Supportive Housing Program Partnerships Boston Senior Home

Supportive Housing Program & Partnerships Boston Senior Home Care

Today’s Agenda § § § 2 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. 3

Program Overview: Key Components § § § 4 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 § § 5 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 6

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 7

Connect to Wellness RN: SW: § Program lead, office hours 1 x § Counseling and advocacy to cope per week, no hands on care § Self management and health education § Answers questions regarding health and medications § Helps residents to communicate with health providers with everyday stresses of life/crisis § Liaison and support to case managers § Group discussions Resource Specialist: § Benefits assistance § Links to services; translation, 8 transportation set up § Evidence based trainings

Lessons Learned 1. Get the right amount of funding • Scale your model based on funding 2. Determine your value proposition • Track & measure outcomes 3. On-site person • No cases & good customer service 9 4. Get buy-in before you start! 5. Build partnerships with property managers 6. Clarify expectations with funder at the outset 7. Program vs. Person

Q&A 10

For Discussion… 1. If you currently have partnership(s) around service delivery in housing, can you name one or two best or promising practices of that partnership? 2. Were there obstacles or challenges in developing partnerships? 3. Are you willing to share your experience (plus/change) with others? 11