PROMOTING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Recognizing the need to promote healthy aging communities, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) partnered with the Housing Authority County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) to enable residents to maintain independence and quality of life. Each year, LACDMH serves approximately 250,000 County residents of all ages. HACoLA owns and manages Public and Affordable Housing throughout Los Angeles County, housing 6,396 low-income residents, of which 1,433 are older adults. As the population ages, LACDMH and HACoLA are focused on promoting healthy aging in place for older adults residing in Los Angeles County public housing. The two agencies collaborated to address the mental health needs of older adults, forming a partnership in February, 2017. LACDMH provides ongoing training for HACoLA employees, facilitates monthly consultation meetings for technical assistance, and co-located mental health providers at 13 HACoLA housing developments. Co-located providers offer engagement activities, mental health support and assessment, referral services, and health and wellness workshops. During the first year, LACDMH provided services for 300 older adults; facilitated 14 consultation calls resulting in discussion of 20 case scenarios; and, training for 290 HACoLA employees to strengthen their knowledge about early detection, signs and symptoms, and appropriate intervention for the older adult population.