Community Resources

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Locating & Accessing Community Resources & Services
Locating & Accessing Community Resources & Services 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Locating & Accessing Community Resources & Services

By Robert Goodman, MSW

“I need help and I don’t know where to turn!” Where would you begin to look if you needed help for a loved one? There are many government and community-based services available to assist children; older adults; people with mental, developmental, or physical disabilities; and caregivers. Finding them and accessing their services is often where the difficulty begins. How do I begin the search?

 

ORGANIZE RECORDS

  1. Personal Records

Name, address, dates of birth/marriage/divorce/death of spouse, children’s contact info, social security number, birth certificate, identification cards, etc. Military service: branch, dates of duty, date and type of discharge.

  1. Legal Documents

Attorney name/contact info, living will, healthcare surrogate, will/trust, power of attorney.

  1. Medical Records
  • Doctors names (including specialty) and contact information.
  • Chronic health issues /acute illness/surgeries/injuries , symptom/diagnosis dates, doctors/clinics/hospitals that treated the condition.
  • Tests beyond those done as part of routine checkup (x-rays, cat scan, MRI, blood work) with dates, doctors, and location.
  • Medications (pharmaceutical/over-the-counter) strength, dosage, frequency, date of first Rx, pharmacy name and contact information.
  • Food/drug allergies, past drug reactions
  • Identify what to do in a medical emergency: Emergency contact info, hospital name and contact info, doctors/family members/friends contact information.
  1. Health Insurance File

Policy numbers ID cards, agent contact info, brochures/literature for health insurance: Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental, Medigap, Private, Major Medical.

  1. Financial
  • Taxes, insurance policies, will/trust, investments, financial advisers/brokers/accountants contact info
  • Organize bills and receipts by category:

Medical (health condition, doctors, tests, hospitals stays, medications, insurance),    professional services (lawyer/    account              ant). List bill paying info: provider, service      and dates, date paid by insurance, etc.

  • Add the following forms of income: Wages, social security, SSI, pension, annuities, stock dividends, IRA, bonds, mutual funds, health savings account, rental income, royalties, IRA, interest, etc.

Total Monthly Income =  $________

  • Add the following assets: home/rental/other property value, cars, burial policy, life insurance type/value, collectibles, antiques, personal belongings, etc.

    Total Value of Assets = $________

  • Add the following monthly expenses: mortgage, rent, maintenance fees, assessments, utilities, landline/cell phone, custodial care (yard work, cleaning), food, clothing, transportation, taxes, insurance (homeowners, rental, life, long term, health, auto), unreimbursed medical expense including medication, special needs care, transportation, durable medical equipment, gifts/charitable contributions, professional services (legal/accounting), etc.

Total Monthly Expenses = $________

  • Add the following examples of debt: home mortgage, other property, car/other loans, credit cards, etc.

Total Debt = $________

 

DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF HELP IS NEEDED

Make a list of the things the person can or cannot do and who is available to help, with what, and how often.

Needs Assessment Can the person:

__ Take medication on time and in the

correct dosage

__ Go shopping for food and clothing

__ Visit friends or drive a car

__ Travel by bus or taxi

__ Do light housekeeping

__ Do heavy housekeeping

__ Do the laundry

__ Do yard work

__ Afford to pay the bills

__ Write checks and pay bill efficiently

__ Take care of legal matters

__ Maintain personal cleanliness

__ Get dressed

__ Use the toilet

__ Sleep through the night

__ Safely use the stairs & outdoor steps

__ Look up telephone numbers and make     calls without help

__  Be safely left alone

WHERE DO I FIND THE SERVICES I NEED?

  1. Florida Health & Social Services Navigator Resource Guide (this publication) and other health and social services resource guides
  2. Internet (do a “Google” or other search engine search)
  3. Library
  4. White/Yellow Pages
  5. Information & Referral/Crisis Helplines (ie, 2-1-1)
  6. City/county/state/federal government
  7. Area Agencies on Aging
  8. Hospital social work/case management departments
  9. Community health fairs/expos
  10. Religious institutions
  11. Referrals from friends, relatives, and colleagues.

 

WHAT DO I DO AFTER I HAVE LOCATED A PARTICULAR SERVICE?

Once services are located, it’s important to learn about the services and how they can address the needs of the person who needs help.

 

A valuable place to learn about services prior to making phone calls is to visit the agency/organization’s website. Read through the services and information described and take notes. The information you glean may be enough for you to know this agency or program isn’t what you’re looking for or on the other hand, it may sound like a perfect match. Narrowing down your choices this way without having to make numerous phone calls saves a lot of time and energy. Doing an internet search also provides prior knowledge about the agency, which is very convenient to have in advance of placing a call to them.

 

Although some services and programs can be applied for online, others should be contacted by phone.

