Seniors System Navigation Team

 

In the Fall of 2019, six Human Services organizations in Lethbridge that received funding for seniors services from the City’s Community and Social Development Department’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) stream began discussions to work more collaboratively. The impetus for these discussions was based on the notion that funding cuts were forthcoming which would require a different way of work. Since the focus for FCSS funded services is early intervention and prevention, these discussions addressed seniors in crisis in the context of pre-crisis intervention and post-crisis support. The six organizations involved are Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Lethbridge Housing Authority (LHA), Nord-Bridge Seniors Association, Lethbridge Family Services – Counselling, Outreach and Education (LFS-COE) and Volunteer Lethbridge. 

 After much discussion and then agreement on a way forward, the six organizations created the Seniors Community Services Partnership (SCSP). In February of 2020, each member of the partnership submitted linked proposals for the City’s tender call for FCSS and Housing services. Each SCSP organization included an identical Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with their proposals that stated their commitment to the partnership and commitment to provide the services for seniors as stated in their respective proposals. In the Fall of 2020, SCSP organizations were approved to provide the following services: 

1) Senior System Navigation; 
2) In-Home Supports; 
3) Volunteer recruitment, Placement and Support; and 
4) One Session counselling service

Seniors System Navigation (SSN) Team: 
The Seniors System Navigators (SSN) respond to seniors 60+ in need by providing referrals and service navigation, case management or outreach support to residents of the City of Lethbridge. The goal of this partnership and the Seniors System Navigators is to collaborate internally as well as with existing community services to engage in organized senior centered service planning, avoid agency duplication and fill gaps with the outcome being to deliver coordinated support to seniors. 

At this time, the Seniors System Navigators are located within multiple senior serving agencies including: Canadian Mental Health Association, Lethbridge Housing Authority, Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) and Nord-Bridge Seniors Association. This team is supported by a Team Lead who provides clinical guidance and negotiation to ensure the seniors journey is as seamless as possible. 

Services are individualized and driven by psychosocial assessments and seniors centered service planning inclusive of:
• Support to navigate and access community, health and social resources
• Assistance understanding, accessing and applying for financial benefits/assistance
• Support to access seniors independent or supported housing
• Emotional support to facilitate health coping habits and social engagement
• Short term case management of seniors experiencing complex psychosocial
   needs related to aging challenges
• Facilitate educational and support groups
• Outreach support as needed

To speak directly to a Seniors System Navigator, please call the Intake number at 403-329-1544.

Please click on the link below to view or print the SCSP Referral Form.

SCSP Referral Form

The SCSP Referral Form can be submitted via e-mail to: [email protected]