Affordable Supportive Housing Framework

1. Affordable Supportive Housing Framework Cal Martell, Russell Mawby October 18, 2007

2. Objectives • Develop a framework and action plan that will support the development of Affordable Supportive Housing options for seniors in the City of Ottawa • Explore private and public partnerships • Support implementation of the Aging in Place model of supportive housing

3. Community Impact Plan Priorities – An Agenda for Action 1: Develop affordable supportive housing strategy 2: Enhance community support services 3: Increase access to information about services through the establishment of integrated senior’s information line 4: Public Awareness Strategy

4. Working Group Community & Business partners • City of Ottawa Champlain • Champlain District Local Integrated Health Network, LHIN • Ottawa Community Support Coalition • Private sector; Minto • Ontario Association of Not-For Profit Homes & Services for Seniors, OANHSS • Champlain Dementia Network • Community Care Access Centre • Community Health and Resource Centres • Council on Aging • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

6. 5 strategies to move the supportive housing program forward • Promote supportive housing to stakeholders • Add 1,400 – 2000 units of supportive housing • Develop partnerships and alliances within and across sectors • Identify and target at-risk seniors who are in need of supportive housing • Integrate supportive housing initiatives into the broader continuum of health and social care

7. Investment in community care and support for seniors has an impact • Seniors remain a tremendous resource to our community. • 1 in 4 require ongoing support from family, friends and community. • Community support services are a key element in alleviating the individual and societal burden associated with aging. • Premature institutionalization has a devastating effect on quality of life of individuals, families and communities. It affects those on limited budget the most. • The growing demographic of Ottawa seniors will increase from 12% to 22% in 2031 • Extend contributions to our communities through active living (wisdom, work and wealth)

8. Key Partnerships The role of the United Way Impact Council : • Convene key stakeholders; City of Ottawa & Champlain LHIN • Guide the development of the Affordable Supportive Housing Framework • Support the reimplementation of the Aging in Place model of seniors’ housing by leveraging funding and developing new business and public partnerships

9. Accomplishments • Convening key stakeholders • Development of draft framework • Aging in Place model of supportive housing is funded with the identification of 5 Ottawa Housing seniors buildings • An affordable, supportive housing symposium on May 15, 2007

10. Partnership Funds • $30,000 – United Way Testamentary funds • $10,000 – City of Ottawa • $ 8,000Regional Geriatric Program

11. Next Steps • Share the Framework with the City of Ottawa Community and Protective Services and Champlain Local Health Integration Network • Share the framework with the community and develop implementation plan • Continue to align with Successful Aging Ottawa, City Seniors’ Agenda • Respond to and initiate additional funding opportunities for the Aging in Place project • Provide community leadership that supports the MOHLTC Aging at Home Strategy

12. Impact (1) • Client asked to find out more about AIP, expressing anxiety, feeling unwell. CSC undertakes home visit/assessment. Client has presented at ER 6 times in past 10 days, CCAC is scheduled for a visit the following week. Client has no food in apartment and is in need of assistance. CSC contacts dedicated Case Manager and tells her situation precarious. Case Manager rearranges schedule and joins home visit. CSC’s provides Emergency/Immediate Meals and arranges regular Meals on Wheels; CSC arranges community service home help/homemaking provided. CCAC Case Manager convinces client to accept referral to Day Hospital. All services directed towards deterring repeat visit to ER.

13. Impact (2) • Client is Arabic speaker with limited English who appears unwell, in pain and very distressed. CSC was able to get client to an Arabic speaking doctor within next day, by encouraging her, booking the appointment, arranging transportation and accompanying her to Doctor. Doctor determines client had broken wrist (sustained several days before and not attended to) and arranges treatment. ER visit avoided.

14. Impact (3) • Friday morning CSC receives referral from Case Manager in building for client who is frail and at risk. Client has recently lost a lot of weight and is very weak and is considering going to the hospital. CCAC unable to start service for client until Tuesday. CSC arranges for homemaker over weekend and Monday. Client receives assistance she requires in personal care and meal preparation.

15. Impact (4) • Referral made AIP Community Service Coordinator (CSC) was introduced to a client in building who appeared frail and weak. After meeting with client, CSC learned client has not had dentures in over 10 years, therefore eating was very difficult. Client is also diabetic. His lack of nutrition was contributing to his weakness. Client has no primary physician and is considering going to hospital for care. CSC spent considerable time reassuring client and ensuring that he had adequate and appropriate food in the short term. The client stated he had no dentures because he could not afford any. CSC researched and was able to find resources that would pay for client to obtain dentures. CSC arranged an appointment for him at a denture clinic. Client strength has already begun to return as he is able to eat more nutritious meal

16. 4 stories of 136 clients in current Aging in Place program served through 860 visits to date.