Help Seniors Age at Home

Health Care Access

West LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

The number of seniors in Los Angeles is growing rapidly. By 2030, one in four L.A. residents will be over 60 years old. The fastest growth is among the oldest residents. By 2030, the number of 85+ year olds will be 60% higher. As they grow frailer and require more care, there will simply not be enough nursing homes to accommodate this demographic shift. And seniors do not want to go into a facility. According to an AARP survey, 82% of seniors wish to remain living independently in their homes. However, without ongoing care, living at home for frail seniors can lead to isolation and neglect, as well as stress and burnout for family caregivers. A market analysis conducted in June 2020 found that West Los Angeles encompasses 9,247 individuals who would qualify for a skilled nursing facility under Medicare due to their advanced age, level of disability and low income. The vast majority of these residents do not have access to a program that will enable them to age at home.

Grant funds will be used to launch the second Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) site. BCSC enables frail seniors to live independently in their homes by providing comprehensive center- and home-based medical, therapeutic and social services. Participants visit the Center for socialization, therapy, and medical appointments, and receive additional home care - all based on a Care Plan developed by an Interdisciplinary Team. Services include: - Primary Medical Care - All Specialty Medical Care - Dental Care and Dentures - Nursing Care - Laboratory/Radiology Services - Therapy: Physical, Occupational and Speech - Adult Day Healthcare Services: activities, exercise, relaxation - Social Services: Behavioral Health Counseling, Psychiatry Services - Podiatry, Audiology and Hearing Aids, Optometry and Glasses - Nutritional Counseling - All Prescribed Medications / Medication Counseling by Geriatric Certified Pharmacist - Meals - Medical supplies and equipment - Wound Care - Transportation to/from BCSC and all external appointments - Home Health Services - Skilled Nursing and Therapy - Home Care Services - Inpatient Services: Emergency Department, Hospitalization, Specialists, Skilled Nursing for Acute Rehab - On Call Physician 24 hours/day, 7 days/week BCSC services are reimbursed through Medicare/MediCal on a per capita basis. As a result, the startup costs of a new site are significant. Grant funds are essential to help us offer the program until it becomes self-sustaining.

BCSC is a federal- and state-designated "Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly" (PACE). Prior to opening BCSC in Reseda in 2013, there was only one other PACE center in Los Angeles and none serving the San Fernando Valley. Our flagship site has grown to serve more than 330 seniors and consistently exceeds statewide averages for participant outcomes and high satisfaction rates. The National Association of Social Workers' California chapter selected BCSC as its 2021 Organization of the Year. If we are successful, we will prove the replicability of BCSC, offering the same level of excellence at the West LA site and setting the stage for future expansion - which we intend. New sites become financially self-sustaining by Year 3 (>140 participants). At maximum enrollment, 400+ seniors are able to age at home with a level of care that has been proven to enhance and extend their lives. Their families are relieved of major caregiving responsibilities and freed for other pursuits.

Numerous research studies have demonstrated that, compared to comparably frail seniors, the PACE model results in: - Significantly lower risk of dying than in other home-based programs. - Reduction in hospitalization rates by 24% and rehospitalization rates by 16%. - Less than 1 emergency room visit per year on average. - Cost savings of up to 42% compared to institutional care. Despite caring for a population whose health conditions and frailty make them eligible to be in nursing homes, the COVID case rate for PACE participants in California was 1/4 that of nursing home residents. BCSC closely tracks and reports quarterly on key performance indicators, such as hospitalizations, ER visits, falls, etc. We also have an annual satisfaction survey conducted by an independent evaluation consultant, which includes a 64-question survey and scripted in-person interviews that analyzes results across 11 domains of quality. BCSC consistently exceeds benchmarks and scores at the highest levels.