to services as quickly as possible.

Providers have individualized methods to provide information to their local communities regarding the contracted services they provide through the Center these include:

In the rural community of Okeechobee our lead agency will provide access to information through the local radio station WOKC, the local newspaper Okeechobee News, computer programs at Okeechobee library, courses through Indian River State college and through referrals to the Center and 211.

Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services (DOSS) links people to information and services through:1. Access to DOSS’s resource materials, newsletters and brochures;2. The DOSS website which contains information on all programs and services available and links to other community services.3. The three (3) Senior Centers in Palm Beach County which DOSS operates which make available DOSS’s resource materials, newsletters and brochures to all seniors that participate in the programs.4. Effective use of educational information at senior centers.

Our contracted providers also connect people to information and services by building partnerships through participation in community outreach events and meetings as well as participation in monthly community events to disseminate resource materials and educates the public on services available.

Streamlined access to health and long term care options is provided at one of our contracted provider’s senior center through a partnership The Volen Center has built between Ruth Rales JFS and Genesis Community Health, Inc. to provide a Family ARNP three times per week on-site at The Volen Center. This will enable seniors to access health care right at The Volen Center while also accessing other programming such as wellness, exercise, and senior dining through the Older Americans Act program. By consulting with an ARNP, the individuals will be able to receive preventive healthcare, referrals to specialist, and information on better health options and long term care.

Okeechobee Senior Services is also working to develop new partnerships to create a

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seamless system for consumers and their families through the following actions:

Identify and develop life-course planning and elder care planning in partnership with other agencies to educate persons on the aging process and potential long term care needs;

Seek additional funding through other sources. This supports the Center’s obligation to ensure that all other funding sources available have been exhausted before targeting CCE funds.

OUTCOMES:

The ADRC will continue to see an increase in call volume. The ADRC will measure inquiries from individuals with a disability.

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 1.2: ▲Encourage individuals, including people under 60, to plan for future long-term care needs by providing access to information

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to get the message to people who are not yet 60 that planning for long-term care is needed. Strategies should address ways to increase public awareness of the costs of long-term care (LTC), the likelihood of the need for LTC services and the LTC options available. They should also dispel the myth that Medicare will meet all long-term care needs.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS: Continue SHINE presentations in the community to include education about the unmet needs of long term care.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will establish a coalition with local LGBT service providers and advocates to design strategies that educate this community about long-term care options.

Consumer Service Consultants will participate in the St. Lucie County Transportation Coordination Workshop to identify additional transportation options for seniors and the disabled.

Elder Helpline staff will add new transportation resources to the REFER database as they are identified.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will assist individuals with care transitions between settings and types of care.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 1.3: Ensure that complete and accurate information about resources is available and accessible

EXPLANATION: The intention of this objective is to keep ReferNET current and to continue to enhance how people can connect to the information, such as through additional access points. Strategies should ensure that information in ReferNET is kept accurate and up-to-date. ReferNET should include services identified through the creation of new partnerships.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS:

When reviewing providers’ use of community resources, Consumer Service Consultants will ensure that providers’ resources include the ReferNET database.

The Center has a full time staff person dedicated to the ReferNet database for PSA 9. We will continue to update annually all resources for accuracy and complete information. The ADRC will continue to seek out new resources that can be added to the ReferNet data base to offer consumer choice. We will also seek solutions to identified “unmet" needs.

The Healthy Living and Communications Centers of Excellence will continue to identify new healthy living resources through outreach, marketing, and community connections.

The Center website will offer easy access to the ReferNet database.

By the end of this 3-year cycle Elder Helpline and Planning and Consumer Services staff will provide training for case managers of all contracted provider agencies on the ReferNet database.

IT and the Director of Communications will add a navigational tool for ReferNet to the Center website.

IT, the Director of Communications and the Healthy Living Center of Excellence will provide current, accurate information about healthy living resources on websites, in newsletters, and other relevant media.

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Contracted providers have included goals and strategies in their 2012-2013 service provider applications to ensure that “the case manager should have access to a local community care service system resource directory to assist in selecting and arranging for services.”

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 1.4: Ensure that elders have access to free, unbiased, and comprehensive health insurance counseling

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to show how the AAA is supporting the SHINE program. Ways to show the support might be through establishing additional counseling sites. Strategies may include activities that expand the SHINE program and access more consumers. Example: increase the number of SHINE service sites.


When conducting quality assurance reviews, Consumer Services Consultants will check that providers refer consumers to the SHINE program where applicable ensuring the use of a free community resource rather than case management dollars to obtain insurance assistance.

SHINE In order to increase access to SHINE services and assist more consumers the SHINE

program will complete the following action steps:- Plan and implement a local Media Campaign focused on Volunteer Recruitment;

Additionally, free publicity opportunities will be established through radio, print, and/or web-based activities

- Establish a Basic Training schedule for new volunteers within Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties so that Palm Beach County is not the only option for training new volunteers who live outside of Palm Beach County

- Strengthen partnerships at current SHINE counseling sites through implementation of a Counseling Site Checklist (determine strengths/weaknesses at each site and address with partner to ensure easy access for consumers as well as promotion of SHINE services)

- Seek additional SHINE counseling sites through community partners where access to consumers is needed

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 1.5: Increase public awareness of existing mental and physical health and long-term care options

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective to help people become aware that they might benefit from mental and physical health services and that the services are available in the community. Strategies for this objective should include how to inform the public of available long-term care services. Examples: using websites, publications, or mailings.


The Center will offer in-service training for Elder Helpline staff on resources in the community that provide mental health and physical health services in the community. This will help increase Elder Helpline knowledge on the resources available and assist with consumer choice when seeking options.

The Elder Helpline will maintain the ReferNet database to maintain and promote awareness of the mental health needs and resources.

The Center will utilize its website to educate individuals with disabilities, older adults and caregivers about long-term care options and resources for mental health and physical health.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will lead activities to encourage individuals who identify with the LGBT community to plan for their elder years through education about long-term care options.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will educate in-home and institutional care service providers about the special needs of individuals who identify with the LGBT community.

The Center will continue to fund individual and group counseling services.

The following strategies have been incorporated into the Center’s contracted providers’ service provider applications in order to increase public awareness of existing mental and physical health and long-term care options:

Case managers will provide information regarding mental and physical health services available when working with patients and families ;

Providers will utilize internal resource handbooks for referral as needs arise;

Information regarding the availability of mental and physical health services will be

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relayed through resource materials, newsletter, brochures and websites;

Information will be also be relayed through continuous participation in health fairs and community events; Nutrition Education will be delivered monthly at Congregate Meal Sites and to home-delivered meal recipients;

Information will be made available through professionals such as Florida Rural Legal Services, AARP and various health care agencies who will be invited to congregate meal sites to help elders with estate, health and long term planning;

Providers will encourage the incorporation of transportation planning as part of individual retirement plans for when one is no longer able to drive by advising consumers of the local Transportation Disadvantaged Programs, taxi services, getting their family, neighbors, or friends to car pool planned trips, and advertising the availability of providers’ own transportation programs to low-income/at-risk seniors.

With the addition of an ARNP to The Volen Center, seniors’ awareness of health care options will increase as access to health care will be much more streamlined for them. The health care professional will also be giving lectures about health care and health care options to ensure that seniors and other visitors to The Volen Center have access and increased awareness of mental and physical health and long term care options.

Our providers’ transportation services will allow them to assist seniors to access senior centers for a planned day of activities, a nutritious lunch, and to see a health care professional.

The Volen Center employs a Registered Dietitian (RD) who is on staff and promotes wellness and nutrition. The RD can promote health care options to seniors in need. The RD will be providing wellness lectures to seniors (open to both members and individuals from the community) to raise awareness of health care options.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 1.6: Identify and serve target populations in need of information and referral services

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is for the AAA to detail how they plan to reach populations in need of information or referral services that might require more challenging outreach efforts. Strategies may include how to reach and serve individuals in need of I&R who have limited English proficiency, low-literacy, low-income in rural populations, disabled persons who receive Medicare but are under the age of 65, grandparents caring for grandchildren, individuals with disabilities, and dual eligibles across any Special Needs Population.


The Center will continue to reach the target population through outreach activities, our website, SHINE counselors, satisfied customers (word of mouth), and provider referrals.

In order to reach the limited English speaking population we will maintain our multi-lingual staff. With the use of Proprio translation service, staff will be able to assist consumers in any languages not spoken by staff.

Elder Rights staff and SHINE Counselors will continue to refer customers who need additional services to include Medicaid/ SNAP, transportation and in-home services, back to the Elder Helpline

IT will Investigate new technologies for communications for the hearing-impaired.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 1.7: Provide streamlined access to Medicaid Managed Care and address grievance issues

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is for the AAA to provide detail on the role the AAA will assume as Medicaid Managed Care is implemented in the PSA. Strategies may include actions that will be taken to provide consumers with access to Medicaid Managed Care information and enrollment services. Strategies to address grievance issues in relation to Medicaid Managed Care should also be included.


Planning and Consumer Services staff will stay abreast of changes to quality assurance, budget management, and grievance review requirements for Medicaid Managed Care and ensure staff receive appropriate training.

Center staff will collaborate with CARES to facilitate a smooth transition of the intake and referral process for Medicaid Managed Care.

The designated choice counseling staff will complete the AHS required training and be certified.

