Senior Services Redesign

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The senior citizen population of Anoka County has grown exponentially in the last decade and the rate of growth is anticipated to accelerate through 2030. In order to assist seniors in remaining safe and secure in the community, Anoka County Human Services has provided information and referral services and short term community intervention through our Senior Social Services staff. The county agency also provides mandatory protective and investigative services when a vulnerable adult (elderly or disabled) is alleged to have been a victim of maltreatment or neglect by themselves or others. These services have been stretched beyond capacity. In order to continue to protect its most vulnerable population, Anoka County Human Services was faced with finding a creative, effective, and cost effective manner to deliver services. In 2013 Anoka County Human Services analyzed where services were most heavily needed, contracted with community agencies to deliver services within the community, partnered with other county departments to coordinate and fund elder abuse investigation, and reallocated staff resources in order to respond timely to seniors and their families. This innovative and cost saving measure that makes use of partnering within the community, across governmental departments, and is enhanced through the use of technology has dramatically improved outcomes for seniors and their families.