Approve Subaward Agreement 107-16 between SouthEastern Arizona Government Organization (SEAGO) and Cochise Health and Social Services (CHSS) through its Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Program to continue to provide Case Management and Family Caregiver Services in the amount of $247,019 for the period of July 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016 with renewal options.

CHSS first entered into a contract with SEAGO in July 1991 to provide Case Management services to the elderly and disabled residents of Cochise County. Prior to this date, the Department of Health Services had provided Case Management for people receiving County funded Home and Community Based services as well as for the County’s Long Term Care clients. In September 2001 Cochise Aging & Social Services, Area Agency on Aging Case Management program entered into an additional contract with SEAGO to provide Case Management and Education for family caregivers. The purpose being to focus on the caregiver and services that would help reduce some of the physical and emotional stress that accompanies caring for loved ones at home. Funding for the Case Management Program is provided by a contract with the Area Agency on Aging which is part of SEAGO. Funding consists of Older American Act and Title XX Social Service Block Grant funding in addition to State and Cochise County Funds. Funding for Case Management and Education for Caregivers is provided by a contract with SEAGO. Funding consists of National Family Caregiver Support Program Grant funding and County funds. The National Family Caregiver Support Program is funded under the Older American Act. Case management is an important Home and Community Based Service. Case managers accept the initial referral; perform an in-depth assessment of the client’s and family’s physical, social and psychological needs. Case managers examine the client’s support system, their financial status, the need for in-home services such as personal care, housekeeping, home delivered or congregate meals, respite services, the safety of the home, the client’s nutritional status, etc. After the assessment, the case manager and client, family and/or support persons establish a plan for that client that may include Home and Community based services. Area Agency on Aging Case Managers are Information and Referral Specialists for the elderly population. In addition to assessing clients and arranging for Home and Community Based Services the case manager refers and assists clients in applying for numerous programs and services from which the client could benefit and advocates for clients and families when necessary to obtain needed services. Case managers provide clients and families with information regarding their disabilities and medical conditions, advance directives and on the role as a caregiver. They assist clients in finding transportation to medical and other services. They can assist clients in finding private pay assistance. Home and Community Based Services are services provided to clients in their homes and are intended to prevent premature institutionalization and/or enrollment in the ALTCS program. This delay in need of ALTCS services is financially beneficial to the County. Clients who are found eligible for in home services under AAA funding are then prioritized on the basis of the level of their need and the availability of services. Unfortunately, there is never enough funding to meet the needs of all the County residents who are in need of these services so clients may be placed on a waiting list for services or given referrals for other services. There is no charge for any of these services or for Case Management services, although donations are welcome. The goal of this program is to assist Cochise County residents who are age 60 and over and/or their family caregivers by providing information and assistance in accessing services that will help older adults stay in their own homes and communities. The goal of an Area Agency on Aging is to enable older people to maintain maximum independence and dignity in the least restrictive environment and to delay institutionalization and/or ALTCS enrollment if at all possible.

Continue providing these services with existing program staff.

Would not be able to provide services to these vulnerable individuals and the ALTCS enrollment for Cochise County would likely rise significantly. Services are currently being provided to 461 County residents. As of 2013, the county's assessment per person enrolling on ALTCS was $4,900 annually.

Please send two signed copies back to department for execution.