News
Spotlight on Innovations and Achievements: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio
- By: USAging
- On: 08/06/2021 09:28:38
- In: Hot Topics in Aging
Learn how this agency developed a program to provide coordinated and intentional actions to identify, triage and assist in managing individuals in crisis situations.
We're proud to highlight the award-winning work of the 2020 winners of n4a's Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards in this weekly spotlight feature. This week, we are focusing on Direction Home of Eastern Ohio's Crisis Intervention program. The agency was a 2020 Aging Achievement Award winner in the Advocacy category. The 2020 AIA Awards were made possible thanks to the support of Centene.
Often individuals who suffer from mental health concerns or substance abuse issues have difficulty finding a safe, livable home, are vulnerable, and may require that AAA staff learn new approaches to service delivery. Crisis Intervention is a community partnership that identifies and serves at-risk individuals living in Mahoning County, OH, through direct crisis coordination. The Crisis Coordinator serves as a single point of contact for identified cases, ensuring coordination of services, reducing service overlap, and creating customized plans of care during face-to-face home visits with individuals needing in-home services or those experiencing mental health challenges or housing instability. The program succeeds through partnerships and coordination with local health departments, law enforcement, probate court and services related to mental health, housing and adult protection.
Since September 2018, the Crisis Intervention program has assisted more than 100 older adults by making service referrals, assisting clients in securing housing, facilitating hoarding cleanout and counseling, and directing mental health and substance abuse intervention.
To learn more about the Crisis Intervention program and how your agency can replicate this program in your community, contact Joe Rossi, jrossi@dheo.org, and Tony Cario, acario@dheo.org. For more information about the 2020 winners, see the press release and read the book of winners! To read about past winners and find other best practices for your agency to consider, visit our Best Practices Clearinghouse page.
Just announced! Fifteen Innovations winners and 21 Achievement winners were showcased at n4a's Annual Conference & Tradeshow, held July 19-22, 2021. See the press release and read this year's book of winners! The 2021 Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards are made possible by the generous support of iN2L. Our summaries of the 2021 recipients will start this fall.