The Intake staff will continue to assist individuals being evaluated for eligibility for enrollment in Medicaid services through the ADRC.

The Elder Helpline will maintain web site addresses, contact information and printed materials to share with consumers as needs arise.

The Center will put in place protocols for dealing with grievances that meet standards.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will lead staff participation with F4A and AHCA in developing standardized efforts.

The Elder Helpline and IT will standardize technology and protocols for routing and handling MMLTC calls.

Senior Management will prepare for increases and changes to staffing needs for MMLTC.

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OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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GOAL 2: Enable individuals to maintain a high quality of life for as long as possible through the provision of home and community-based services, including supports for family caregivers

OBJECTIVE 2.1: Identify and serve target populations in need of home and community-based services

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is twofold: 1) to address how the AAA will identify the target populations in the PSA and 2) to address how the AAA will provide services to the targeted populations who may be in hard-to-reach areas. Strategies should include how the PSA will identify and serve individuals who are in need of HCBS with limited English proficiency, low-literacy, low-income in rural populations, disabled persons who receive Medicare but are under the age of 65, grandparents caring for grandchildren, people with developmental disabilities, and dual eligibles across any Special Needs Population. Best practice should also include the PSA serving clients according the to the Department’s prioritization criteria.


Consumer Services Consultants will collaborate with providers regarding their targeting goals for the 2013-2015 plan cycle.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will lead outreach efforts to the LGBT community for home and community-based services.

Specific strategies and actions steps for providers to identify target populations and address how they will provide services to the targeted populations have been included in contracted providers 2012-2013 service provider applications. Consumer Services Consultants will monitor providers’ progress in obtaining their targeting goals and provide technical assistance as to how to improve outcomes where warranted.

OUTCOMES: Note: The AAAs will not be monitored on the measures listed in italics, though the AAA must still include strategies to address them in this section.

Percent of most frail elders who remain at home or in the community instead of going into a nursing home

Average monthly savings per consumer for home and community-based care versus nursing home care for comparable client groups

Percent of new service recipients whose ADL assessment score has been maintained or improved

Percent of new service recipients whose IADL assessment score has been maintained or improved

Percent of customers who are at imminent risk of nursing home placement who are

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served with community-based services Percent of elders assessed with high or moderate risk environments who improved their

environment score Percent of new service recipients with high-risk nutrition scores whose nutritional status

improved

DOEA Internal Performance Measures: Percent of high-risk consumers (APS, Imminent Risk, and/or priority levels 4 and 5) out

of all referrals who are served

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 2.2: Ensure efforts are in place to fulfill unmet needs and serve as many clients as possible

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to address how the AAA oversees the service delivery system in the PSA. Strategies to address unmet needs/gaps can include partnerships and collaborations with other entities which have expertise in meeting the identified needs/gap.


Consumer Services Consultants will ensure that care plans reflect unmet needs for consumers.

A review of each provider’s resource directory will be included as a part of the annual quality assurance review process conducted by Consumer Services Consultants.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue to participate on the transportation boards representing all counties within the PSA to ensure that the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities are addressed.

The Center will conduct three forums over the next three years to obtain community input regarding the unmet needs of seniors, caregivers and individuals with disabilities.

The Elder Helpline will continue the efforts of a Resource Database Specialist who reviews the unmet needs identified and looks for resources and out of the box solutions to those challenges. We are continually updated the REFERNet database to include a variety of resources.

The RSVP programs in Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties are implementing volunteer programs targeted at providing companionship to enhance the independent activities of daily living.

Our providers have included the following strategies as part of their service provider applications in order to ensure that “case managers shall emphasize using informal resources, whenever possible, to preserve program funds for consumers with the most critical needs.”

Use information resources such as PBC funds; the Lending Closet; Deaf Services, etc.;

Conducts monthly staff meetings and in-service training to review and exchange resources and ideas to further assist consumers;

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In Okeechobee utilize the local “COPS” organization (Citizens on Patrol) volunteers that check on shut-ins or respond to complaints, people in need, etc. Okeechobee Senior Services gets referrals from them as well;

Also in Okeechobee make use of the local Contractor’s Association and refer projects such as small repairs, roof repairs etc. that consumers may need;

Okeechobee Senior Services has a retired “handyman” list that will do small repair jobs;

Conduct strategic funding meetings so that funding is most wisely utilized;

Case managers will focus on caregiver supports so that the consumer can be maintained in the home.






Percent of customers who are at imminent risk of nursing home placement who are served with community based services

Percent of elders assessed with high or moderate risk environments who improved their environment score

Percent of new service recipients with high-risk nutrition scores whose nutritional status improved

OUTPUTS: Number of people served with registered long-term care services

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OBJECTIVE 2.3: Provide high quality services

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is for the AAA to detail quality assurance efforts in the PSA. Strategies can include evaluating service effectiveness using reliable and valid assessment instruments.


Consumer Services Consultants will continue to use the quality assurance tool which incorporates DOEA’s interpretative guidelines and the DOEA Programs and Services Handbook.

The Elder Helpline will continue to conduct satisfaction surveys monthly with consumers who call the Elder Helpline,

The Planner will cooperate with DOEA and AOA in their customer satisfaction surveys.

IT and Consumer Services Consultants will institute a means of quality assuring the Medicaid Waiver Timeline.

Volunteer staff will assist with reviews of menus and temperature logs on a monthly basis to enable a more timely review of compliance with nutrition program guidelines.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue to review providers’ customer satisfaction surveys.

The Elder Helpline Director will ensure that the monthly report on REFER to DOEA is consistent with state standards.

The Director of Planning and Consumer Services will continue the monthly interagency meetings to discuss service requirements, issues and timeliness of eligibility processing for Medicaid Waiver consumers.

In 2013 Consumer Services Consultants will ensure that case management agencies have procedures in place to review complaint logs, provide complaint resolution, and institute improvements where complaint logs reflect systemic problems.

In 2014 Consumer Services Consultants will continue their review of providers’

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customer satisfaction surveys ensuring that providers follow-up to correct concerns uncovered as a result of the survey analysis.






Percent of customers who are at imminent risk of nursing home placement who are served with community-based services


Percent of new service recipients with high-risk nutrition scores whose nutritional status improved.

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 2.4: Provide services, education, and referrals to meet specific needs of individuals with dementia

EXPLANATION: This objective focuses on individuals with dementia to ensure that the specific needs of these individuals are not overshadowed by serving populations without dementia. Strategies should include the implementation of caregiver programs that adopt or expand state and federal volunteer respite program models and innovative projects that address caregiver needs and reduce their stress. Strategies should also include effective partnerships with organizations and providers who have dementia expertise, training Information & Referral Specialists and other staff to recognize possible cognitive impairment and person-centered services planning.


The Center and providers will continue to actively participate in the Silver Alert Program and has strong relationships with the Alzheimer's Community Care and St. Mary's Memory and Disorder Center.

The Elder Helpline maintains an expansive list of caregiver support groups and educational opportunities in the PSA.

The Center will host meetings for providers to share specifics regarding the caregiver support groups which they offer.

The Center will continue its support of and participation in the Alzheimer’s Community Care Educational Conferences

Our providers have included the following strategies as part of their service provider applications in order to provide services, education, and referrals to meet specific needs of individuals with dementia.

Provide in-facility and in-home respite;

Hold annual educational conferences;

Provides dementia specific training to all staff;

Provide dementia specific support groups;

Coordinate electronic monitoring bracelet services for patients with identified need;

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Provide training to and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the general public and emergency response personnel to assist their staff to recognize dementia behavior and communicate with consumers with dementia;

Implement volunteer respite and companionship programs;

Continue partnerships with dementia specific organizations that provide in-house education; and training staff to recognize cognitive impairment;

Council on Aging of St. Lucie case management staff have received the Alzheimer’s Level l and Level ll training through East Central Florida Memory Disorder Center in 2009 and updated training in 2012 on “Alzheimer’s and Dementia Dealing with Difficult Behaviors” through the East Central Florida Memory Disorder Center;

Okeechobee Senior Services will continue to offer ADRD screening through the Alzheimer’s Disease Agency;

Okeechobee Senior Services will explore the need for crisis intervention protocols for seniors in crisis to reduce the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders who are subjected to Baker Act proceedings;

Improve education and communication in the Adult Day Care staff and referral and outreach staff so that when individuals from the community visit and/or call the provider, they receive the best information and referrals for services possible.






Percent of customers who are at imminent risk of nursing home placement who are served with community based services


Percent of new service recipients with high-risk nutrition scores whose nutritional status improved

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OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 2.5: Improve caregiver supports

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to strengthen caregiver services to meet individual needs as much as possible. For example, existing caregiver support groups may not sufficiently address the differing challenges of spouse caregivers compared to adult child caregivers. Strategies may include providing education, training, and options to help caregivers make better decisions and deal with current and prepare for possible future needs. Caregiver supports can include the following: home-delivered meals, older adult companionship, socialization, transportation, homemaking, home maintenance and repair, in-home care training, and daily calls to check on an isolated older adult. Consideration should also be given to volunteer companions (retired seniors helping seniors) and older caregivers providing care for grandchildren or other relatives.


The Center will host meetings for providers to share specifics regarding their non-DOEA funded programs which provide supports to caregivers and those programs which supplement DOEA funds for home-delivered meals, companionship, socialization, transportation, homemaking, home maintenance and repair, in-home care training, and daily calls to check on isolated older adults as well programs for older caregivers providing care for grandchildren or other relatives.

