On-site health coalition celebrates . rst year in LW

HEALTH RESOURCES

On June 20, 2022, a collaboration of Orange County health agencies—including the Council on Aging, Alzheimer’s OC, Adult Protective Services, Pathways and Meals on Wheels Long Beach—gathered together to announce their new roles as on-site providers for Leisure World residents.

Now, a year later, that collaboration’s impact has made broad impacts on the LW community. The Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Southern California is a nonprofit organization that provides information, programs and services that promote the independence, health and dignity of older adults.

In Leisure World, the Council on Aging has served 97 participants so far through its ReConnect program and case management services. The ReConnect program offers screenings, support services and counseling to those experiencing emotional challenges, loneliness and/or health barriers.

Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) AlzOC is a nonprofit that offers help with a variety of programs at no cost. With 40 years of experience helping people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, its services and programs are designed for people struggling with memory loss. Beyond that, it also provides supportive programs for caregivers, families and friends who face challenges caring and interacting with those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In the past year, AlzOC and their partners have worked tirelessly to help AlzOC implement a Memory Support Team (MST) here in Leisure World, which is set to begin its first series of educational classes later this month. The established Memory Support Team will provide home visits, memory screenings, home safety checks, medication reconciliation, and care planning to residents—all services that, at this time last year, could only be utilized through outside care providers.

The organization has also hired two Care Team navigators and two Korean-speaking volunteers from SoMang, who are currently undergoing training.

In just a year, the team has completed 39 memory screenings, 55 individual consultations, and reached 265 residents through workshops on brain health and more.

Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) serves senior adults, protecting them from abuse, neglect or exploitation. It also advocates for seniors who have been harmed or are at risk of harm and can provide crisis intervention.

APS worked investigates and focuses on remedying cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults 60 or older. They work closely with a wide range of allied professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers.

APS also has a vast list of community resources and can assist the elderly and their family members in developing individualized care plans. In Leisure World, social workers continue to work diligently to help those in need, and are particularly focused on preventing and remedying neglect, abuse and exploitation.

Pathways

Through its care navigation program, Pathways focuses on empowering residents to find solutions that will help them remain safe and independent in their homes for as long as possible, while ensuring they have a care team to help them along the way. This team includes social workers, nursing students and volunteers.

In just one year, Pathways has made a hefty impact. The organization has served 170 shareholders, completed 124 individual cases with navigation and case management, completed 10 individual cases with finding hospice or an advocate, and helped 32 individuals with bereavement.

Pathways also started a friendly visitor program in LW, with 26 friendly visitor volunteers, all of whom are Leisure World residents. These trained volunteers can visit or call isolated older and disabled adults on a weekly basis.

Pathways case managers and social workers continue to work with LW residents to provide full in-home assessment and client care programs, as well as linking residents to additional services.

Meals on Wheels Long

Beach

Meals on Wheels Long Beach, which provides healthy food to seniors in need, has helped 12 low-income shareholders and eight others with meal service. The Meals on Wheels Long Beach team currently serves 100 shareholders.

Golden Age Foundation

The Golden Age Foundation offers a constellation of support throughout Leisure World. The nonprofit volunteer group has been serving the community for 50 years with a variety of programs designed to enhance LW living.

Golden Rain Foundation

None of this would be possible without the GRF, which provided space, equipment and budget resources to get the onsite collaboration started.

In the past year, the collaborators have been laser focused on their goal: to help each resident thrive safely and successfully in the comfort of their own homes.

For Assistance

To set up an appointment with a social worker, call Robann Arshat at 562-431-6586, ext. 317.

For immediate help, contact:

• Council on Aging: 714-479-- 0107, www.coasc.org

• Alzheimer’s OC: 949-9559000,

www.alzoc.org/services

• Adult Protective Services: 800-451-5155 (24 hours)

• Golden Age Foundation: 562- 431- 9589, www. goldenagefdn. org

• Meals on Wheels Long Beach: 562-439-5000, ext. 1

• Pathways: 562-531-3031, www.pathwayshospice.org