Adult Protective Services and Senior/Adult Disability Services
Adult Intake Line
The intake line is the first call for individuals and family members for a variety of services. The intake line is answered during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This is the designated common entry point for all reports of vulnerable adult maltreatment. The intake line is also the place to make referrals for mental health case management, pre-petition screening for commitment, and long term care consultation. The line is answered by a social worker trained to give callers information, referrals, and process applications for the different programs. The social worker on the line can also direct the caller to the appropriate health plan or program such as MSHO (Minnesota Senior Health Options) for services.
Adult Protective Services 651-430-6484
Washington County adult protection staff conduct assessments and investigations regarding alleged incidents of maltreatment of vulnerable adults in community settings. Reports of maltreatment occurring in licensed facilities, or by licensed home care staff are routed to the appropriate state agency for investigation. Types of maltreatment allegations including abuse, neglect and financial exploitation are reviewed and referred for investigation by the appropriate agency. After 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends the common entry point is ESS (Emergency Social Services) at 651-291-6795. However, if the vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 911.
A telephone screening is done on the Adult Intake line to authorize nursing home placement for Washington County residents who need nursing home level care. The public may access the Adult Intake line by calling 651-430-6484 during county business hours.
Long Term Care Consultation
The LTCC (Long Term Care Consultation) is a service provided by the County agency to assist seniors and their families in planning, and choosing services. A social worker or nurse will conduct a home assessment with the client and family, at the residence of the client. The consultant can then provide direction and information regarding community resources. The client, family and consultant can then discuss options regarding a care plan, taking into consideration all aspects of the client's unique situation. This is a free service.
An LTCC can also be requested when a person is residing in a nursing facility. This can be useful if someone is looking at moving back into a community setting. The consultant can also link people younger than 65 years old, who participate in the Medical Assistance program, to Relocation Services Coordination (RSC). This is a service specifically targeted to help them move out of long-term care facilities.
Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) programs
These programs are also available through the Adult Services department. The waiver programs are quite similar to the AC/EW programs in that they provide services for disabled adults, and children to remain in the community. Screening for possible eligibility for these programs is done by the adult intake staff. The two main criteria at intake are that the person is younger than 65 years old and also certified as disabled by Social Security or the State Medical Review Team. The client must also be on the Medical Assistance program to be eligible to receive services under either of these programs.
Like the AC/EW programs, services including home health aid, homemaker, personal care attendant, and more are provided. Both the CADI and TBI programs also include funding for employment or pre-vocational training, home and vehicle modifications, and adult foster care provided by a corporation. The TBI waiver has some other specialized behavior services to provide for the individual needs of a client with a traumatic brain injury.
Alternative Care(AC) and Elderly Waiver(EW) programs
The Adult Services staff also provides screening, and case management for the AC/EW programs. The state of Minnesota provides for payment of services through these grants to allow seniors to remain in their homes, instead of a long term care facility. The AC/EW programs serve low-income seniors who are within six months of eligibility of the Medical Assistance program. A financial application or Medical Assistance application will help determine if clients qualify. These programs are coordinated by the Adult Services staff here at Washington County. After an LTCC is completed, and the client is deemed financially eligible, services can be provided in the home, or alternate location such as a family members home or assisted living. The programs cover a variety of services including: home health aide, homemaker or chore services, home delivered meals, family care giver support and training, respite care, adult day care, transportation, personal care assistants, supplies and equipment, companion care, adult foster care, and more.
The need for more affordable housing for low-income seniors was voiced in all the community meetings and many of the key informant interviews. From the comments received, senior housing for low-income seniors is seen to be lagging behind. Developers have previously indicated that the high price of land and construction costs is a barrier to developing lower cost housing for seniors.