The Center will continue its support of and participation in the Fearless Caregiver Conferences, Caregiver Appreciation Day, Alzheimer’s Community Care Educational Conferences, Caregiver Coalition initiatives and other community outreach events providing information and services for caregivers.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will facilitate improved coordination between health disciplines and care settings to facilitate care transitions.

Our contracted providers will meet this goal through the following strategies included in their service provider applications.

Case managers will discuss the disease process with caregiver’s to consumers with dementia and the changes that may occur in the future.

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Case managers will discuss long-term planning goals with caregivers.

Case managers will discuss services in the community available to the caregiver and patient.

Case managers will discuss support systems and the need to seek additional family support with caregivers.

At Alzheimer’s Community Care consumers enrolled in Specialized Alzheimer’s Day Service (Respite – facility based) will receive the monthly Care-a-gram which contains useful educational information; in addition a quarterly magazine is distributed with educational information from leading local, state and national experts.

In St. Lucie County the Council on Aging of St. Lucie (COASL) distributes newsletters to Adult Day Care consumers, caregivers and families noting services that are available from organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Brevard Memory Care Clinic, Lifeline and similar organizations which the consumer/caregiver may benefit from. Notices are always posted at the ADC site.

When available COASL offers Health Fairs/ Health Screenings, Flu Shots, etc.

Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services will provide an additional 2,500 hours of volunteer and or PBC-funded respite services to complement CCE/HCE/OAA funded services.

Okeechobee Senior Services makes referrals to Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative to educate families about what to expect during care and their role in care integration.

Okeechobee Senior Services will facilitate improved coordination between health disciplines and care settings by making referrals to “Just Checking,” Alzheimer’s Disease Association, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Okeechobee Senior Services, DOSS, Alzheimer’s Community Care and The Volen Center all offer support groups. Many are tailored to specific caregiver needs – i.e. working caregivers, caregivers of persons with dementia, caregivers dealing with a person having behavioral health issues.

The Volen Center will improve programming aimed at serving the caregiver and relieving stress, and focusing on aging with dignity combined with a strong focus on wellness.

The Volen Center will continue its signature event, held annually, which focuses on aging. It has a strong emphasis on caregiver supports and the importance of keeping the caregiver healthy. This event seeks to promote education and awareness on aging issues and caregiver awareness issues. The Volen Center holds a week long program

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of educational lectures about aging, ADRD, caregiver supports and stress reduction.

OUTCOMES: Percent of customers who are at imminent risk of nursing home placement who are

served with community-based services (Standard: 90%) Percent of family and family-assisted caregivers who self-report they are very likely to

provide care (Standard: 89%)

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 2.6: Facilitate the voluntary transition of identified nursing home residents to a safe community setting

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is for the AAA to detail how the PSA will accommodate clients who are transitioning out of nursing homes. Strategies can include individualized transition planning, overcoming barriers to the transition and support for a safe return to the community with services and available community support.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS: The Center works closely with the CARES office that identifies and assists seniors through the Nursing Home Transition Program.

Consumer Services Consultants will put in place a more detailed tracking instrument to proactively alert all agencies involved in the consumers’ transition of their status at each step of the process.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue the choice counseling responsibility for Nursing Home Transition consumers.

The Center will review and update, as needed, its policies and procedures for coordination of care to help consumers transition from a nursing facility to a community care setting.

Contracted providers will carry out their role in the nursing home transition process through the following activities.

Work with the social worker at the nursing home, the consumer and caregivers to promote a seamless transition home;

Discuss and address any obstacles to the transition with the consumer and family.

Ensure supports are put in place to make the transition possible and to ensure that services will be in place upon the consumer’s arrival in the home.

Coordinate with CARES and DCF to make certain community partners are aware of the transition and status of consumer.

Case managers will assist the consumer/ caregiver in identification of appropriate and

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available services when the consumer has been determined to be safe for discharge from the Skilled Nursing facility. They will create a care plan to meet consumer’s needs in the community with input from consumer and caregiver. Care plans will reflect each consumer’s needs, resources and supports as well as informal supports and family assistance that will be required for a successful transition.

Consumers that are eligible or appear to be eligible for ADA or ALW Medicaid Waivers will be assisted to apply for the appropriate programs. Those consumers who do not appear to meet eligibility for Medicaid programs and are in need of services are per Department of Elder Affairs Programs and Services Handbook listed as a priority after those referred as “High Risk” APS referrals, for CCE funded services;

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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GOAL 3: Empower older people and their caregivers to live active, healthy lives to improve their mental and physical health status

OBJECTIVE 3.1: ▲Continue to increase the use of Evidence-Based (EB) programs at the community level

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is for the AAA to detail how Evidenced-Based programs will be incorporated into the PSA. Strategies should include the management and coordination of programs that empower older people to control their own health through community level interventions, as well as sustaining continued funding. Consideration should be given to programs that build self confidence and reduce disease progression for people with chronic conditions. Examples include the advocacy for sustaining EB health promotion, including fall prevention, and Medication Management.


A Diabetes self-management program and nutrition program will be added to the current curriculum.

The Center will continue to increase services regarding Fear of Falling i.e. Matter of Balance, Living Healthy, Tomando Control, and Asunto.

The Center will continue Tai Chi for better balance which aids in fall prevention.

The Center will implement evidence-based health promotion among professionals i.e. health clinics and local hospitals – partnering with them in the underwriting of training and encouraging them to offer the training themselves.

Volunteer trainers and coaches will be established in all five counties in our PSA.

The Healthy Living Center of Excellence will develop data collection tools to capture consumers served, hours invested, volunteers, etc.

The Healthy Living Center of Excellence will investigate additional revenue streams.

The Healthy Living Center of Excellence will ensure training of coaches and trainers for each of the evidence-based service areas. In addition it will ensure that this includes individuals with disabilities and veterans.

The Healthy Living and RSVP Centers of Excellence will encourage the Area health Education Centers to provide education about the connection between good nutrition and physical activity to overall health.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 3.2: Promote good nutrition and physical activity to maintain healthy lifestyles EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to focus on nutrition and physical activity specifically, since they are two key components to maintaining health. Many elders are not aware of the long-term implications of a less than adequate diet and how it may exacerbate chronic health conditions. Likewise, they may be unaware of the positive impact physical activity might have on their overall health and/or chronic conditions. Strategies might include the establishment of: 1) a coordinated, comprehensive nutrition and physical activity program by engaging stakeholders and partners and 2) community programs that help build social supports, for example, by increasing the use of congregate meal sites. Another approach may be the encouragement of community programs that help build social support for physical activity by improving access to places that people can be active, such as walking or bike trails, classes at gyms or senior centers, athletic fields, etc.


The Elder Helpline will continue to assist seniors and adults with disabilities with making applications for food stamps. We are also aware of food pantries that provide fresh produce.

Consumer Services Consultants will support OAA providers in their efforts to increase the number of congregate meal sites.

The Elder Helpline will promote aging network partners’ non-DOEA funded congregate meal programs.

Consumer Services Consultants will ensure that providers’ nutrition education programs conform to DOEA requirements.

Consumer Services Consultants will educate themselves and disseminate as appropriate to agency staff information on contracted providers’ educational, recreational and health and wellness programs.

Through Older Americans Act funds our contracted providers operate more than 40 congregate meal sites. Their plans to improve service delivery and/or encourage community programs that help build social support for physical activity include:

Provide information to caregivers regarding various support groups such as Alzheimer’s Community Care, Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice, Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s Association, The Stroke and Mended Heart Group, Macular Degeneration Group and Morselife-Caregiver Counseling Program;

The Council on Aging of St. Lucie provides Senior Sensitivity Training to local businesses, agencies, educational institutions and caregivers to help with the understanding of the aging process and prepare for current and future needs of the

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older adult;

Okeechobee Senor Services will promote physical fitness activities through the local physical fitness agencies. It will utilize the Senior Center, churches, and local gyms to offer activities such as Tai Chi classes, neighborhood walks, balance classes for fall prevention, yoga, dancing and mind exercises.

Okeechobee Senior Services will conduct an awareness campaign to publicize the availability of physical activities and the benefits of participation;

Okeechobee Senior Services will inform consumers which insurance companies will pay for preventive exercise programs;

Okeechobee Senior Services will coordinate an effort through Indian River State College as well as educational Seminars promoted by Raulerson Hospital to provide education about the connection between good nutrition and physical activity;

Okeechobee Senior Services’ plans to improve the senior dining program by:

1. Encouraging more input and feedback from the Senior Advisory Council;

2. Strengthening the linkage between good nutrition and physical activity;

3. Encouraging more diversity and flexibility in menu planning and development;

4. Surveying meal recipients and considering the survey results;

5. Improving the quality and increase the frequency of nutrition education provided to elders participating in the elder nutrition program.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 3.3: Promote the adoption of healthy behaviors

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to focus on lifestyle choices beyond nutrition and physical activity as in objective 3.2. Lifestyle choices include such activities as smoking, alcohol, and/or drug consumption, average nightly hours of sleep, amount of stress, amount of socialization, engaging in enjoyable pursuits, etc. Strategies could include conducting community-wide campaigns that combine highly visible messages to the public, community events, and support groups that encourage older people to become or remain active. Recruit older adults to participate in the promotion of healthy behaviors through advertising and marketing to community partners.


