Resources for Aging Seniors with
Complex Needs: “Wraparound”
SouthShore 2020 COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE | 51
Do you know an aging senior
who might have complex needs?
Do you feel overwhelmed in trying
to manage their needs all at once?
Do you know where to turn for
resources?
The South Shore Coalition for
Mental Health and Aging and
Seniors in Service are introducing a
process called Wraparound to help
aging seniors improve their lives
and link them to the resources and
services they need. Wraparound
will simplify and expedite care and
reduce costs by reducing crisis. The
goal is to demonstrate this process
as so successful, it will be covered by
Medicare.
Each of us knows a senior or
family of a senior who has struggled
with finding resources to support the
elder’s changing needs. Needs often
include medication management,
traditional medicine, alternative
medicine, food, loneliness, finances,
transportation, pet care, legal,
spiritual, mental health, housing,
home maintenance and more.
The navigation and coordination
of numerous resources can be
overwhelming - a monumental task
that elders and families often cannot
handle alone. Wraparound provides
intensive coordination of care to
help navigate the complex maze of
resources needed.
The process begins by identifying
the strengths and needs of the
senior and his/her family. A
committed team of both formal
(professional) and informal (natural)
supports are then assembled. It’s
an empowering and sustainable
process that develops an integrated,
adaptable plan resulting in positive
outcomes and significant cost
savings for elders, families and entire
communities.
The WrapAround process:
1) Creates a plan of care based on
the strengths, needs, culture and
values of the elder and their
family.
2) Consists of an ongoing team
that coordinates connection to
community resources and
supports.
3) Empowers elders and families
with the skills and confidence to
be independent.
The goals are:
• Help elders live in the least
restrictive environment possible,
with dignity.
• Improve the lives of elders by
linking them to resources and
services they select.
• Facilitate family and community
involvement in the elder’s care.
The benefits are:
1) Improved knowledge of resources
and supports
2) Improved relationships between
older adults and family members
3) Improved quality of life/
independence for older adults
4) Reduced costs
If you’d like more information
for your family member in need or
would like to become part of this
community initiative, please contact
the South Shore Coalition for Mental
Health and Aging at 813-419-4902