United Way assumes administration of crisis line for seniors

Posted 1/27/15

As of last month, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) has assumed the role of administering the state’s After-Hours Emergency Response Program for Elders in Crisis, thanks to a grant from the …

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United Way assumes administration of crisis line for seniors

Posted

As of last month, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) has assumed the role of administering the state’s After-Hours Emergency Response Program for Elders in Crisis, thanks to a grant from the Division of Elderly Affairs and a partnership with Gateway Healthcare, a Lifespan partner.

The After-Hours Emergency Response Program for Elders in Crisis Line provides counseling and assistance for elders aged 60 and older who reside in the community and are experiencing an immediate crisis, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. weekdays, and 24 hours a day on weekends and holidays. It serves as a resource for first responders, professionals, family members, and the public. All calls are answered by a live UWRI contact specialist within 30 seconds of each call reaching the organization’s telephone system. No calls are directed to voicemail or any other message system. Access to the Crisis Line can be gained by calling 462-0555 during the above-mentioned hours of operation.

“The After-Hours Crisis Line demonstrates the strength of partnerships to help solve problems in a more efficient way,” said Anthony Maione, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “We want to ensure that seniors in crisis have access to comprehensive services when they need them most, no matter the time of day, and that’s exactly what this resource provides.”

UWRI contact specialists trained in needs assessment and crisis intervention screen a caller’s needs to determine the disposition of the emergency, referring calls requiring a higher level of intervention to an on-call clinician from Gateway Healthcare. Both the contact specialist and the on-call clinician will work with public safety personnel, other professionals and individuals to address complex crises involving a vulnerable senior who is at imminent risk. If the circumstances warrant, assistance is then provided in person.

“The After-Hours Crisis Line is an invaluable resource for seniors, their families and caregivers when an unexpected emergency occurs and puts seniors’ well-being at risk,” said Sandra M. Powell, director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. “United Way and Gateway Healthcare were chosen as partners for this program because of the expertise they’ve demonstrated in needs assessment and crisis intervention – we’re pleased to be working with them on this initiative.”

Gateway Healthcare is a behavioral health care provider that specializes in emergency response and crisis intervention, while also delivering ongoing care to adults with severe illnesses. With a comprehensive, community-based statewide resource network, Gateway provides services to more than 25,000 Rhode Islanders each year. Ninety percent of Gateway’s work is performed in a patient’s home, along with operating 100 units of housing for people with specific care needs, positioning the organization as a crucial partner in the delivery of the After-Hours Crisis Line.

“We are happy to partner with United Way and the Division of Elderly Affairs to be able to improve access to services for seniors in crisis,” said Richard Leclerc, president of Gateway Healthcare. “The ability to respond to an individual’s emergency during the overnight hours and quickly link them with resources that stabilize their situation is critically-important, especially for our elder population – this is a resource that benefits the entire community.”

The After-Hours Emergency Response Program for Elders in Crisis is supported by funding from the Administration for Community Living under Title IIB and Title IIIE of the Older Americans Act.

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