Consumer Services Consultants will participate in the quarterly conference call of the RELIEF program and complete annual quality assurance reviews of the program.

Consumer Services Consultants will educate themselves on the Intergenerational programs contracted providers have developed with the local Boy and Girl Scouts, local schools and Head Start Program.

As part of annual quality assurance review Consumer Services Consultants will review contracted providers outreach materials for congregate meals.

Identify and collaborate with service providers that can provide assessments, interventions, and support.

Elder Helpline and other appropriate staff will provide information and referral as appropriate for persons dealing with these issues

Elder Helpline will continue to look for resources for affordable dental care.

Collaborate with community health centers for affordable dental care.

Continue to discuss the benefits of volunteering with the RSVP program.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 3.4: Promote social connectivity, community service, and lifelong learning to maintain positive mental health

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to address the benefits to the individual and the community when elders are active and engaged in the community. Strategies could include ways to increase the use of congregate meal sites, develop comprehensive programs that include an intergenerational component, provide volunteer opportunities within aging network and external partners, and provide community service training opportunities that could lead to sustainable employment.


The Center recruits volunteers to promote social connectivity, community service and lifelong learning through SHINE, FGP, RSVP, Elder Rights, and Healthy Living.

RSVP expands volunteer opportunities by identifying community sites – Shandra will flesh out – two sides of the coin

The Center promotes congregate meal sites, senior centers and adult day care to encourage engagement in the community.

Our contracted service providers have included the following activities in their service provider applications to promote social connectivity, community service, and lifelong learning to maintain positive mental health:

Alzheimer’s Community Care engages elders in volunteer services and programs by: Serving as Support Group Facilitators Volunteering in the Adult Day Care Centers and working with patients Serving on Advisory Councils Serving on the Board of Directors Offering Office Administration Assistance

Through a contract with the FL DOEA for the Senior Companion Program Alzheimer’s Community Care brings together volunteers age 55 and over with adults in their community. Senior Companions work in the Adult Day Care Centers helping out with activities, food preparation while providing companionship to the patients in thecenter

Council on Aging of St. Lucie will partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to host a caregiver support group; and with AARP SCSEP (Senior Community Service

http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/sc.asp

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Employment Program) and United Way Volunteer St. Lucie to provide numerous volunteer opportunities to area seniors;

The Council on Aging of St. Lucie offers social time, crafts, games, quilting and cards several times per week at each of its senior dining centers;

Bingo is offered weekly at the Port St. Lucie Senior Center; Computer classes are offered weekly at the Port. St. Lucie Senior Center;

The Treasure Coast Bible Assembly visits the Port St. Lucie Senior Center monthly;

In Palm Beach County DOSS promotes the meal site at the senior centers, through newsletters, community outreach events, community meetings in which staff attends and by informing the ADRC;

DOSS has developed intergenerational programs with the local Boy and Girl Scouts, local schools and Head Start Program;

DOSS promotes volunteer program opportunities through community speaking engagements;

DOSS provides community service opportunities for the Palm Beach County Courthouse; DOSS provides hands-on work experience training to elder Experience Work members;

The Volen Center provides the opportunity for seniors to go on weekly field trips which include visits to the casino, movies, restaurants, and malls;

The Volen Center also has an intergenerational program which combines the elderly population with 3-5 year olds. The child day care participants interact with independent seniors as well as seniors with cognitive and physical impairments. Programming staff is looking to improve its innovative curriculum for the intergeneration program.

The Volen Center also has numerous volunteer opportunities for seniors. The Volen Center has a very extensive volunteer program and every year The Volen Center recognizes its volunteers at an awards luncheon. Seniors that have been volunteering at The Volen Center for some time have had “on the job training” and have been offered employment.

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OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 3.5: Advocate for prevention and early intervention of mental health and substance abuse services for elders

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to enable the AAA to focus on advocacy specific to the need for mental health and substance abuse services. Strategies for this objective could include public awareness activities to increase the understanding of mental and substance use disorders. Improve or develop partnerships with advocates in the community. Encourage group-based activities composed of older adults accessible to the participant like those at a senior center. Attention to physical health issues such as nutrition, sleep habits, medication, and pain should be considered.


Collaborate with mental health providers.

Seek out PSA 9 partners with similar concerns, make connections and establish relationships and formal agreements identifying how we can better work together over time to address prevention and early intervention of mental health and substance abuse.

Elevate knowledge and ability to address these issues among all staff. Conduct one in-service training each of the 3 years.

Seek to recruit advisory council member with background in the mental health and/or substance abuse field.

Support mental health association and substance abuse provider advocacy efforts.

In order to advocate for prevention and early intervention of mental health and substance abuse services for elders our contracted provider Okeechobee Senior Services has included the following activities in their service provider application.

To improve mental health status Okeechobee Senior Services provides training about the warning signs of illness for the formal and informal home care support network :i.e. providing meals –on-wheels- volunteers and home care workers with training to recognize the warning signs of depression and mental health symptoms.

Okeechobee Senior Services has developed resources to address mental health referrals. For example having an agreement with the local New Horizons-sharing the

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responsibilities for mental health services for people age 60 and older.

Okeechobee Senior Services has plans to emphasize and provide more tools for depression prevention, screening, self assessment and management through the following actions:

a. Improve early symptom recognition and assessment;

b. Expand mental health screenings at senior center, health fairs, etc. and

c. Provide opportunities for persons to self assess for depression through a self assessment on-line.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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GOAL 4: Ensure the legal rights of older people are protected and prevent their abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE)

OBJECTIVE 4.1: Collaborate and coordinate within the community and aging network to increase accessible legal services

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to enable the AAA to detail efforts to make legal services more accessible to seniors in greatest economic or social need, as well as to improve the quality of legal services. Strategies should include ongoing joint planning between the aging network and legal assistance providers to identify target groups, establish priority legal issue areas, and develop outreach mechanisms to ensure limited legal assistance resources are allocated in such a way as to reach those seniors who are most vulnerable and have the most critical legal needs.


Elder Rights Center will follow-up on consumers they refer to legal service providers to determine if their needs were met.

Planning and Elder Rights will use the data from DOEA’s legal needs assessment to identify unmet needs of seniors in our community.

The Center will seek to have input to legal services providers needs assessments.

As part of the annual SPA review process Consumer Services Consultants and Elder Rights will assess legal service providers’ adherence to the DOEA Programs and Services Handbook legal service priority areas and local needs for legal service delivery.

Collaborate with legal service providers to develop outreach mechanisms that reach seniors that are most vulnerable and have the most critical legal needs.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue required quarterly reporting of legal services providers’ progress on planned targeting and outreach activities.

Continue on-going cross-training between the Elder Helpline and legal service providers. The training will be conducted as needed.

Appropriate staff will participate in quarterly Older Floridians Legal Assistance Program Training by DOEA.

Consumer Services Consultants and Elder Rights Center will work with IIIB legal providers to Implement DOEA’s best practices for developing strong, coordinated and integrated legal programs.

Implement requirements of DOEA Programs and Services Handbook as well as

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Notices of Instruction regarding the statewide standard for IIIB legal assistance.

Our contracted service providers have included the following activities in their service provider applications to collaborate and coordinate within the community and aging network to increase accessible legal services.

Case managers refer patients to legal aid services and available attorneys.

Case managers educate caregivers regarding legal options, such as; Power of Attorney, Health Surrogate, etc.

Make legal services more accessible to consumers in greatest economic or social need by partnering with the Legal Aid Society to provide free services at Senior Centers.

Increase resources available for legal assistance (Florida Rural Legal and pro bono lawyers) by encouraging community partnerships through leveraging of OAA funds.

Maintain established local protocols with DCF and law enforcement relating to handling of abuse, neglect and exploitation referrals;

Establish good working relationships with DCF supervisors. Collaboration between the lead agencies and DCF has been encouraged between management at both agencies.

Raise awareness of elder rights through training, educational events, and the use of technology.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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GOAL 4: Ensure the legal rights of older people are protected and prevent their abuse, neglect, and exploitation

OBJECTIVE 4.2: ▲Facilitate the integration of Older Americans Act elder rights programs into Aging Services

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to make legal services a more visible and mainstream part of the aging network package of services. Ensure capacity to assist vulnerable and at-risk older people in understanding their rights, exercising choices, and benefiting from services and opportunities authorized by law. Strategies may include in-person and/or online cross training and the use of available technology and media outlets to inform older adults, the general public, and professionals. STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS:

Maintain established protocols with DCF and the CCE Lead Agencies relating to abuse, neglect and exploitation referrals.

Assist elder victims referred by law enforcement, Elder Helpline and direct calls to the Elder Rights Center in understanding rights, exercising choices and benefitting from services and opportunities authorized by law.

Elder Rights Center of Excellence will assist seniors in identifying their legal needs and organizing the documents needed to obtain legal services.

Elder Rights Center of Excellence will continue seeking pro bono attorneys to help reduce gaps in legal services.

In order to assist vulnerable and at-risk older consumers in understanding their rights, exercising choices, and benefiting from services and opportunities authorized by law our contracted service providers have the following strategies included in their service provider application.

Assist vulnerable and at-risk older adults by advocating on their behalf, assisting with referrals to Legal Aid services, and understanding choices about care.

The Volen Center currently has a substantial pool of volunteer advocates who support senior issues and elder rights.