 

PRIOR TO CALLING AN AGENCY FOR

SERVICE

  1. Determine your goals: What services does the person need? Be clear about the services you’re looking for by putting your goals and questions in writing.
  2. Make a list of agencies you want to call.
  3. Have your previously organized records near the phone for reference. Having quick access to answers will save you frustration, time, and money.
  4. Have a notebook and pen ready for taking notes—don’t use small scraps of paper that could easily be lost. Do role playing to calm nerves.

 

CALLING THE AGENCY

A Sample Script
“My name is ________. I am caring for ________ who is my ________. I need ________. The hours I need this help are ________. Can you help me?”

If the answer is no, ask “Can you give me another name or agency to call?” If the answer is yes, ask “What services do you provide? What are the costs and how are they paid? Eligibility requirements? How long must we wait to get services? Can you send a brochure and application? What is your website address? Can you do an intake over the phone? To whom am I speaking? Do I need to speak to anyone else?”

Tips When Speaking with the Agency

  1. Try to call in the morning.
  2. Describe exactly what you need, when you need it, and any limitations you may have in paying for the service. Ask about services, fees, eligibility requirements, waiting lists, for their website address , and to send you a brochure.
  3. Interview the agency; ask lots of questions. Determine by their demeanor and response if this would be the appropriate agency to fill the need.
  4. Call several agencies to compare.
  5. Keep good notes, including the name and number of the agency, the person you spoke to, additional phone numbers and/or email address, website, questions and responses, and names and contact info of additional agencies you were referred to.
  6. Enlist the support of those you are calling; don’t put them on the defensive.
  7. Be persistent and patient—it may take many calls to get the services you want.
  8. Be assertive—call back and ask for a supervisor if you are not satisfied with the answers or advice. Document date, time, and contents of call, and file a complaint with appropriate funding agency, better business bureau, or chamber of commerce.
  9. If denied services, ask how to appeal. You have the right to a written decision.

 

DENIALS AND APPEALS

  • Make a log of all correspondence and phone calls regarding denials. Include dates and names of people. When did you receive notice of the denial? How did you receive notification of the denial?
  • Most programs and insurance plans have a formal grievance procedure. Get the procedure in writing and follow through (see DCF Fair Hearings page 16, Medicare Appeals page 24, and Social Security Appeals page 29).

ONCE SERVICES ARE APPROVED

  1. Develop a detailed file: name/contact info of agency, description of service, referrals of other services needed.
  2. Follow up to be sure the services are appropriate and are being provided for in an efficient and effective way.
  3. Document any gaps in service or prob-lems and follow up with agency to resolve problem.
  4. If gaps of service are due to budget or other cuts, advocate before your elected officials (see page 38). ◙

 

To request a workshop on Locating &

Accessing Community Resources, contact Robert Goodman, MSW at 561.245.7143 rgoodman@flnavigator.com

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How to Write a Community Resource Guide
How to Write a Community Resource Guide 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Resource guides enable people to have information at their fingertips about local services that may benefit them now or in the future. Material contained in a resource guide includes information on social services, government services and benefits and other important information. It is also a way of introducing your agency/services to the community.

There are many types of resource guides. Some are in print and some are online. Some speak to a specific population, like seniors or youth, and some are more general. Some cover a specific region, while others are statewide or nationwide. Internet resource guides are easier to update.

Resource guides that focus on the needs of older adults are important since our population is aging. More people are caring for aging parents, and caregivers need to know where to turn for help. Transportation may be limited for those who can no longer drive and they need to know how to get needed services. Many seniors do not have access to computers and a print resource guide would be more useful to them.

An Outline for Creating a Resource Guide

  1. What geographic area do you want to cover?
  2. What population group should the resource guide target?
  3. Content: How extensive should the information be that is included?
    1. Name of agency/organization and contact information
    2. Description of agency services and eligibility requirements
  4. Will it be in print format or online or both? While some people may need a print copy, an online version provides access to more people.
  5. If online, will visitors be able to click through to other websites?
  6. Who is available to help collect information and put materials for the resource guide together?
  7. What topics should be covered?
    1. Advocacy information. If the resource guide deals with health care you may want to include information that will enable to consumer to take charge of their health care or social service needs.
    2. Questions and answers about a particular topic
    3. Government services
    4. Government benefits and eligibility criteria
    5. Local business services
    6. Elder abuse and neglect resources
    7. Domestic violence resources
    8. A list of important phone numbers only
    9. Health related services and programs and operating hours
    10. Community programs and schedules
    11. Information on local, state or federal government
    12. Contact information for elected officials
    13. Advocacy information
    14. General information

