|
 |
Burnaby Seniors Link
Reaching out to seniors. As a part of our ongoing commitment to connecting citizens to essential support services, Burnaby Community Connections, in affiliation with our network partners, is conducting pilot projects on an enhanced referral model.
Through these innovative projects, Burnaby seniors will experience improved access to information and increased assistance in reaching the support services.
+ Seniors & Support Services in Burnaby
+ Burnaby Seniors Link
+ Benefits of Burnaby Seniors Link
+ Future Modules
+ Preliminary Results
Seniors & Support Services in Burnaby
Currently, there are over 50 seniors support services operating in the City of Burnaby, including personal assistance inside and outside of the home, social and recreational opportunities, transportation, low-income housing options, and a variety of physical and mental health care support services.
However, this myriad of specialized support agencies can be difficult to navigate. Many times it is necessary for seniors to connect with several service agencies in order to obtain all of the support they require. This process can be complicated for individuals who experience increased challenges in their daily lives, including language barriers and physical restrictions.
According Statistics Canada the population of Burnaby residents over the age of 65 has grown from 25,955 (13% of total population) in 2001 to 28,140 (almost 14%) in 2006. More importantly, another 9,010 residents were between the ages of 60 to 64 in 2006, which will dramatically increase the senior’s population by 2010 (over 18%).
As this large proportion of Burnaby’s population reaches the golden years of their lives, they will undoubtedly require increased support from our community.
Compounding this rise in demand for service is the increasing isolation of seniors. While Burnaby service providers offer excellent support services to many seniors in our community, there are seniors who are disconnected from support due to various challenges in accessing these services.
Unfortunately, all too often, those isolated individuals who require assistance most are unaware of the support services available to them.
> back to the top
Burnaby Seniors Link
The Burnaby Seniors Link pilot projects are designed to act as a lifeline for many seniors who are on fixed incomes or who experience various limitations. The projects go beyond traditional methods of information referral as the system facilitates direct contact between support service providers and senior clients.
This is an improvement to the current limited referral process which requires clients to approach service providers unaided. While such a process may be empowering to some, there are many seniors who consider this task to be overwhelming.
With the initial pilot starting in August 2008, selected Burnaby residents over the age of 65 will be enrolling in Burnaby Seniors Link by completing a Client Profile and Needs Assessment with Burnaby Community Connections, through any one of our network partners, or on www.burnabycommunityconnections.com.
Burnaby Community Connections will then assess client’s requirements for service and refer the registration to the appropriate network partner. The partner will contact the client with the opportunity to complete any additional registration steps for the service they require.
> back to the top
Benefits of Burnaby Seniors Link
Clients will find Burnaby Seniors Link to be more responsive to their needs than traditional methods of referral. General benefits will include:
• Clients enjoy the ease and convenience of appropriate organizations contacting them to begin service.
• Confidentiality of personal information is guaranteed.
• Burnaby Community Connections will follow-up with clients to conduct a review of their experience, update their profile of needs, and coordinate with additional services if the client’s needs have changed.
• In the event that the required service is unavailable, Burnaby Community Connections will keep a record of client needs to assist in the development of future services.
• Service providers will be able to share information through a cross-agency case management system.
> back to the top
Future Modules
In addition to this initial pilot project, which will test the main features of the enhanced referral model, Burnaby Community Connections has launched an immigrant/newcomer module to build collaborations amongst senior and immigrant/newcomer serving agencies. This additional module will be piloted through 2009.
Upon proven success of these pilots, Burnaby Community Connections will explore the possibilities of extending such programs to other segments of the population in need.
> back to the top
Preliminary Results
Results for these pilot projects will be coming soon.
> back to the top
|
