The CARE Program

A Program Dedicated to Independent Living  

Instituted more than 20 years ago, the CARE (Caring Assistance and Referral for the Elderly) Program is a long-term case management program dedicated to helping older adults live independently in their communities.  Using a case-management approach, the program helps older adults and their caregivers to access services and benefits and educates them in areas such as Personal Care, Health Care Insurance and End-of-Life Planning.  CARE’s clients live, predominantly, in five HUD-subsidized high-rise residences in MLH’s service area and in individual homes.  Over the past few years, we have worked to re-define the CARE program so that it can better interface with hospital clinical areas with Lankenau Medical Center serving as a pilot.  As a result, the program has expanded beyond older adults and now also works with discharge planners to assure that patients are discharged to a safe environment with appropriate follow-up, provides case management services to high-risk patients in Lankenau’s Clinical Care Center and conducts home visits with residents from the Clinical Care Center as a part of their community service training.

How Does The CARE Program Work?

• CARE begins with an Assessment that identifies the problems facing the older adult as he or she lives in the community.
• A Plan is developed to meet or resolve needs identified in the Assessment.
• The older adult and/or caregiver are given information about resources and methods for resolving problems through a series of Education Modules. Modules cover a wide range of topics including Personal Care, Health Care Insurance and End-of-Life Planning.
• Follow-up is provided to 'coach' the older adult and/or caregiver as problems are resolved.
• CARE services are provided in the older adult's home.

Who Needs CARE?

Adults age 60 or older who are experiencing problems due to functional or medical limitations and who do not qualify for skilled home health care services.

Is There A Charge For The Program?

Cost of CARE's services is based on the income level of the older adult.

How Can I Arrange Help From CARE?

Call Community Services, Lankenau Medical Center at 484-476-8554.

CARE is a program of the Lankenau Medical Center Community Services Department. Support for the program is provided by Lankenau Hospitl, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital, Main Line Health, The United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and charitable foundations.

Testimonials

"The CARE Program has provided tremendous services to many of my patients. The case manager makes sure they have adequate insurance coverage, gets their medications, sets appointments and even makes sure the appointment is kept. She has also alerted me to patients' symptoms. Thanks for all you do and for helping me do a good job!"

Edward Williams, MD
Primary Care Physician

"Thanks immensely for your help and care toward Mom. I don't know how much Mom understands or appreciates all the work you do for her, but I want you to know that I do!"

Caregiver

"The CARE Program is essential to the well-being of residents of the senior housing complexes and the community. Without the program, many medical and mental health needs would go unaddressed. In addition, the collaboration between the CARE Program and our agency allows for effective and innovative service delivery. Professionally it is a pleasure working with the program."

Donna Wang, LSW
Senior Outreach Services