CATHOLIC CHARITIES NEIGHBORHOOD

Older Adult Services' one common goal for continuous quality improvement planning for all program models in FYE 2024 remained reinforcement of the new approach in the aging field - supporting clients in communities as much as possible so seniors can remain in their homes as long as possible. The focus has been on bringing most if not all required services to the clients in their place, and minimize referrals to nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, etc. Older Adults Centers have continued with aggressive outreach and re-engagement of seniors to increase operating capacity. We continued with combination of hybrid activities (virtual and on-site) but pushing for more on-site operations. Most of service units have been showing a positive trend for on-site activities as well continued increase in meal services. 9,831 clients received services at 19 older adult centers. Blooming Health, OAS Interfacing platform specific for the aging field, expanded the utilization across most of programs. More daily/weekly reminders, invites to events, satisfaction surveys, inclement weather and emergency alerts were sent out through interface platform which helps to capture bigger membership and saves staff time. Programs continued assisting seniors in learning to access technology through more classes and intergenerational programs when community youth have one -to- one session with seniors. In the summer, CCNS Older Adult centers were actively supporting seniors in communities of Brooklyn and Queens during heat emergencies as a part of network of Cooling Centers in response to city's Heat Emergency Plan. This service has been essential for the safety and wellbeing of seniors helping to deal with extreme heat. Senior was able to save money by not utilizing electricity during heat hours as well as socialize. Most centers were functioning as cooling centers during weekends as well. Centers continue with education of seniors in regard to Ageism to promote and emphasize positive approach to stay healthy, mentally and physically as well as coordinated all advocacy efforts for funding of aging programs. Wellness activities have been expanding at centers as well. More evidence-based programs have been developing offered to seniors and continued to include seniors who cannot come to centers for some reason virtually. Programs continued to expand and develop essential activities for seniors, such as trips to the pharmacy or grocery stores, to adding more recreational type trips such as visits to cultural institutions and other venues for leisure. This planning improved utilization of transportation service units. All our centers constantly update programming announcements on centers' websites also helped to reinforce outreach and re-engagement of seniors. Case management programs continued with home visits and assessments of homebound clients. 3,046 homebound seniors were served in FYE 2024 by case management programs in Brooklyn and Queens. Programs were able to reduce waiting list for services despite constant shortage in staffing. More reporting tools have been developed by funding source NYC Aging, e.g. monthly reviews of Waitlist, assessment reviews and more. NYC Aging also conducted annual city case management programs' customer satisfaction survey. CCNS Case management programs' result once again indicated 98% of satisfaction. 100% of surveyed clients responded "yes" to the question if case management program has helped with their issues. In collaboration with VNS virtual programming, programs were able to bring more virtual wellness and recreation activities to our homebound seniors. During FYE 2024, Home Delivered Meals programs delivered 3,161 meals daily to homebound seniors. HDMP also received City Council funding to replace 6 old hotshot vans. Social Adult Day Care for senior with Alzheimer's served 35 clients for FYE 2024. It has received much positive feedback from caregivers on improvement in clients' cognition and great support provided by program's staff. Intensive programming and wellness/recreation activities showed much improvement to this population. Program has great recognition in the community. NORC program discretionary funding for FYE 2024 remained reduced, which left it with limited staffing. However, program continued to successfully serve clients residing in the Sheepshead-Nostrand housing development in Brooklyn with many group activities, on site and virtual. Nursing hours funded by city council have been approved and program continued with health promotion services to seniors in the community. 307 unduplicated senior clients received services at NORC in FYE 2024. Program had 100% performance audit outcome. Geriatric Mental Health conducted 458 mental health screenings to seniors in OAS portfolio and served communities. Based on results of screenings, 17 clients received short- term counseling until they were referred to long- term providers for continuum of care. Program staff had phone and groups services as well. This project has been working closely with senior center's staff to improve mental health of seniors.