News
Spotlight on Innovation: 911 First Responders Program
- By: USAging
- On: 10/20/2017 15:55:34
- In: Hot Topics in Aging
We're featuring the cutting-edge programs and successful strategies of our 2017 Aging Innovation Award Winners! This week we shine a spotlight on Marin County Aging and Adult Services, winner in the Elder Abuse Prevention category.
The 911 First Responders Program is a unique collaboration between first responders and social services to reduce inappropriate use of emergency services and connect socially isolated older adults who frequently call 911 to community resources.
In 2015, first responders in San Rafael found that just 41 individuals generated 375 calls to 911. One person called 76 times, and two people called three times a day. The program provides emergency personnel the tools to address non-emergency social services issues including loneliness, poor balance, inadequate diet, medication misuse and advancing dementia by connecting individuals to needed community resources through the County's Adult Protective Services and Area Agency on Aging Information & Assistance programs.
The program has greatly enhanced the ability of first responders and social workers to serve vulnerable and isolated older adults and family caregivers in the community. In the first year of the pilot program, the San Rafael Fire Department saw a 75 percent drop in 911 calls from frequent users. The County Board of Supervisors has endorsed its replication countywide.
To learn more about this year's winners, be sure to read our press release and check out our book of winners!