Engaging Tenants Workshop – BCNPHA RENT 2020
Seniors Supportive Housing Model
2
Engaging Tenants Workshop BCNPHA RENT 2020 Seniors Supportive - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Engaging Tenants Workshop BCNPHA RENT 2020 Seniors Supportive Housing Model 2 WHOS IN THE ROOM? POLL 1. Have you taken a session or webinar with me before? 2. Are you a CEO/Executive in housing, a housing manager, a front-line support
Engaging Tenants Workshop – BCNPHA RENT 2020
Seniors Supportive Housing Model
2
WHO’S IN THE ROOM? POLL
1. Have you taken a session or webinar with me before? 2. Are you a CEO/Executive in housing, a housing manager, a front-line support worker, other? ABOUT WHOLE WAY HOUSE – VIDEO 1 min
At Whole Way House we provide community building programs and tenant support services to 133 vulnerable seniors and veterans in the Downtown Eastside. We believe that when a person feels loved, cared for and is treated with dignity, they are able to thrive in their environment and connect in their
place in safe, secure and supportive housing.
Whole Way House Society is a registered Canadian charity based in the Downtown Eastside
Jenny & Josh Konkin, who were managing their grandparents SRO’s the Silver & Avalon Hotel and saw the need to address extreme isolation and loneliness amongst the marginalized.
We provide tenant support services and community building programs for low income seniors in the Downtown Eastside who are transitioning out of or are at risk of homelessness Our team works with BCH to house seniors from the Supportive Housing Registry waitlist into our secured supportive housing units.
WWH secures units by partnering with the non profit independent seniors housing provider in order to provide support for tenants in need, thus converting independent housing into supportive housing units gaining access for those in need. Tenant support staff are on site 7 days per week to build trusting relationships, coordinate community resources and provide compassionate care to vulnerable tenants. When seniors receive the support they need, they are able to age well in place and enjoy successful tenancy and a better quality of life. Those who require higher care do not slip through the cracks and are moved accordingly.
WHOLE WAY HOUSE SOCIETY
6
9% in 2008
16% in 2011
18% in 2014
Percent of Homeless Population are Seniors (55+)
Our homeless seniors have nearly tripled since 2008 and we are just scraping the surface of the Baby Boomers! In 2012, almost one in seven Canadians was a senior; by 2030, that number will jump to nearly one in four!
➔ Unpaid rent (due to memory loss, accessibility to the bank, budgeting, affordability) ➔ Home cleanliness & hoarding ➔ Lack of food security ➔ Decline in personal hygiene/self care ➔ Lack of social network/support system ➔ No access to medical appointments ➔ Unable to organize their personal affairs, bills, paperwork, forms, etc ➔ Vulnerable to scams and thieves ➔ Don’t know how or who to ask for help
7
WHY ARE SENIORS BECOMING HOMELESS? HOW DOES WHOLE WAY HOUSE HELP SENIORS AGE IN PLACE?
➔ Money management & budgeting assistance ➔ Access to food security & groceries ➔ Coordinating with health authorities and case managers for assessments, appointments, vital services ➔ Access local resources for medical, mental health and addiction services, safety resources and tools ➔ House cleaning assistance ➔ Proactive room checks to set residents up for successful tenancy ➔ Daily social outings and activities ➔ Regular exercise programs ➔ Transportation and/or coordination to special medical appointments ➔ Organizing personal affairs, bills, paperwork, forms, appointments etc ➔ Free emergency medical training for all staff and residents
➔ Assistance with housing goals and needs ➔ Regular room and wellness check ins
Whole Way House conducted a survey of SRO buildings in the DTES.
The goal was to gain insights into the current state of seniors living in the DTES.
The survey covered 55 buildings, representing a total of 2,345 residents. The results: SROs and seniors housing across BC are struggling to provide seniors with the basic support services required to enable healthy, safe and dignified lives.
8 *NOTE: Informal survey performed by WWH volunteers. Polled building managers for their best estimated answers regarding their
Have Mobility Issues
2+ Health Issues
Need Support Now
Require immediate support services
Will Need Support Soon
Will require support services within 3 to 5 years
Willing to move out of DTES
Will require Assisted Living
Require Cluster Support
Age 55+
9
SURVEY RESULTS
Le Let’ t’s create te approp
te Senio niors Sup uppor
tive H Hous
ng to to meet t thos those ne needs and nd ens nsur ure w we are prov
clie lient nt cente ntered c care, whic hich h will in ill in tur turn n create te flow low in the in the hous housing continuum
According to a recent presentation done by Seniors Services Society:
health conditions
disabilities
condition
addiction
SENIORS WHO ARE HOMELESS HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS
We kno now t tha hat s suppo upporti ting s seni niors t to a age ge w well i in p place is the be best pos possible o
senior, t the landl ndlord a d and nd h health c care s syste
Our m mode del a allows the s e sen enior t to h hav ave a e a sen ense o
curity b bec ecau ause t they ey are s suppo upporte ted a at h hom
and i nd is less c cos
tly on t the he hous
prov
and t nd the he h health c care s syste tem.