The Volen Center also hosts a program, “Seniors against Crime” which educates at risk individuals how to protect themselves against potential threats to their safety.

Case managers will educate seniors who have been referred as part of an Adult Protective Services Referral on their rights and the services that are available to them.

Direct service staff will have ongoing training on ANE and will attend available

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and mandatory workshops and trainings on this topic. T The Council on Aging of St. Lucie provides information to at-risk older

consumers regarding the Long-Term Ombudsman Program. Staff attends the monthly meetings in which they are provided the most current information and resources.

The Council on Aging of St. Lucie provides information to older adults through the Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Program and collaborates with the Elder Rights Center of Excellence at the Area Agency on Aging.

M Many providers participate in the Celebration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Okeechobee Senior Services is developing an interagency network to actively address elder rights issues through the following;

a. Partner with other agencies to develop resources and programs to strengthen education and improve quality and accessibility of information on consumer protection: Currently, OSS has Florida Rural Legal come into our office for consumers once a month. We also partner with the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Dept. Seniors Against Crime as well as their COPS (Citizens on Patrol) program that checks on Seniors.

b. Partner with other agencies: such as the Department of Children and Families, Okeechobee Sheriff’s Dept., Okeechobee City Police, Okeechobee News) to develop SCAM Alerts and educate elders about fraud and scams;

c. Include elder rights services under the umbrella of multidisciplinary teams available through the Your Aging Resource Center

d. Work with Martha’s House (shelter for Abused Women) to include all victims of elder abuse

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS: 3500 elder victims will be provided with advocacy services

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All non crime-related elder rights assistance calls will receive pertinent information or appropriate referral.

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OBJECTIVE 4.3: ▲Improve the identification and utilization of measurable consumer outcomes for elder rights programs

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is to enable the AAA to document efforts to ensure targeting of elder rights programs in the PSA and to demonstrate the value and impact of those services. Strategies should include participating in statewide efforts to develop a uniform statewide reporting system for legal services, as well as establishing mechanisms for utilizing data available to improve awareness of the importance of legal assistance, increase access to legal assistance, and address the quality of legal assistance provided.


Elder Rights Center of Excellence will create, conduct and analyze satisfaction surveys with 10% of crime victims contacting the Center.

Elder Rights Center of Excellence will establish guidelines to capture anecdotal information from consumers referred to the Elder Rights COE. (who, what, where, when, why/analyze)

Elder Rights Center of Excellence, IT and the Director of Communications will use the Center website to collect consumer data on:

the usefulness of the information contained on Elder Rights pages

an anonymous Financial Fitness Survey that helps the consumer to identify their risk for financial exploitation, frauds and scams; provides the ADRC with valuable information not currently being captured and invites the consumer to read the Financial Self-Determination Guide and/or contact the Elder Rights COE for further assistance.

The Planner and Elder Rights COE will participate in statewide efforts to develop a uniform statewide reporting system for legal services OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 4.4: Promote primary prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation

EXPLANATION: The primary intent of this objective is for the AAA to expand existing education/outreach/awareness efforts such as websites, newsletters, presentations, etc., to include prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Primary prevention focuses on preventing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation from happening at all. Strategies should be developed to educate the public about the special needs of elders and about the risk factors for abuse in vulnerable adults.


Elder Rights Center of Excellence will raise awareness of elder rights through training, educational events and the use of the Center's website in accordance with the annual Title VII work plan.

Elder Rights Center of Excellence will provide information/training to the 15th and 19th Judicial Circuit Chief Judges and court personnel on elder-specific issues. The Center will conduct at least 1 formal training during the 3 year period.

Seek funding for ongoing development of elder rights programs.

Our contracted service providers have the following strategies included in their service provider applications in order to promote primary prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

New employees are educated at orientation regarding abuse risk factors and mandatory reporting.

Annual in-service training is conducted with all employees regarding abuse risk factors and reporting.

Case managers are afforded additional opportunities to attend any training that may be offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs or the Florida Department of Children and Families or the Aging and Disability Resource Center that relates to elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Case managers will continue to follow the “Adult Protective Services Referrals Operations Manual”; developed in conjunction with The Department of Elder Affairs and The Florida Department of Children and Families re: “High Risk” APS referrals.

Case managers and CIRTS staff have received the required training through the Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast on the Adult Protective Services Referral Tracking Tool (ARTT).

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Lead agencies will assure that any new case managers and / or new “CIRTS” staff will receive the required ARTT training.

Lead agencies will assure that the required abuse posters are visible in the Adult Day Care Centers and the congregate meal site/ senior center.

Staff will be educated about the special needs of elders and about the risk factors for abuse in vulnerable adults by training sessions, meetings, and conferences to increase knowledge; on-line training through DOEA; and on-going discussions at case managers staff meetings.

Day Care staff are required to take mandatory training in ANE within one and three months of employment.

Lead agencies maintain a close working relationship with DCF staff and consults all cases with investigators to ensure elders within the community are removed from crisis situations.

In Okeechobee our lead agency will strengthen families through increased caregiver support, education and access to programs. They will work with the Okeechobee Library to encourage on-line programs through the computer Web Sites and other Internet applications to reach families and caregivers to assist in this endeavor.

Okeechobee Senior Services plans to interface with Indian River State college to develop senior related educational programs, such as major current events affecting seniors.

Okeechobee Senior Services will expand existing education/outreach/awareness efforts such as websites, newsletters, presentations, etc. to include prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Okeechobee Senior Services will educate the public through newspaper, radio, and presentations at the Senior Center about the risk factors for abuse in vulnerable adults.

OUTCOMES: 80% of victims who were served do not have a reoccurrence of a reported victimization within the next year.

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 4.5: Reduce the rate of abuse, neglect, and exploitation recidivism through education, outreach, and the provision of services.

EXPLANATION: The intent of this objective is to expand existing efforts supporting ANE interventions. Strategies to reduce the rate of recidivism should include education and outreach for caregivers and clients to help them with coping skills and services to alleviate caregiver stress and possible family strife. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with other entities that endeavor to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.


Continue developing a South Florida ANE initiative in collaboration with PSA 10 and 11.

Reduce the rate of recidivism for consumers referred to the Elder Rights Program through education and counseling.

Elder Rights Center of Excellence will identify or develop financial management tools for seniors and their caregivers which address Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, bill paying, money management, creditors, etc.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue to work the APS exception report.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue to include APS consumer files as part of annual quality assurance review to ensure providers adhere to MOU and Adult Protective Services Operations Manual requirements for serving high risk APS consumers. Where issues are found include high risk APS consumer files as part of quarterly file reviews.

Consumer Services Consultants will provide technical assistance to lead agencies regarding high risk APS referrals. Consumer Services Consultants will assist with the implementation of requirements of the new Adult Protective Services Operations Manual when it is released.

Elder Helpline will continue to train staff regarding appropriate referrals to APS

In order to reduce the rate of abuse, neglect, and exploitation recidivism our contracted providers have included the following strategies in their service

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provider applications:

Case managers will learn to identify signs that a caregiver is stressed and at risk for potentially neglecting or abusing patient; If there are signs of at-risk, the case manager will encourage the use of supportive services; family support group, day care, etc.

Case managers will also work with local mental health providers, home health agencies, Alzheimer’s Association. They are able to provide caregivers with appropriate information and options such as, caregiver counseling, support groups and services that may reduce caregiver stress, such as Adult Day Care Services and Respite Care, Elder Law seminars. When the needs of the consumer, can no longer be met in a community setting and placement is required in either assisted living or skilled nursing case managers are able to provide guidance and support to the consumer and caregiver as well as making appropriate referrals on behalf of the consumer.

Providers will maintain collaborative relationships with other entities such as DCF and Alzheimer’s Association.

Lead agencies will ensure that all APS referrals are addressed and services are in place within 72 hours. They will make sure that the consumer is monitored for the first 30 days to ensure that they remain out of the crisis situation. There will be a 30 day assessment and a consultation with the API to ensure that the crisis situation has ended and that there is no threat that the consumer will return to the previous situation. Any possible threats to the consumer, such as physical, mental, or personal, will be addressed and resolved before the consumer is released from the lead agency’s care.

Case Managers will provide consumers and/or family members with education and referrals regarding elder abuse and exploitation and assist the consumers in removing themselves from dangerous situations.

OUTCOMES:

Percent of Adult Protective Services (APS) referrals who are in need of immediate services to prevent further harm who are served within 72 hours

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 4.6: Increase the awareness of health care fraud and other elder rights issues

EXPLANATION: The intent of this objective is for the AAA to use existing mechanisms to increase public awareness. Strategies can involve the use of websites, newspapers, other media outlets, etc.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS: Collaborate with the Senior Medicare Patrol project in the awareness of Medicare fraud.

Elder Rights Center of Excellence and Elder Helpline Staff will provide technical assistance to health care system discharge planners regarding resources for safe discharge planning including accessing the Elder Helpline.

In order to increase the awareness of health care fraud and other elder rights issues our contracted service provider Okeechobee Senior Services has included the following activities in their service provider application.

Continue to partner with other agencies to develop resources and programs to strengthen education and improve quality and accessibility of information on consumer protection.

Encourage the Okeechobee News to cover crimes against the elderly.

Utilize the Okeechobee Library computer program through the websites to educate the public on reporting suspicious activity to Adult Protective Services.

