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Aging & Disability Resource Consortiums. The Massachusetts Experience. February 14, 2007 San Diego Long Term Care Integration Project. Overview. Brief History Key Factors to Success From Pilot to Expansion What Have We Learned? Future Opportunities. Brief History. 2003 ADRC Grantee
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Aging & Disability Resource Consortiums The Massachusetts Experience February 14, 2007San Diego Long Term Care Integration Project
Overview • Brief History • Key Factors to Success • From Pilot to Expansion • What Have We Learned? • Future Opportunities
Brief History • 2003 ADRC Grantee • “No Wrong Door” decentralized model • Key ADRC Partners: Independent Living Centers (ILCs) and Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs) • Regionalized approach • Initial pilot site in the Merrimack Valley • Third year expansion to the Greater North Shore region
Project Key Objectives • Enhance individual choice and support informed decision-making through the provision of comprehensive information and assistance about long-term support options • Provide seamless access to services for elders and persons with disabilities of all ages • Improve collaboration between ILCs and ASAPs • Decrease gaps in current services through joint advocacy and problem solving
Key Factors to Success • Support for project by executive leadership at State and local levels • EQUAL partnerships • Recognition that there are more similarities than differences • Agencies retain own autonomy, yet strengthen community presence through collaboration • Support of regional variation and ownership over model
Key Aspects of the Massachusetts Model • Cross-training of ASAP and ILC staff to enhance service delivery • Coordination and streamlining of key functions within existing organizations • “No Wrong Door” approach versus “Single Entry Point” • Involvement of consumers and community stakeholders as advisors
Key Partners: ASAPs and ILCsHow are they the same?How are they different?
Analysis of Similarities • Compatible vision and mission • Both serve populations who need functional assistance • Access to different arrays of services • Both local non-profits with local consumer-controlled boards • Various funding bases • ASAPs: Older Americans Act, EOEA, Medicaid, other state/local • ILCs: Title VII of Workforce Investment Act, State IL, other state/local
Similarities (Continued) • Use of core client-centered databases and management information systems • Commitment to serve individuals in the settings and manner of their choice • Commitment to divert and/or transition individuals out of institutions to home and community-based supports
How Does the ADRC Provide Services? • Initial Contact Streamlined!! Call, visit, or email either the ASAP or ILC for information, assistance and access to long-term services and supports • Staff provides home visits, advocacy, and program-specific information • Most services are free: Some require financial eligibility, or request a small donation
Why Collaborate? • It’s the right thing to do! • Increased access by consumer to broader array of options for living independently • Opportunity to advocate together on legislation and policies that enhance the ability of individuals to live independently in the community • Major federal initiative
Key for ADRC SuccessFirst Steps • Begin ASAP / ILC dialogue early • Involve senior leadership • Identify “champions” • Leave ASAP / ILC “hats” at the door • Begin cross training and information sharing
Key for ADRC SuccessSecond Steps • Enter Memorandums of Understanding • Facilitate “seamless” interagency communication • Reach out to other organizations for their involvement in ADRC • Invite consumer participation • Create advisory group(s)
What Have We Learned? • Early leadership buy-in is critical • Identify “champions” • Recognition that partnering is “the right thing to do” • Leave your “hat” at the door • Support regional variation and culture while remaining true to ADRC core functions • Importance of ongoing cross training • Cross agency communication and leadership is important-create a Management Team!
Parting Thoughts • ADRCs should be tailored to local conditions • Communication and trust are essential components • An ADRC is not a new organization, it is a NEW RELATIONSHIP of existing organizations • ADRC as the gateway to services
For more information • Heather Johnson-LamarcheADRC Project DirectorHeather.Johnson-Lamarche@hughes.net802-879-1338 • Sandy TocmanADRC Project Manager-Elder AffairsSandra.Tocman@state.ma.us617-222-7514