July 26, 2024
Collaboration transforms care for older adults
Our partnership with ONEgeneration aims to prevent homelessness and improve quality of life.
Providing holistic care, addressing critical needs, and fostering independence helps older adults find balance and serenity.
It’s an unfortunate fact: Older adults are increasingly at risk of becoming homeless. A recent study of homelessness in California found that nearly half of adult, single homeless people were 50 or older.
For more than 4 decades, Kaiser Permanente has partnered with ONEgeneration to address homelessness and other issues by supporting older adults and their caregivers. ONEgeneration, a California nonprofit with multiple locations, provides services that allow aging in place and reduce hospitalizations. Our collaboration has led to many successes promoting the health, well-being, and stability of vulnerable populations.
Addressing critical needs for older adults
“Our partnership is built on a dedication to comprehensive care that considers the varied requirements of each person,” said Jenna Hauss, ONEgeneration president and CEO. “Our cooperative efforts with health care providers, such as Kaiser Permanente, are designed to bring about beneficial results specifically for older adults.”
The collaborative effort addresses critical needs like comprehensive medical services, caregiver respite, and educational opportunities, as well as homelessness prevention.
In one program, for example, ONEgeneration's housing navigators pair older adults at risk for homelessness with accessory dwelling units known as ADUs — a temporary housing solution to prevent evictions. The ADU program was spearheaded by Kaiser Permanente using an innovative homeless prevention fund.
“We work together and leverage each other's resources and expertise,” continued Hauss. “Together, we can create a coordinated continuum of care that fosters independence and dignity for the individuals we commonly serve.”
Enhancing quality of life
ONEgeneration receives as many as 30 referrals per month from Kaiser Permanente. Rose Ocampo, an inpatient case manager at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center, frequently recommends a referral to ONEgeneration for patients who are living alone without nearby family.
“I had a case where the social worker from ONEgeneration periodically went to the patient’s home and checked in on her, made sure she was taking in her mail, and asked whether she needed anything,” said Ocampo. “Another patient of mine was transported to dialysis treatments by ONEgeneration.”
ONEgeneration is committed to tackling fundamental challenges and nurturing an environment of support. The organization incorporates essential nutritional services, including meal distribution and a traveling food bank. Additionally, it offers social support facilities, encompassing centers for seniors and adult day care services. Through the Grandparents As Parents program, it also delivers support to children under the guardianship of their grandparents.
By aligning their visions and resources, ONEgeneration and Kaiser Permanente exemplify the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change and elevating the quality of life for older adults.
Learn more about how Kaiser Permanente works to provide safe, stable housing for people in our communities.
