PZ Minutes 11/19/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~ • ~~ ~J6 ~~9~I~~ A1Ai~.CA9 AiA/-l Healthcare Managenter~t Consulting November 16, Zfl09 Catholic Charities of Central Florida Pathways to Care/Pathways to Independence To Wham It May Concern, The task of transitioning a person without medical insurance fiom being a hospital in- patient rota the mainstream of American life is a daunting endeavour at best. There exists an enormous gap in supportive and rehabilitative services for this growing segment of society. The services and facilities PTC/PTI provides to it's residents are predominantly and historically paid privately or tlu•ough employer paid medical insurance. When those withnut either of these means are discharged from a hospital, they more often than not will not receive further care and continue to be affected by the conditions that caused them to be hospitalized in the first place. The result is a treatment of the acute symptoms but not the root causes and the cycle begins anew immediately upon discharge if steps are not taken to interrupt it. Those are the stepslservices Catlanlic Charities funds in order to provide the needed services in an AHCA regulated Assisted Living Facility residence. Of primary importance, a patient being discharged fiom the hospital has a continuing need for the services of a Social Worker/Case Manager and a place to reside while services are being secured. Tlus professional coordinates services and files the myriad paperwork necessary to secure any benefits far which the patient may be eligible. Supportive programs include Social Security Disability, Veterans Administration, Florida Medicaid Waiver Program, Medicaid, Medicare, Meals on Wheels, Florida Long Term Care Diversion Program, Lynx Transpai•tatian, et al. This process is onerous, rarely without delay and generally takes a minimum of 90 to 180 days just to establish program eligibility. Benefits may then actually be paid within 2-7 months of an eligibility determination. Services are coordinated according to patient needs and often include occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health counseling, medication management, job training and placement, housing assistance and on-going personal care services. Once a patient's eligibility for various programs has been established, they then need to seek permanent housing and services that can be provided far the amount of benefits they may actually receive. There is a high demand and short supply for lower cost housing and supportive services options. Tlus results in lengthy waiting times far affordable permanent housing and supportive services to became available. In the cul7~ent economy, waiting times are even longer than normal with no end insight. A multi-disciplinary approach to assisting those in need is critical to the success of a recovering patient. This is the critically needed and valuable service that is provided by Catholic Charities PTC/PTI within the Central Florida Community. David L. r en Me Ms 4501 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792 407-679«7791 phone 14fl7-67 i-5882 fax