OUR PROGRAMS: PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL & FINANCIAL WELLNESS
1-on-1 Tenant Support
Access community resources, health care, groceries, laundry, counsel, bedding, food and other
check ups.
Financial Support
Provide escorted trips to bank , budgeting assistance and coordinate tax returns with volunteer accountants.
Hospital Visits
Physical and emotional support for residents that are hospitalized, afraid and lonely.
Super Smoothies
Promote social interaction and relationship building while serving ultra-nutritious snack
Family Dinner
Building a sense of family and
family-style meal that is served.
Afternoon Outing
Physical activity providing residents with a guided
Clean Team
Help residents, especially those with mobility issues, maintain clean rooms.
Seated Exercise
Physio-designed program to promote increased strength, mobility and fun.
Free Shopping
In lieu of handouts, residents are given free tokens and opportunity to purchase preferred items.
Community Garden
Promote activity outdoors and exposure to natural beauty. Gardening provides hope.
Pet Therapy
Visiting dogs and fish tanks promote peace and create connection, affection & fun.
Crock Pot Cooking Club
Practical skills training and building a sense of pride, worth and belonging.
Open Drop-In
Books, games, movies and conversation with volunteers.
Free Haircuts
Coordinate complimentary haircuts & beard trims with professional barbers.
Games
Build meaningful and supportive friendships while enjoying coffee, board games and conversation.
Holiday Meals
Celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas with friends & family
Coffee Club
Offer hot coffee, tea, bagels and
residents a great start to their day.
Birthday Parties
Monthly event to congregate and celebrate residents birthdays so they know they are valued.
Movie Matinée
Popcorn, communal seating and a great movie to promote social interaction and relaxation.
Special Events / Activities
Annual Family Picnic in the Park, PNE excursions, creating great memories together to promote health.
11
Vital Tenant Support Services: One on One Support
Coordinating Health Care
Requesting case manager assessments (for home support, OT, higher care, early identification of dementia, stroke, etc) Medical appointment reminders Requesting medical appointments Providing more insight into baseline behaviour and changes
Coordinating Health Care Continued…
Ensuring tenant is aware/understands their follow up Coordinating pharmacy deliveries/pick up
Working with Home Support
Ensuring residents have what they need so home support can assist them (Ensure, yogurt, shampoo, laundry soap, Depends, etc) More cooperation from residents
Financial Support
Pension/SAFER/OAS/GIS application assistance Provide safe escorted trips to bank Budgeting assistance Coordinating rent payment Coordinating access to free tax services Accessing Bloom Group Money Management program
Housing Applications & Government Forms
Applying for Government ID Bank account assistance Income Assistance/Disability/ Pension/SAFER/OAS/GIS application assistance Assistance with housing applications for appropriate housing along the continuum Requesting a case manager to assess needs for higher care
Food Security
Arranging for prepaid meal accounts at the Evelyn Saller Centre Assistance with groceries Coordinating meal replacement purchases from local non-profits (Ensure)
Hospital Care & Coordination
Ensuring rent is paid during extended hospital stays Faster & smoother discharge: Coordinating with hospital staff before discharge to ensure after care is in place & prevent
Clean Units
Regular room checks to identify any potential issues Help residents, especially those with mobility issues, maintain clean rooms by providing shared supplies, volunteer groups, light support
Reduce Vulnerability/ Heighten Safety Measures
Ensure their funds are safe Identify elder abuse Community Meetings/Open Forums 24 hour tenant checklist
12
13
14
One on One Support – Case Manager Coordination examples
Because these residents are now engaged with support services, they are able to access their health resources, making them healthier physically, mentally and emotionally, which allows them to stabilize and remain in safe and secure housing.
15
Because these residents are now engaged with support services, they are healthier physically, mentally and emotionally, which allows them to stabilize and remain in safe and secure housing.
As rooms turned over in 2018, we have helped house 40 new vulnerable seniors - 39 have remained housed.
HOW OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH BC HOUSING & HOUSING NPO IS SUCCESSFUL
When seniors are supported in their home, they have a sense of security, safety and belonging and they don’t fall through the cracks or end up in hospital due to fear.
Positive Outcomes Positive Outcomes
and an increase in positive move-outs along the housing continuum
decrease in police incidents, violence or other altercations (six in 2010
dollars in emergency calls to 911 and dispatched officers
2010 to 2014.
with medical and mental health programs and support workers.
served, creating a less dependent community capable of self-government.
find employment, continue their education or enrolled in Alcohol and Drug recovery programs.