Develop and manage a Volunteer based program (i.e. COPS through the Sheriff’s Dept.) that works with seniors to investigate complaints, obtain restitution and educate seniors.

Promote intergenerational educational opportunities through programs at the Senior Center.(Okeechobee Alternative school has had several programs through the Senior Center).

Identify a curriculum of training (with assistance of St, Mary’s Memory Disorder clinic) on the continuum of aging, care giving, and care receiving to address this goal.( Awareness can prevent abuse.)

Coordinate through Raulerson Hospital an educational training seminar for their medical community on how to recognize potentially abusive situations and where to refer the caregiver/family for help.

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OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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GOAL 5: Promote planning and collaboration at the community level that recognize the benefits and needs of its aging population.

OBJECTIVE 5.1: Foster opportunities for elders to be an active part of the community

EXPLANATION: The intent of this objective is to collaborate with communities to identify opportunities for elders that benefit them and their community. Strategies can include methods of promoting volunteer services by and for older persons including the use of intergenerational activities that allow elders to “give back” while educating younger generations about the value elders bring.


FGP/RSVP can work together to publicize and celebrate the benefits of our senior volunteers especially those assisting in the school system.

Utilize the Center website to feature senior volunteers in action in all program areas of the Center.

RSVP is working with the faith-based community to bring greater visibility to the volunteer endeavors they are already doing by and for seniors.

RSVP will spearhead 9/11 and MLK National days of service and remembrance events (as required by CNCS) that engages community partners (i.e. Fire Rescue, Sheriff's office, VA hospital, faith-based organizations, etc.) and community members in an intergenerational way to benefit the consumers we serve.

The Center will continue to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of senior volunteers in our Planning and Service Area at the Prime Time Awards Breakfast now in its 22nd year. Nomination opportunities will remain open to the entire community. The Palm Beach Post as media sponsor will continue to promote the benefit of elder volunteers through its publication of the nomination opportunity and its coverage of the event.

The following strategies are included in our contracted providers service provider applications in order to foster opportunities for elders to be an active part of the community:

In In St. Lucie County, the lead agency in collaboration with local schools, i.e. Port St. Lucie High School, Treasure Coast High School and Centennial High School, is giving the opportunity for elder consumers to feel that they are a part of the community. Students and elders together sharing stories, playing games, listening to music,

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working on craft projects and laughing together while developing a mutual respect for one another. The program also incorporates Medical Students from Indian River State College and Florida State University, which proves to be a meaningful learning experience for all concerned. Some of our students have even returned back to Council on Aging of St. Lucie, Inc. on a volunteer basis.

In Palm Beach County DOSS’s volunteer program promotes volunteer services by and for older persons in congregate meal site locations, day care locations, senior centers; as well as in-home companionship. Also in Palm Beach County The Volen Center seniors can volunteer for many jobs from assisting in the dining site to calling Bingo. The Volen Center also has a thriving child day care program that operates as an intergenerational day care. Seniors and children are encouraged to interact and programming centers around the activities that the two generations can enjoy together.

a. In Okeechobee County, Okeechobee Senior Services promotes issues important to seniors and helps ensure senior representation on State and local decision making groups. OSS will continue to do this by presenting important issues to the Board of Okeechobee County Commissioners and they in turn to the county’s lobbyist. Once a month Senator Tom Rooney’s representative comes to the Okeechobee Courthouse to hear issues.

Okeechobee Senior Services promotes and encourages lifelong learning, volunteerism and other pursuits that help seniors to be actively engaged in their community through liaisons with the Retired Seniors Volunteer program as well as Indian River State college.

Okeechobee Senior Services also seeks collaborative opportunities with community and faith-based organizations to enhance the resources and services of the aging network, OSS already has working relationships with many of the churches in this regard.

Okeechobee Senior Services promotes volunteer services by and for older persons, including the use of intergenerational activities that allow senior to “giveback” while exposing the younger generations to the values and wisdom seniors have to offer.

Okeechobee Senior Services facilitates efforts to create a supportive community for seniors to remain safely in their homes and actively participate in, contribute to, and enjoy community life.

Okeechobee Senior Services holds recognition events (Senior Volunteer Day) at the Senior Center and pursues other approaches to increase community awareness of the contributions Seniors make to the community.

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OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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GOAL 5: Promote planning and collaboration at the community level that recognize the benefits and needs of its aging population.

OBJECTIVE 5.2: Promote safe and affordable communities for elders that will benefit people of all ages

EXPLANATION: The intent of this objective is to encourage communities to incorporate elements of universal design into new construction and renovations of streets, sidewalks, and other common areas that will support an elder’s ability to age in place. Strategies should include the development of comprehensive health and support service systems; provide input regarding land use and transportation planning; the expansion of educational, employment, cultural, and recreational resources; and the promotion of active, caring, and inclusive communities that respect autonomy, informed decision-making, and empowerment of older adults.


Consumer Services Consultants will continue to participate on the Transportation Boards of all five counties in order to ensure that the needs of seniors are addressed.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue participation on the Accessible Transportation Coalition Initiative to ensure that the needs of seniors are met as part of the implementation of the Veteran’s Transportation and Community Living Initiative.

The Advisory Council will cultivate relationships and dialogue with at least 70% of PSA 9's municipal and county elected officials over three years regarding the needs of seniors, adults with disabilities and their caregivers with the goal of understanding local needs, gathering municipal and county resources for seniors and adults with disabilities and the role the Center can play to meet their other needs. Communications may take the form of e-mails, printed material, face-to-face meetings and public events.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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GOAL 6: Maintain effective and responsive management

OBJECTIVE 6.1: Promote and incorporate management practices that encourage greaterefficiency EXPLANATION: Best practice strategies may include internal monitoring, quality assurance, and performance-based standards and outcomes.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS: In a culture that thrives on teamwork and rewards innovation, dedication and creative thinking, the Center will continue to strive for superior customer service to each other and to our seniors, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers through our Centers of Excellence.

The Center will continue to focus on four values that we believe affect not only how we work internally as a team, but also how we relate with our community network partners and our external customers – the seniors and caregivers we serve every day.These values are:

Humility Gratitude/Appreciation Respect Responsibility/Accountability

Accepting and practicing these core values in our daily lives – in how we conduct ourselves in the work place as well as in the community lays the foundation for teamwork which is key in achieving excellence.

The Planning & Consumer Care Center of Excellence realizes that we and our aging network partners have the mutual goal of responsibility/accountability to the consumers for whom we care. We share a goal of system improvement where all parties appreciate the efforts, ideas and suggestions of the others.

The HR center of excellence continually works with the leadership team to ensure our performance management system incorporates not only accomplishments, but continuous quality improvement activities and is values driven.

Fiscal and Planning and Consumer Services will continue to measure timeliness and quality of contracts/ amendments and search for quality improvement opportunities.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue tracking the errors on CIRTS reports to strive to improve provider accuracy.

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Volunteer Programs will endeavor to reach outcome measures developed in accordance with funder specifications and to adhere to continual improvement methodologies.

Compliance Officer will continue to perform internal reviews of all Centers of Excellence to ensure standards and desired outcomes are met and recommend continual improvement strategies.

Healthy Living will develop and implement an internal monitoring tool for all evidence-based workshops.

Healthy Living will implement a tracking system for evidence-based workshops to determine if internal and contractual outcomes are being met.

Elder Rights will continue to maintain the accuracy of the new CRM database and implement enhancements as they are identified.

IT will develop a checklist and/or plan to improve the quality of IT project implementation

IT will implement customer satisfaction surveys for each IT project that directly affect customers.

In order to promote and incorporate management practices that encourage greater efficiency our contracted service providers have included the following strategies in their service provider applications.

Case managers will complete required case management tasks as per DOEA Programs and Services Handbook.

Case managers will continue to seek available resources appropriate for each consumer to include use of consumer’s financial resources to support their care, informal and family support, private pay services, VA assistance, faith based services, Medicare and Medicaid; as well as CCE,ADI,HCE, services when funding permits.

Case managers will assist consumers by providing information or by making referrals to appropriate resources in the community including the Aging and Disabled Resource Center, CARES, Department of Children and Families, Veteran Affairs.

Outcome Reports will be provided to Your Aging Resource Center monthly.After each monthly report cycle, the Council on Aging of St. Lucie, Inc.’s Chief Operating Officer will meet with all departments to review and discuss service delivery

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trends, achievement levels, surplus/deficit reports, community outreach, projections, department issues, etc.

Providers will monitor expenditures on a monthly basis.

Providers will perform internal monitoring of vendors.

Providers will continue on-going quality assurance of vendors and programs through surveys, and performance-based standards and outcomes for staff.

Providers will utilize internal monitoring, quality assurance, and performance based standards and outcomes.

Providers will identify alternate resources for funding.

Providers will support the use of electronic records and electronic data.

Providers will increase access to assistive devices and technology through education about sources for assistance and developing collaborations.

Providers will advocate for and work toward increasing the quality of care.

At The Volen Center quality assurance efforts will focus on (a) accuracy of collection and entry of data in paper files and both the Center’s internal MIS system and in CIRTS, (b) timely assessment and reassessment, and (c) comprehensive record keeping.

The Volen Center will maintain and improve internal reporting mechanisms designed to track and evaluate expenditure of all funds, regardless of source, but with a particular emphasis on utilizing DOEA and County-provided funds more effectively.

Program related cost-benefit analyses will be conducted at The Volen Center on a regular basis to determine the appropriateness of continuing to offer programs.