Budgeting and Production

  1. Who will design the resource guide? Are there funds for a graphic designer?
  2. How many copies of the resource guide will be produced?
  3. What funds are available, from what resources
    1. Government
    2. Foundations
    3. Advertisers
      1. Health care providers
      2. Nursing homes and other adult facilities
  • Home care agencies
    1. Advertising rates?
    2. How will they be contacted?
    3. Who should receive payment and who should checks be made out to?
    4. What credit cards can be taken and how?
    5. Where should ads, payments, etc. be mailed to?
    6. Should a bank account for this project be separate?
  1. Are there grants available and who is available to write a grant
  2. Who will ultimately pay for printing and distribution?
  3. How will the resource guide be distributed?
    1. By mail (what is the cost?)
    2. By individuals who can give them out
  4. How will the resource guide be marketed?
    1. Who will design the marketing materials? How will it be paid for? How will word get out about the development of a resource guide?
      1. Press release
      2. Mailing
  • Email blast
  1. Social media
  1. Are there funds for printing and mailing the initial marketing materials?
  2. Press release to local media and community/organization newsletters
  3. Through the Chamber of Commerce
  4. At local meetings of the targeted group(s)
  5. Social media
  1. Resource guides need to be updated regularly. Be sure to double check and verify information to make sure phone numbers are correct, websites are accurate, etc.
  2. Finally, be sure the print edition or website is accessible to people with visual impairments as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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The Savvy Senior Driving Alternatives
The Savvy Senior Driving Alternatives 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
As our population ages, so does the number of older drivers. Some drivers outlive the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Cognitive and sensory losses are gradual and often the driver is unaware of the changes.
 
One of the hardest things in life to do is to give up driving. Giving up driving affects one’s independence and self-esteem.
 
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, the leading cause of injury-related deaths in 65-74 year olds are crash injuries. The second leading cause of injury related deaths (after falls) in 75-85 year olds are crash injuries. We read countless numbers of stories in the paper about older drivers who confuse the gas and brake pedals and crash into buildings or other people.
 
Poor vision, hearing, memory, and reaction time negatively affect one’s ability to drive. The most radical increase of at-risk crashes comes with medical conditions which impact cognitive skills. Co-piloting does not help.
 
When driving affects one’s own safety and the safety of others, it is time to stop driving. Indicators that it might be time to stop driving include confusing the brake and gas pedals, getting lost, near misses or multiple accidents, stopping in traffic for no reason, confusion at exits, parking inappropriately, hitting curbs, driving at inappropriate speeds, delayed responses to unexpected situations,  not anticipating dangerous situations, or forgetting how to start the car or where things are on the car dashboard.
 
One of the main fears of someone faced with giving up driving is loss of independence. Prepare now for the time when it may be necessary to give up driving. List your regular transportation needs and the modes of transportation available in our community. Compare your transportation needs with your transportation alternatives and the cost of driving and maintaining your car with the cost of alternative transportation.
 
There are programs in our community that can help one evaluate his/her ability to drive safely. Florida Atlantic University Memory Wellness Center has a driver safety evaluation program. For information call 561.297-0502. Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital has a similar program. For information call 561.495-3634. AARP sponsors a driver safety program. For locations in this area call 888-2277669 or log onto www.aarp.org/drive. Florida offers a non-drivers ID card to place the driver’s license as a photo ID. This is available at local Driver’s License bureaus.
 
Living in Century Village gives us many alternatives to driving. We have just acquired new wheelchair (and walker) accessible buses that take residents to local shopping centers, supermarkets, as well as the library. Schedules are available at the Clubhouse information desk.
 
The County’s Palm Tran bus #91 travels eastbound to Town Center Mall, Boca Community Hospital, Mizner Park, and other destinations every half hour. The westbound bus travels to Publix, West Boca Hospital, and Sandalfoot Square every hour. The 91 bus connects with other routes that go to the VA hospital and other destinations in Palm Beach County. On Mondays “The Link” travels to locations on 441, Jog Road, and  Kings Point. For bus route information contact Palm Tran at 877.930-4287.
 
Palm Tran Connection is a door-to-door service that transports people who cannot use public transportation to any location in Palm Beach County between Jupiter and Boca Raton. For an application contact Palm Tran Connection at 877.870-9849.
 
When driving safety becomes an issue, make a confidential report to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Florida law requires any physician, person or agency who knows of any licensed driver’s or applicant’s mental or physical disability that prevents him/her from driving safely should report this to the Florida Division of Driver’s Licenses at 850.617-3814 or fill out Form #72190 which can be found at www.flhsmv.gov/forms/72190.html. The report should be made in writing giving the full name, date of birth, address and a description of the alleged physical or mental disability of any person over 15 years of age that could affect the driving ability.  No civil action can be brought against any person who provides this information.
 
As a service to Century Village residents who give up driving, I am willing to familiarize them with local bus services. For information contact Robert Goodman at We Care at 487-2827.
 

Florida Navigator
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Robert Goodman, MSW

Location:

4037 Wolverton B
Boca Raton, FL 33434

Phone:

954-806-7321

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