Expediting Elder Care: A Community-Based Approach

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The In-home Supportive Services (IHSS), Public Authority Centralized Orientation and Enrollment (COrE) program is an innovative, mobile, community-accessible, one-stop service model designed to expedite the on-boarding of in-home caregivers by streamlining the state-mandated provider enrollment process. IHSS, a state-wide Medi-Cal program, allows elderly and disabled residents to remain safely in their homes. IHSS recipients usually suffer from advanced health problems, physical/other limitations, cognitive impairments and require assistance to live independently. In recognition of the critical need for care, COrE speeds new caregivers through each step in the enrollment process, ensuring that IHSS recipients obtain the care they need, and caregivers receive the payment they deserve with the least administrative delay. With COrE, the average time required to activate care and caregiver pay has decreased by 51% and is shorter than the time reported throughout the state. Through community partnerships with senior centers and libraries, COrE ensures that enrollment services are local and convenient. The use of mobile technology removes barriers to care activation and expands accessibility. COrE is delivered by a single, efficient, customer-focused, specialized team that is capable of processing six times the workload of county office-based staff. COrE results in safety through expedited elder care and caregiver pay.