United Aging and Disability Partnership

United Aging & Disability Partnership
Building Resilience & Resources to Live at Home

Good health is one of the most essential building blocks for a better life, but an increasing number of older adults and people with disabilities are not able to access vital medical services, eat healthy meals, and live out their lives with dignity and in good health.

PROBLEM
Seniors and people with disabilities want to live out their lives in their own homes but lack the resources to do so.

Why?
Many seniors have to choose between paying basic expenses and buying food. They lack access and mobility to needed services, and often do not know where to turn for help. Many are isolated in their own homes, with little supports.

·         The fastest growing population in Mercer County is frail elderly aged 85 and above.

·         The cost of a nursing home in New Jersey averages $85,000 a year, beyond the reach of most senior citizens who rely primarily on social security.

Solution
Nine partner agencies provide “no wrong door” wrap around care management services to seniors and people with disabilities so that they can remain in their own homes and age in place with dignity. People can access services through any of the agencies and receive as many services as they need in their own homes and with transportation provided.

Initiative Partners:

·         Jewish Family & Children’s Service – care management, emergency food, volunteer support

·         Enable – care management, home accessibility/modifications

·         Princeton Senior Resource Center – care management, volunteer support

·         Mercer Street Friends – nursing, home healthcare

·         Meals on Wheels of Trenton/Ewing – home delivered meals

·         Mount Carmel Guild –  nursing, home healthcare

·         Interfaith Caregivers of Trenton – volunteer home visitors

·         American Red Cross – home delivered meals

·         Greater Mercer TMA Ride Provide – low cost transportation

·         UWGMC- provides leadership, accountability and funding

Results Over the First Two Years

·         462 older adults and people with disabilities able to stay in their own homes and have access to needed services and socialization, and fewer experience isolation

·         47,000 total services provided

·         25,000 meals were delivered to 170 clients

·         5,400 volunteer reassurance calls provided

·         90% satisfaction with services reported by consumers

·         Agency staff report increased effectiveness and efficiency in delivering coordinated services and keeping clients from “falling through the cracks”

Why Invest in United Aging & Disability Partnership?

·         Consumer Benefit: Seniors and people with disabilities are able to live out their lives in their own homes, receiving all the services they need while being treated with dignity and respect and feeling worthy and needed in their community.

·         Employees Benefit: Employees who volunteer through their workplace report more positive attitudes toward their employer and their co-workers. Further, those who volunteer are more positive about their own physical and emotional health than non-volunteers.

·         Companies Benefit: Top-level executives recognize the bottom-line value of corporate citizenship because it enhances a company’s reputation and image, is valued by customers and helps recruit and retain employees.

·         Community Benefits: Savings of over $80,000 per consumer served each year by keeping them in their own homes. Consumers who stay at home contribute to the community by purchasing goods and services and actively participating in their communities, even volunteering themselves.