Supportive Housing Program & Partnerships Boston Senior Home Care

Today’s Agenda Program Overview Program Benefits Our Sites Newest Partnership -Health and Housing Lessons Learned Q & A

Program Overview What is Supportive Housing? An “assisted living type” model that provides services and supports to low income elders and disabled individuals in public and private housing complexes. Program focuses on building “community”, preserving tenancy, and providing support and resources to help residents age in place and remain independent for as long as possible.

Program Overview: Key Components On Site Coordinator in each building Enhanced case management On-site wellness RN (part time) Structured educational and social activities Evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs

Program Benefits for Residents Reduces isolation – provides opportunities for socialization Builds community Supports health and wellness Improved and more immediate access to care and services Helps people remain housed in the community and preserves tenancy

Our Sites First site launched in 2006 Currently total of 17 sites-mix of public and private funders 2 - State Funded (EOEA) 7 - Housing Authority 4 - Private Property Management Company 1 - Managed Care Provider 3 - through Hospital Partnership Mix of elderly and younger disabled residents

Newest Partnership with Hospital Connect to Wellness Health and housing collaboration with MGH Serves 3 buildings in Boston’s West End Three member team (part time basis): RN, SW, Resource Specialist Goal: Coordinate and support the heath and wellbeing of the residents

Connect to Wellness RN: SW: Resource Specialist: Program lead, office hours 1 x per week, no hands on care Counseling and advocacy to cope with everyday stresses of life/crisis Self management and health education Liaison and support to case managers Answers questions regarding health and medications Group discussions Helps residents to communicate with health providers Resource Specialist: Benefits assistance Links to services; translation, transportation set up Evidence based trainings

Lessons Learned Get the right amount of funding Scale your model based on funding Determine your value proposition Track & measure outcomes On-site person No cases & good customer service Get buy-in before you start! Build partnerships with property managers Clarify expectations with funder at the outset Program vs. Person

Q & A

For Discussion… If you currently have partnership(s) around service delivery in housing, can you name one or two best or promising practices of that partnership? Were there obstacles or challenges in developing partnerships? Are you willing to share your experience (plus/change) with others?