Additionally, the plan for any new undertaking at The Volen Center will incorporate a cost/benefit analysis that evaluates staff and materials expense, marketing costs, overhead, and other expenses versus income/funding. If a program cannot pay for itself, the decision to allow it to operate at break even or a loss must be conscious and can be made only by the President/CEO.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 6.2: Effectively manage state and federal funds to ensure consumers’ needs are met and funds are appropriately spent

EXPLANATION: The intent of this objective is for all state and federal funds to be spent, as well as to identify alternate resources for funding. In addition, the intent is for the funds to be spent on those populations for which the funds were intended.


Consumer Services Consultants will continue to request and review providers’ submission of DOEA required targeting reports.

Consumer Services Access Manager, Fiscal staff, and Consumer Services Consultants will continue to jointly meet on the surplus/deficit reports in order to ensure timely addition of consumers to address budget surpluses.

Consumer Services Consultants will implement the Encumbrance Analysis Report with providers in order to measure prescribed costs and project budget surpluses and deficits.

RSVP and Healthy Living will strive to procure in-kind donations in support of program objectives.

Elder Rights Center will continue to seek private and public funding.

Elder Rights will explore the feasibility of collaborating with PSA 10 and PSA 11 regarding projects of common interest that will maximize current resources and generate alternate sources of funding.

Our contracted service providers have included the following strategies in their service provider applications to effectively manage state and federal funds to ensure consumers’ needs are met and funds are appropriately spent.

Providers hold meetings bi-weekly to monthly to monitor DOEA-funded program expenditures; add new consumers as funding permits; and ensure that funds are spent on those populations for which the funds were intended.

Prior to accessing funded services, case managers will explore the use of alternative funding sources including Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, private insurance, other community resources and private pay.

Prior to a home visit, new consumers are contacted by phone to review program

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eligibility and requirements.

Inactive cases will be closed in a timely fashion to allow for new enrollments.

New consumers with a 701B ranking of three (3) or higher will receive services. Consumers with a ranking of less than three (3) will be returned to the wait list to ensure that only those individuals at the highest risk level receive services.

Providers will minimize or reduce cost of care by focusing on improving efficiency while maintaining or improving quality.

Care managers must be specially trained to provide consumer-driven services.

At The Volen Center the Vice President and department directors continually work with staff to refine statistical reports that summarize program activities and that support The Volen Center survey efforts. These reports will include number of actions taken by category, number of consumers served by service, and so forth. Existing reports will be reviewed and refined.

Quality of documentation, adherence to file structure and content requirements, timeliness of activity and documentation, and other aspects of staff performance related to accuracy of reporting of consumer issues and compliance with contractual requirements are critical to ensuring that The Volen Center meets its contractual obligations.

Quality Assurance Coordinators at The Volen Center maintain a record of monitoring results by staff members and monitor improvement and issues that need to be addressed and may provide feedback for training purposes. Also, when patterns of incorrect documentation are seen across two or more staff members, the Quality Assurance Coordinators may request a special training session for all staff, review existing training content, or recommend a procedural change in order to improve quality management and appropriate expenditure of funds.



Average time in the Community Care for the Elderly program for Medicaid Waiver

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probable customers

DOEA Internal Performance Measures: Percent of co-pay goal achieved Percent of increase in providers participating in the Adult Care Food Program Percent of state and federal funds expended for consumer services (Standard: 100%)

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 6.3: Ensure that providers continue to strengthen the disaster preparedness plans to address specific needs of elders

EXPLANATION: Strategies may include the development of formal agreements with local, state, and federal entities that provide disaster relief and recovery. Consideration should also be given to the planning and identification of consumer needs and the availability of special needs shelters in times of disaster.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS: Consumer Services Consultants will ensure that local service providers adhere to disaster preparedness requirements in the DOEA Programs and Services manual to include:

formulating a written disaster/emergency response plan which includes a CEMP, a COOP and a Pandemic Annex which must be reviewed and revised no less than annually and must be submitted to the Center Consumer Services Consultants by May 1st of each year.

designating an Emergency Coordinating Officer for their service area and provide their contact information (home phone, cell phone, e-mail) information to the Consumer Services Consultants by May 1st of each year.

assisting at-risk consumers to register with the Special Needs Registry of local emergency management agencies.

Maintaining an emergency contact list for their staff. maintaining an updated call down list of consumers. developing a procedure for receiving referrals from other service agencies;

conducting outreach; and delivering services to older Floridians, other than existing consumers, needing emergency relief assistance.

Consumer Services Consultants will review annually Palm Beach County Local Service Providers assignment of staff to EOAs in order to understand their planned participation to ensure that elder residents other than their consumers receive disaster assistance as coordinated through local officials.

Consumer Services Consultants will familiarize themselves with the Treasure Coast Lead Agencies working relationships with local emergency management personnel to understand how they ensure that elder residents other than their consumers receive disaster assistance as coordinated through local officials.

The PSA ECO and any back-ups will assist PSA 9 providers in the coordination

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of efforts to outreach, initiate and maintain services to all persons 60 years of age and older after the emergency including those seniors who were not previously consumers of the service provider network and who did not require services prior to the disaster. This assistance will be rendered according to each county's own recovery plan and the procedures set forth through the local Emergency Support Functions. This will enable the Center to continue and expand operations after a disaster.

OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 6.4: Accurately maintain the Client Information and Registration Tracking System (CIRTS) data EXPLANATION: The intent of this objective is to ensure that data is entered accurately in CIRTS and that data is updated in a timely manner as to reflect changes. Strategies may include comparisons of CIRTS data to information in client files to verify the accuracy of CIRTS data and the provision of training and ongoing technical assistance to ensure employees understand how to use CIRTS.

STRATEGIES/ACTION STEPS: Consumer Services Consultants will continue quarterly consumer file reviews to evaluate providers’ CIRTS data accuracy.

Consumer Services Consultants will provide technical assistance to providers regarding the requirement that the CIRTS Care Plan Inquiry screen is updated annually.

Consumer Services Consultants will review with providers the DOEA findings regarding inconsistency in CIRTS Received Services with services prescribed on the care plan.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue to work with providers to keep accurate information using the Medicaid Waiver Clean-up Report.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue to work with providers to improve the quality of the Medicaid Waiver Timeline Report.

Consumer Services Consultants will continue to run the APS Exception Report to identify ARTT Referrals In CIRTS But Not ARTT and ARTT Referrals In ARTT But Not CIRTS.

Fiscal will accurately maintain the contract data (unit rates) in CIRTS.

IT will require providers to run monitoring reports on a set schedule and to update data within a set time frame.

IT will perform a CIRTS/REPORTS quarterly highlight to educate providers about available reports and how to use them.

Our contracted providers included the following strategies in their service

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provider applications to accurately maintain the Client Information and Registration Tracking System (CIRTS) data.

Both data entry personnel and case managers compare CIRTS data to patient file to verify CIRTS data is accurate.

Providers attend CIRTS meetings provided by Your Aging Resource Center.

The Council on Aging of St. Lucie has two members of staff trained as Program Information Data Analyst (PIDA’s) which represents a primary and an alternate. Both positions are filled with staff members who have a minimum of 7 years each of hands-on CIRTS experience. They both posses the skills and knowledge needed to accurately input all required assessment information, care plans, enrollment data, all DOEA status and termination codes, Protective Service Referral requirements for CIRTS and all reporting procedures for CCE, ADI, HCE, OAA along with that of Medwaiver, the Assisted Living Waiver and EHEAP. Their training and experience also enables them to be responsive and prompt to the Center and DOEA inquiries and directives.

The Council on Aging of St. Lucie also maintains a comprehensive and current Operations and Procedures Manual for CIRTS created by our lead Analyst that would assist in the transition to new staffing.

DOSS has developed reports in database to assure the information in CIRTS is up to date. These reports are run on a daily basis by clerical the staff that updates CIRTS.

a. Okeechobee Senior Services will continue supervisory and peer file review processes to help ensure data integrity, consumer satisfaction and correct implementation of program requirements.

The Volen Center has plans to develop more specific quantitative guidelines for initial entry errors; refine the process for reviewing data entry as entered and in proof stages; track error rates by source of entry and develop specific intervention steps to address performance at the source.

All providers run a variety of CIRTS reports monthly to identify any discrepancies or data variances that might indicate a problem.

Providers would like to work with The Center to develop additional ad hoc CIRTS reports, as needed that will help to further identify any potential errors in CIRTS.

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OUTCOMES:

OUTPUTS:

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OBJECTIVE 6.5: Promote volunteerism by and for older people when possible

EXPLANATION: The intent of this objective is twofold: 1) detail how incorporating volunteers might extend the AAA’s capacity to provide services and 2) promote the benefit of elder volunteers to other entities who also provide services. Strategies may include the collection and use of “Best Practices” volunteer programs that enhance local services. Activities to recruit elders as volunteers should also be discussed.


RSVP Center of Excellence will partner with the faith-based community to recruit minority volunteers. Recruitment of additional consumers in need of service will be obtained through public service announcements (PSA's), and letters to the Center’s partner organizations encouraging them to refer consumers that could benefit from our volunteer services. The PSAs will also encourage those aged 55+ to volunteer through the RSVP program with the opportunity of being placed at partner stations.

