Connecting Residents to Essential Services
Consistent with its founding principles, SHMS attempts to incorporate supportive services for residents at all of its properties. Funding provided by The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) covers the costs for Service Coordinators at HUD-funded senior developments. These initiatives have resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of life for residents, and an increase in the number of residents aging in place.
The Service Coordination Program was initiated in 1998, to ensure that SHMS residents maintained their independence and improved their quality of life. Since its inception, the Service Coordination program has successfully connected residents to essential supportive services and resources, allowing them to remain in their units and eliminating the added cost of transferring to a long-term care facility.
The program operates in 12 Developments containing 538 units of housing primarily in Allegheny County, with one property located in Center Township, Beaver County.
The Service Coordination program is comprised of several components:
- Case management and information and referral services.
- Implementation of health and wellness programs and presentations featuring knowledgeable speakers on topics of general interest. Blood pressure clinics and medication and disease management programs are established in many buildings to promote good health.
- Partnerships with established community service providers. Service Coordinators partner with senior centers, houses of worship, schools, local universities, elected officials, and pharmacies to inform residents of the resources within the community.