50 100 150 200
5 4 %
COBALT COBALT REGENT REGENT BALMO BALMO RAL RAL WEST WEST AVALON AVALON 250
EMERGENCY CALLS TO 911 EMERGENCY CALLS TO 911
2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015
300
Appendix B
How Support Services Help: Avalon Hotel Case Study
Building infractions: Building infractions: Damage reduced by 98% in under 4 years
Bylaw infractions reduced from 136 down to 3 in under 4 years. Instead of causing damage, residents began taking care of their homes.
treated with dignity, residents wanted to contribute to the care and upkeep of their homes.
room and building maintenance; less likely to vandalize the building.
towards building management and city and fire inspectors.
Calls to 911: Calls to 911: 90% less than in surrounding SRO’s
During our time at the Avalon,
911 was 24 per year, compared to a shocking 150-250 calls in neighbouring SRO’s.
90 90%
support, dignity and respect through our support services and community building programs.
isolation, we observed a significant reduction in negative and harmful behaviours, which directly led to fewer emergency calls.
significant difference in 911 call vol compared to surrounding SRO buildings.
SUCCESS STORIES
“This is one of the best places I’ve lived and that has a lot to do with the people that live and work here. The staff are always happy and willing to help... The whole building is peaceful and feels like a family, it makes my days enjoyable.” Robert August 2018
17
During room checks, Philippe pulled up a chair for us to chat and told us, proudly, how he makes his bed everyday, cleans the floors and keeps everything neat and tidy. According to Philippe, our kindness encourages him to share generosity of spirit with others in the world. Philippe January 19, 2019 With the help of BCH, we were able to help Alfie move here from Oppenheimer Lodge, where he was being victimized. When we went to pick him up, all of his belongings and money had been stolen. He is so happy to live here, where he is safe and has access to food security & pet therapy, which helps his anxiety. He thanks us daily.
18
OUR MISSION AT WHOLE WAY HOUSE
Supporting the vulnerable and isolated on their journey of healing in a safe and welcoming community equipping them to recognize their inherent worth and purpose.
Unconditional Love
No matter a person’s status in life, we practice unconditional love, by treating others with dignity, providing opportunities and setting people up for success by upholding clear boundaries and standards.
Integrity
No matter the circumstance, we uphold standards of honesty, transparency and responsibility to those that we serve and those who serve with us. Through these practices we build trust and provide safe and consistent programming.
Compassion
We strive to provide care that is warm, empathetic and understanding because we know that every person has a story.
Hope
We believe that a better future is possible and attainable for all through faith.
Health
We take a holistic approach to healing through addressing physical needs, accessing medical care and providing emotional support.
Relationships
We foster supportive relationships to build healthy communities where individuals can thrive.
19
WHY DOES OUR SENIORS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING STRATEGY WORK TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS?
BUILDS TRUST
week. Our programs and staff are consistent which makes them familiar. Seniors become more cooperative and allow support workers to provide the assistance they need. SUCCESSFUL TENANCY
workers work alongside residents to promote positive home environment.
success through case planning and regular wellness checks. Ensuring they do not slip through the cracks. PROMOTES GENERAL WELLNESS
programs keep seniors active which reduces the rate of decline physically and mentally. They are visible and staff can advocate on their behalf when there is a concern about their health or wellbeing
belonging.
for. Their voices are heard and they are seen.
21
Whole Way House – Meal Delivery Program
COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE - POLL
1. Do you feel you were able to support residents during COVID-19 in a meaningful way?
2. Do you think your residents feel supported and cared about during this time?
who/what to believe
food/essentials
Whole Way House Whole Way House – COVID COVID-19 Response 19 Response
24
Whole Way House Whole Way House - Seniors Meal Delivery Program Recipients Seniors Meal Delivery Program Recipients
25
Be in the Know
How to educate seniors:
○ How does it impact their lives?
○ Have you used language and images they relate to? ○ Different buildings = different needs
What do they need to know:
convoluted/hearsay? Keep it clear and simple!
powerful
Whole Way House Whole Way House – COVID COVID-19 Response 19 Response
26
Strategies for keeping hopes up and “buy in to stay in”.
This is one of the most important elements, because if they don’t believe in the program, then we are defeating the purpose. There needs to be a level of trust in order for them to receive help. We know that HOPE is a key element to health as well as getting through any hardship, so this became one of our key focuses during our Meal Delivery Program.
By Jenny
Whole Way House Whole Way House – COVID COVID-19 Response 19 Response
28
Whole Way House Whole Way House – COVID COVID-19 Response 19 Response
29
Whole Way House Whole Way House – COVID COVID-19 Response 19 Response
30
place
31
would…
would…
to building trust in any relationship?
33
PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE CARE & A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
35
THANK YOU THANK YOU Contact: Contact: Jenny Konkin, Jenny Konkin, President & Co President & Co-Founder Founder (p) 604.825.1624 (p) 604.825.1624 (e) (e) info@wholewayhouse.ca info@wholewayhouse.ca (w) (w) www.wholewayhouse.ca www.wholewayhouse.ca
36