Helping Seniors Live Independent & Fulfilling Lives

Providing access to care through community partnerships and programs In 2019,

Frederick Health partnered with Advocates for the Aging of Frederick County and the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick to serve low-income seniors in the community through the Senior Service Coordinator program.

Many senior residents live by themselves and need assistance with essential tasks like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, managing housing, or attending doctor appointments. Without support, seniors have a higher risk of experiencing depression, heart and respiratory issues, and other medical needs that may require emergency services.

By helping seniors achieve stability, the Service Coordination program has achieved a 50% reduction of EMS calls, and a 50% reduction in visits to the Frederick Health Hospital Emergency Department by participants within two years.

Lisa Hogan, Manager of the Transition and Chronic Care Program, credits this success to her team of Community Health Workers employed through Frederick Health. “All of our staff bring a holistic approach to each situation, as well as respect, compassion, and empathy. Without relationships, you don’t have the program.”

Community Health Workers meet with clients during home visits to help identify their priorities for health, housing, and other needs that will support remaining in their own homes rather than moving to assisted living or long-term care. They also provide transportation to appointments, assist with managing benefits and insurance, access to mobility and assistive devices, and outreach and isolation prevention.

Maggie Carter, the program’s Service Coordinator and a Community Health Worker, says that for every client, “We ask what their personal goals are. For some, it’s regaining the ability to see, be able to enjoy food with the help of dentures, or hear better with hearing aids. Thanks to the rapport we build, we’re able to connect clients with the right resources.

”Sharry Veil, a recipient of the program’s services, speaks highly of Maggie and the other program staff’s efforts. “Every time I hear from Maggie, I feel so important. She is so helpful, and I know I have someone in my corner that I can count on, and that I am not alone when issues come up.”

As the program continues to grow, Frederick County’s Division of Aging and Independence will assume the program’s daily operations, and Frederick Health will continue as the primary healthcare provider and collaborative partner so that seniors have access to expanded services along with the same level of quality care.