For existing volunteers, we will implement 1) quarterly in-service/learning experiences meetings to keep current volunteers engaged 2) a RSVP Ambassador Prototype Program to afford Lead Volunteers the opportunity to share the experience with other prospective volunteers.

Volunteer recruitment is done continually through outreach, use of volunteer match and other methods that will be included in this item. Best practices nationally are already collected through CNCS.

RSVP Areas of impact that extend services include senior citizen assistance; addressing food insecurity and mentoring. Partnerships already exist through the RSVP stations including lead agencies (in PBC and Okeechobee).Healthy Aging Evidence Based Prevention training will be delivered by senior volunteer coaches and trainers to train seniors in the PSA. The services will be provided by bi-lingual coaches allowing us to serve OAA targeted communities.

Advocacy services for elder crime victims will be provided by trained senior volunteer advocates.

Trained senior volunteers will make community presentations to seniors regarding elder rights.

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One-on-one Medicare counseling will be provided by trained SHINE volunteers.

Community education on all Medicare-related topics will be provided by trained SHINE volunteers.

Among our providers the following strategies are included in their service provider applications to promote volunteerism by and for older people when possible.

Recruit senior volunteers through media, word of mouth, networking and through the organization’s website.

Council on Aging of St. Lucie, Inc. will continue their initiatives to enable volunteers to contribute time, energies and talents that help fulfill the organization’s mission. Volunteers extend and augment the work of paid staff. Their skills, professionalism and time bring new insights, energy and assistance to the existing workforce. Volunteers provide support in direct services, kitchen aides, CNA’s, Receptionists, Office Support, and companions. Volunteers are viewed as extensions of Council on Aging professional and paid staff.

Council on Aging of St. Lucie, Inc. seeks elder volunteers for their talents and experience that engage older adults in tasks at improving their social conditions. Council on Aging currently solicits volunteers through community support organizations i.e. United Way of St. Lucie, Volunteer St. Lucie, Inc., and AARP. Volunteers are supported through supervision, training, and various levels of incentives.

DOSS promotes volunteerism by and for older people when possible by incorporating volunteers in both in-facility and in-home to provide services; incorporating volunteers in Senior Centers; and recruiting elders as volunteers through the Senior Centers and Community Outreach presentations.

Okeechobee Senior Services plans to work with the Okeechobee School Superintendent to explore the possibility of having middle school volunteer hours count for credit toward Bright Futures scholarship requirements.

Okeechobee Senior Services will also work with the Okeechobee School Superintendent to implement an intergenerational program that would benefit seniors and children.

Okeechobee Senior Services plans to collaborate with RSVP to increase community involvement through volunteer initiatives.

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The Volen Center is an active member of DOV. This assists the Center in networking with different agencies to recruit volunteers to perform all different tasks for the Center.

The Volen Center also partners with the RSVP program at Your Aging Resource Center to provide volunteers to the The Volen Center.

The Volen Center offers a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and functions throughout the year to recognize the volunteers for the work that they do to contribute to the Center’s overall functioning.

Every 6 months a mandatory volunteer educational training is held to keep the volunteers current on the Volen Center’s volunteer policies.

The Volen Center also has a volunteer advocacy program. These volunteers advocate at the local, county, and state levels for seniors issues. This promotes senior involvement in the community and also promotes volunteerism. The Volen Center is able to communicate issues to local and state lawmakers and advocate for senior needs thus enhancing senior services.

OUTCOMES: DOEA Internal Performance Measures:

Develop strategies for the recruitment and retention of volunteers

OUTPUTS:

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DIRECT SERVICE WAIVER REQUESTS

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DIRECT SERVICE WAIVER REQUEST FORM

Insert completed forms for each direct service waiver request. It is not necessary to submit waiver requests for outreach, information and assistance, and referral, as the state has a statewide waiver for these services.

OAA Title: [ ] III-B [ ] III-C1 [ ] III-C2 [X ] III-D1 [ ] III-D2 [ ] III-E

Service: Diabetes Self Management Program - English DSMP

Section 307(a)(8) of the Older Americans Act provides that services will not be provided directly by the State Agency or an Area Agency on Aging unless, in the judgment of the State agency, it is necessary due to one or more of the three provisions listed below.

I. Please select the basis for which the waiver is requested (more than one may be selected).

[ X ] (i) provision of such services by the State agency or the Area Agency on Aging is necessary to assure an adequate supply of such services;

[ ] (ii) such services are directly related to such State agency’s or Area Agency on Aging’s administrative functions; or

[X ] (iii)such services can be provided more economically, and with comparable quality, by such State agency or Area Agency on Aging.

II. Provide a detailed justification for the waiver request. Currently there are only two providers (that we are aware of) in our planning and service area that provide the above requested services (and one is not senior specific and the second one only serves two of our five counties). Your Aging Resource Center currently provides evidence-based services and the services listed above would further expand the choices of needed evidence-based services offered to elders in our planning and service area. Your Aging Resource Center will continue to utilize trained volunteers

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and partnerships to maximize the delivery of these services in a cost efficient manner. An adequate supply and an array of choices of evidenced-based services will enable Your Aging Resource Center to achieve a greater impact on the health of the seniors in PSA 9.

III. Provide documentation of the public hearing held to gather public input on the proposal to directly provide service(s).

Your Aging Resource Center held a public hearing on October 1, 2012, at 2:00 PM at Your Aging Resource Center located at 4400 N. Congress Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33407. The hearing was noticed in Florida Administrative Weekly Issue Vol. 38/No. 37 dated September 14, 2012. Legal notices were published in local newspapers in Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties on September 17, 2012. The formal notice of the public hearing encouraging attendance by providers, seniors and other interested parties was sent to Older Americans Act Providers on September 14, 2012. The hearing was also announced via an e-mail invitation from Your Aging Resource Center's Planner with the formal notice of public hearing to an extensive partner list, the Board of Directors and Advisory Council on September 14, 2012.

Each service that Your Aging Resource Center is proposing to provide as a direct service was discussed by staff at the public hearing. Insert results of public hearing here. For example: No oral comments were made, and only one written comment was received at the first hearing. No written comments were received during the week following the hearing that was provided for individuals to have ample opportunity to submit their comments. The written comment received at the first hearing was a compliment on the presentation that was unrelated to direct service provision.

A total of ____ individuals attended the public hearing, including _____ AAA staff members, ___ private citizens (including ____ Board of Directors members and ______ Advisory Council members) and _______ service providers.

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Service: Matter of Balance - MOB- English






II. Provide a detailed justification for the waiver request. Currently there is no other provider (that we are aware of) in our planning and service area that provides the above requested services. Your Aging Resource Center currently provides evidence-based services and the services listed above would further expand the choices of needed evidence-based services offered to elders in our planning and service area. Your Aging Resource Center will continue to utilize trained volunteers and partnerships to maximize the delivery of these services in a cost efficient manner. An

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adequate supply and an array of choices of evidenced-based services will enable Your Aging Resource Center to achieve a greater impact on the health of the seniors in PSA 9.


Your Aging Resource Center held a public hearing on October 1, 2012, at 2:00 PM at Your Aging Resource Center located at 4400 N. Congress Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33407. The hearing was noticed in Florida Administrative Weekly Issue Vol. 38/No. 37 dated September 14, 2012. Legal notices were published in local newspapers in Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties on September 17, 2012. The formal notice of the public hearing encouraging attendance by providers, seniors and other interested parties was sent to Older Americans Act Providers on September 14, 2012. The hearing was also announced via an e-mail invitation from Your Aging Resource Center's Planner with the formal notice of public hearing to an extensive partner list, the Board of Directors, and Advisory Council on September 14, 2012.



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Service: Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance - English






II. Provide a detailed justification for the waiver request. Currently there is no other provider (that we are aware of) in our planning and service area that provides the above requested services. Your Aging Resource Center currently provides evidence-based services and the services listed above would further expand the choices of needed evidence-based services offered to elders in our planning and service area. Your Aging Resource Center will continue to utilize trained volunteers and partnerships to maximize the delivery of these services in a cost efficient manner. An

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adequate supply and an array of choices of evidenced-based services will enable Your Aging Resource Center to achieve a greater impact on the health of the seniors in PSA 9.





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Service: Chronic Disease Self Management Program- CDSMP - English






II. Provide a detailed justification for the waiver request. Currently there are only two providers (that we are aware of) in our planning and service area that provide the above requested services (and one is not senior specific and the second one only serves two of our five counties). Your Aging Resource Center currently provides evidence-based services and the services listed above would further expand the choices of needed evidence-based services offered to elders in our planning and service area. Your Aging Resource Center will continue to utilize trained volunteers and partnerships to maximize the delivery of these services in a

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cost efficient manner. An adequate supply and an array of choices of evidenced-based services will enable Your Aging Resource Center to achieve a greater impact on the health of the seniors in PSA 9.





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Service: Physical Fitness - English - Stanford Model - Evidenced Based






II. Provide a detailed justification for the waiver request. Currently we are not aware of any providers in our planning and service area that provide the above requested service. Your Aging Resource Center currently provides evidence-based services and the services listed above would further expand the choices of needed evidence-based services offered to elders in our planning and service area. Your Aging Resource Center will continue to utilize trained volunteers and partnerships to maximize the delivery of these services in a cost efficient manner. An adequate supply and an array of choices of evidenced-based services will enable

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Your Aging Resource Center to achieve a greater impact on the health of the seniors in PSA 9.





Documents

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