| News from Mecklenburg County
Department of Social Services
October 2010 |
|
Hello Community Partners and Leaders,
Welcome to our latest issue of Reaching Out where we look to connect the dots along the service continuum so we are all informed and provide the optimal care for our clients. In this issue you will find spotlights on local
programs as well as an update of what is happening at the State level.
Locally, the demand for social services continues to soar. As we continue to serve the new clients that present for services we are excited about a couple of statewide technology initiatives that should help us serve those in need.
- Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST) is a program designed to improve the way the NC Department of Health and Human Services and county Department of Social Services do business. NC FAST introduces new technology tools and business processes that will enable workers to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time assisting families. Developing a Global Case Management and Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) system is the first undertaking of this project.
- e-Pass, a secure web-based self-service tool, has already been developed and launch. This system enables North Carolina citizens to screen for potential eligibility for a range of state benefits and services programs. Currently, citizens can complete a quick screening for Food Nutrition Services, Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), Emergency Assistance and Work First Cash Assistance. Citizens will also be alerted of what forms to bring to the agency when applying for benefits and it provides links to and from NCFAST, NC DHHS, NC DSS, NCcareLINK and other websites. Future phases of e-Pass will allow for printing of the completed application in English or Spanish.
As service providers we all face the challenge of serving more with less. This technology initiative by the State will allow citizens to help social services provide an enhance service delivery by alerting them what items are needed to complete an application.
I hope you enjoy the rest of this newsletter as we strive to keep our partners and leaders in tune with the program and services of your local DSS.
|
|
Changes in Loaves and Fishes Procedures for Food and Nutrition Customers
October 1, 2010, DSS is no longer making referrals for existing FNS customers to Loaves and Fishes. Existing FNS customers requiring food assistance will be referred to self-referral pantries throughout the Charlotte community, or receive L&F referrals after undergoing an assessment from community agencies.
Last year, through our ongoing partnership with Loaves and Fishes (L&F), and based upon feedback received from staff, we implemented a self-referral process for existing Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) customers, to improve the referral process, streamline DSS' ability to focus on core customer service delivery, and to allow existing FNS customers to contact L&F directly to process food referral requests, rather than utilizing DSS staff as a medium. DSS and L&F staff agreed at that time, to re-evaluate this process at the conclusion of one year.
After a review of the L&F referral process, and based upon a continued increase in demand for service upon L&F due to the economic situation, it has been determined that the current Loaves and Fishes self-referral model for existing FNS customers must be discontinued. The mission of L&F is to provide groceries and support to people in crisis. As existing FNS customers are receiving FNS benefits, their emergent needs have been addressed and they no longer fall into this category.
DSS Social Workers and Case Management staff will continue to provide L&F referrals for those who are assessed for initial eligibility or services for which it has been determined there is an immediate need.
Through this coordinated effort, DSS and L&F leadership are working together to provide more efficient, coordinated services to Mecklenburg County citizens. We believe the changes identified will provide greater opportunity to meet the needs of those truly in crisis, while also fostering independence and self-sufficiency for those currently receiving assistance. |
|
Adult Day Services Week....
Loving Touch Adult Day Health Care Center, Inc. has been involved throughout this community, state, and nation. Loving Touch participated in the National Adult Day Services Conference August 19-21, 2010 in Raleigh, NC. The objective of this conference was to focus on technology, creative programming, positive aging, health and wellness practices, collaboration and partnership for adult day services.
Loving Touch is a member of the Adult Day Health Care Association for Mecklenburg County which also consists of Blessed Assurance Adult Day and Health Center, Rae Playze Adult Day Center, and Samaritan Adult Day Health Center.
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners honored the Adult Day Health Care Association for Mecklenburg County by proclaiming September 19-25, 2010 "National Adult Day Services Week" in Mecklenburg County and urge all residents to honor and celebrate the Adult Day Health Care Services industry in Mecklenburg County and Nationwide.
Program Spotlight.....
We are pleased that we have the Family Caregiver Support Program and Project CARE
Project CARE is a program to provide respite to family caregivers who are taking care of someone with Alzheimer's Disease or another dementia. The program began as an Alzheimer's demonstration grant and was funded through the federal Administration on Aging. Project CAR.E is now in 23 North Carolina counties and the benefit to caregivers has been proven over and over again. We are able to provide in home services, brief institutional care, or Adult Day Care for respite to 33 clients this year.
Community partners including Hospice and the Alzheimer's Association, provide expertise and consultation for staff and our caregivers. We are also able to offer additional services which may be incontinence supplies, medical equipment or other tangible items that will help the caregiver to continue to do their caretaking job. We have a strong collaboration with Love INC to build ramps for our caregivers which are often required in order to keep their loved one at home and ensure safety.
Program staff are available to speak to agencies, churches or civic organization about caregiving issues. As we work together we will make a difference to this growing population of family caregivers.
Services are accessed through a call to Just 1 Call (704-432-1111). More information is also included on their website -just1call
Partner Spotlight....
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2010, Homewatch CareGivers is the premier provider of home care worldwide. Serving people of all ages, including seniors, children, veterans, the chronically ill, and those recovering from medical procedures, Homewatch CareGivers offers the most comprehensive home care services in the industry.
