Seniors·At·Home, a division of Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, provides a balance of support and direct services to help seniors live safe, healthy, independent lives in their own homes.

Among the services provided within this continuum of care is The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP). Administered locally by JFCS in Marin, MSSP is a voluntary geriatric case management program that enables frail seniors who otherwise would have difficulty living independently to remain in their own homes. Funded through a grant from the California Department of Aging, MSSP provides a sensible, win-win approach to senior care. By enabling frail seniors to live comfortably and safely in their own homes, MSSP not only enhances the quality of seniors' lives, but also reduces potential costs for senior care by decreasing the need for institutionalization.

Eligibility Requirements for MSSP
Residents of Marin County, 65 years of age and older, who are eligible for nursing home care under Medi-Cal are eligible for services under MSSP. Once an individual qualifies for MSSP, there is no charge for the assistance he or she receives through the program. To qualify, individuals must be eligible for or currently receiving Medi-Cal benefits. No individual donations will be requested to receive services through MSSP.

Another component of the Seniors·At·Home program is LINKAGES, a state-funded case management program that enables elderly adults and adults with disabilities who would otherwise have difficulty living independently to remain in their own homes. Established by the State of California in 1985, LINKAGES also is funded through a grant from the California Department of Aging and is administered locally by JFCS in Marin. Individuals are eligible for LINKAGES if they are Marin County residents 18 years of age or older who have disabilities that threaten independent living and lack eligibility for assistance from the Department of Developmental Services and/or the Department of Mental Health and Rehabilitation Services. Once an individual qualifies for LINKAGES, there is no charge for the case management assistance he or she receives. No eligible individuals will be denied service solely due to inability or unwillingness to contribute. However, individuals who can afford to do so are requested to contribute a share of the cost for case management and purchased services.

Eligibility Requirements for LINKAGES
Once eligibility for MSSP or LINKAGES is established and enrollment is completed, a qualified case manager and a health practitioner will meet with enrollees for a comprehensive assessment of their needs. The case manager will work with enrollees and their families (if they wish) to develop an individualized care plan. Once the plan is established, the case manager will arrange necessary services by making referrals to health care providers and other community resources. The case manager will continue to monitor the care on a regular basis, making modifications as necessary.

Anyone, including the individual who needs assistance, can make a referral to MSSP and LINKAGES.

For more information or for an enrollment application, please contact Jewish Family and Children's Services by phone at (415) 507-0564, by e-mail at Info@SeniorsAtHome.org, or mail your inquiry to 600 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.