SCAN Health Plan Expands Support for Older Residents of Riverside County During Pandemic and Beyond
Date Posted: 10/16/2020
Funding for Nonprofits and Collaboration with Mizell Center and Goeske Center
Extends Scope of Services to Older Adults
LONG BEACH, Calif., Oct. 16, 2020—SCAN Health Plan®, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage health plans, is making grants to community organizations and developing new partnerships with the Mizell Center in Palm Springs and Janet Goeske Center in Riverside in order to provide critically needed social services to adults in the Inland Empire.
The funding and collaborations, which are being made through Independence at Home (IAH), a SCAN community service, will be used to improve the health and social engagement of older adults, many of whom have become isolated and cut off from services during the pandemic.
“COVID-19 and the resulting stay at home orders have proven challenging for seniors, many of whom are socially isolated, have underlying medical issues, and need help finding stable housing, regular meals or healthcare,” said Denise Likar, vice president of Independence at Home. “From providing financial support for local organizations to offering social activities in partnership with leading senior centers, SCAN is expanding its efforts to help those in the Inland Empire cope with these extraordinary circumstances.”
Through almost $210,000 in direct grants, SCAN has provided funding this year to 15 local non-profits in the Inland Empire, supporting their efforts to meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers. The grants are being used to provide seniors with groceries, home-delivered meals and essential household items, as well as assistance with expenses including prescriptions, rent and utilities.
New partnerships with the Mizell Center in Palm Springs and Janet Goeske Center in Riverside will enable the development of social programming for older adults, many of whom are feeling alone during the pandemic. Through classes and zoom-based activities, seniors will be able to connect with old friends and make new ones.
“Collaborating with IAH enables us to provide a variety of learning and social engagement opportunities, health education programs and other activities—all virtually and at no cost—to help keep older adults connected while staying at home,” said Wes Winter, executive director of the Mizell Center.
“Through a shared commitment to helping seniors remain healthy and independent, and a dedication to doing everything we can to support those most in need during these difficult times, partnering with IAH makes perfect sense,” said Judith Vails, executive director of the Janet Goeske Foundation & Senior Center. “With online workshops on topics ranging from music appreciation to fall prevention, we’re excited about this opportunity to help older adults stay socially active, engaged and safe.”
Through IAH, SCAN is able to provide additional programs for Riverside County residents, including Insights, a behavioral health program staffed by licensed therapists, and a “Friendly Caller” program that connects lonely adults with volunteers by telephone. These one-on-one services complement the funding and new senior center partnerships that have a broader reach.
For more information about Independence at Home programs, call 1-866-421-1964. Information about other programs and virtual class calendars can be found at jgc4seniors.com and mizell.org.
About SCAN Health Plan
SCAN Health Plan is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans, serving more than 220,000 members in California. Since its founding in 1977, SCAN has been a mission-driven organization dedicated to keeping seniors healthy and independent. Independence at Home, a SCAN community service, provides vitally needed services and support to seniors and their caregivers regardless of plan membership. SCAN also offers education programs, community funding, volunteer opportunities and other community services throughout our California service area. To learn more, visit scanhealthplan.com or facebook.com/scanhealthplan or follow us on Twitter @scanhealthplan.
Media Contact:
Havas Formula for SCAN
scanhealth@havasformula.com
619-234-0345
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