Homewatch CareGivers offers a wide array of services, these plans are flexible and may include the following:
- Comprehensive In-Home Personal Care, such as bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, medication management and grooming for those who need just a little care, or the medically complex
- Quality of Life Care, includes meal preparation, light homemaking duties, companionship, and medication reminders
- Recuperative Care, for those who need help after surgery, a medical procedure, or during an illness to help support a successful recovery
- Transportation Services, include safe and convenient transportation to and from doctors' appointments, hospitals, places of worship, shopping, every day errands, bingo night, etc.
Every customized care plan is administered through a locally owned office, staffed by caring people who live and work in the community they serve and who are dedicated to helping families with the care they need, such as: 24-hour, around-the-clock care for a loved one who is dealing with a chronic illness, assisting an individual with the support needed at home to recover from a recent hospital stay or medical procedure, or stepping in to help with emergency childcare when the unexpected happens.
All services are delivered by well-trained, compassionate caregivers, ensuring quality of life for clients and peace of mind for their loved ones. Homewatch CareGivers helps clients stay in their homes, wherever home may be, and helps families restore balance by providing the needed care for loved ones when they can't be there.
Charlotte Homewatch CareGivers is a family owned agency that has been serving the Charlotte area since 2000.
Our goal is to giver our families peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are well cared for in away that perserves the dignity and protects the independence of those we support. When you call, you will always find a Homewatch CareGiver employee answering the phone 24/7. That's how important you and your love one are to us.
Call Charlotte at 704-503-4660 or Cornelius at 704-987-1802.
|
Community News you can use............
Alzheimer's Association will host Charlotte Memory WALK
November 13
NEW Location: Symphony Park at SouthPark
click Charlotte Memory Walk to register today
The 2010 Centralina Area Agency on Aging Conference
Celebrate Diversity in Aging
November 4 and 5, 2010
Charlotte NC
Featuring two days of seminars, exhibits, and workshops for everyone !!!!
The conference will be held at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church,
3400 Beatties Ford Road
go to Centralina Area Agency on Aging for additional information
Information obtained from all about Seniors, a Resource and Referral Directory of the Greater Carolina |
Introductory Motivational Interviewing Training
On August 25th and 26th, several Mecklenburg County Employment Services staff had the opportunity to participate in a fast and growing interviewing technique called Motivational Interviewing. Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. In plain language, it is a tool that can be utilized to bring about behavioral change by helping customers to explore and resolve conflict, guiding them toward an acceptable resolution that triggers change.
Dr. Brett Engle, an assistant professor at the Barry University School of Social Work in Florida facilitated the training. Dr. Engle presented information on the eight stages in learning Motivational Interviewing. The eight stages included:
1. Getting the spirit of Motivational Interviewing
2. Using client-centered skills
3. Recognizing change talk
4. Eliciting and reinforcing change talk
5. Rolling with resistance
6. Developing a change plan
7. Consolidating client commitment
8. Integrating Motivational Interviewing methods with other intervention methods
Motivational Interviewing supports the concept that customers are more likely to change their behavior when the decision to change is made by them. The counselor/social worker elicits and activates the customer's own resources, rationale, and motivation for behavior change. The counselor/social worker includes the customer's goals, values and aspirations that relate to target behavior.
The use of the Motivational Interviewing technique can be applied when working regularly in one-on-one situations with customers in need of behavioral change. If you have questions or would like additional information regarding Motivational Interviewing, visit:
www.motivationalinterviewing.org DSS is currently looking into this training and will consider offering it on a broad scale in the near future. We will keep you posted. |
Mecklenburg County Health Department Offers Flu Shots
Make sure you contract the Mecklenburg County Health Department and get your flu shot at their Southeast Campus and Northwest Campus locations. To make an appointment, please call the appointment line at 704-336-6500.
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get the flu shot this year. This will protect all residents from getting the flu and will help to make this flu season a mild one.
This year, the flu shot is a combined vaccine and incorporates the H1N1 strain, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine. This means everyone over 9 years old will need just 1 shot. Everyone under 9 years, who did not get a flu shot last year will need to get 2.
Tips to Prevent the Flu & Staying Healthy
Get the recommended flu vaccine.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Use alcohol-based hand clearners.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tssue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the issue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue cough or sneeze in your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way
If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work and school and limit ocntact with others.
Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean.
Maintatin a healthy lifestyle by getting rest, exercise, diet, and relaxation. |
|
REMEMBER, We rely on you to help provide us with content, ideas, and feedback as we work together to serve those who depend upon us for services. If you have a story idea, event, comment or suggestion please submit to www.dssnews@mecklenburgcountync.gov
|
|
|
|
|
Our Mission
To provide economic and social services to sustain and/or improve the quality of life for Mecklenburg County citizens.
Our Vision
To be an involved and recognized leaderr in human services, valued by our stakeholders because of our needs-based customer focus in the delivery of services. We will help create a reslient community by proactively investing in our employees, operations and services, and by developing impactful relationship for the benefit of our customers.
Hours & Locations
CONTACT US
(704) 336-3000
Hours
Mon-Thurs.: 8a.m.-6p.m
Fri.: 8am-5p.m.
Location
Kuralt Centre
301 Billingsley Road
Chapin Hall@ Valerie C.
Woodard Center
3205 Freedom Drive
|
|
