ElderHelp’s Wildfire
Recovery Program provides supportive
case management services for seniors
who were affected by the San Diego County
Wildfires of 2003. Our staff has received
specialized disaster case management
training in support of this project.
The program provides diagnosis of the
health and social needs of seniors and
development of specialized care plans
to address these needs. ElderHelp maintains
an extensive network of community resources,
which enables our care managers to make
referrals to over 30 other service providers
as well as to our own programs.
Program
Impacts
ElderHelp’s
Wildfire Recovery Program has
assisted over 125 seniors and
their families. We network with
other fire recovery groups and
coalitions to identify those
in need. Initially, the Wildfire
Recovery case manager assisted
with immediate issues such as
FEMA and Small Business Administration
loan application paperwork,
insurance and legal issues,
temporary housing, and providing
counseling and emotional support.
Ongoing Wildfire Recovery case
management services include:
Securing storage
for belongings
Obtaining needed
medical equipment
Assisting with completion
of forms and applications
for assistance
Coordinating debris
clean-up and removal
Connecting clients
with air purifiers
Finding replacement
household appliances
and furniture
Finding caregivers
Assistance with moving
seniors who need more
care
Connecting to utility
assistance programs
Arranging transportation
Advocating with physicians
and medical groups
Connecting clients
to volunteer services
and donated items
