OLDER ADULTS CAN RECEIVE HELP COORDINATING THEIR HEALTHCARE THROUGH THE ENHANCED CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Our Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program underscores yet another way Meals on Wheels Orange County offers more than a meal.
ECM builds on a shared goal: to holistically care for Orange County older adults living in certain senior housing communities, by helping them manage their health and well-being.
Older adults with multiple health diagnoses can find it especially difficult to manage their life and health alone. Consider a scenario where a senior lacks the ability to drive and has limited mobility. How do they then attend crucial medical appointments or follow-up visits? Moreover, if they struggle to obtain or prepare food safely, how can they ensure they receive proper nourishment?
Older adults who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness really struggle with these extra challenges. Sadly, an increasing number of Orange County older adults currently teeter on the brink of homelessness. According to California’s Homeless Data Integration System, between 2017 and 2021, individuals aged 55 and above emerged as the largest demographic seeking homelessness services in the state, an 84% increase.
“It can be complicated to maneuver the resources in the community. They are out there, but older people need assistance,” says ECM manager Annamel Medina. “The goal of ECM is to help a senior better manage their health and coordinate services like transportation, group therapy, and legal assistance.”
The result of this program? Older Orange County adults are staying healthier…in their homes… out of the hospital…and better connected to their community.
MARTHA’S JOURNEY: AN ECM TESTIMONIAL
MARTHA’S SITUATION:
Dizziness and fainting spells meant Martha felt worried to take the bus to her doctor. She’d often go straight to the hospital when she felt poorly, but these frequent visits weren’t addressing her root health problems—just costing quite a bit of money.
HOW ECM HELPED:
An ECM care coordinator arranged non-emergency medical transportation for Martha for all future appointments and helped her prepare good questions for her medical visit. The coordinator also helped her get approved for state food assistance, freeing up some of her income to focus on managing her health and remaining in her home.
Our Senior Nutrition programs are funding in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging and administered by the Orange County Office on Aging.
