CC SR 20210615 06 - Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) Pilot Program
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/15/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to implement the Aging and Disability Resource
Connection (ADRC) pilot program.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Review the proposed Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) pilot
program and, if deemed acceptable, authorize Staff to implement the pilot
program; and,
(2) Direct Staff to return in six months, after implementation, to provide a status report
on the pilot program to determine whether to proceed with a full-scale
implementation.
FISCAL IMPACT: $200 is needed to cover costs associated with background checks
provided by Livescan services for volunteers. Funding is allocated as
part of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: McKenzie Bright, Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft Membership Application Form (page A-1)
B. Draft Volunteer Application Form (page B-1)
BACKGROUND:
According to the 2019 American Community Survey from the United States Census
Bureau, over a quarter of the population in Rancho Palos Verdes is estimated to be over
the age of 65 (10,714 individuals). An additional 3,300 individuals will be turning 65 in the
next five years.
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In the recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey, 40% of respondents said they wanted additional
information on senior resources and over 28% of respondents indicated that they would
like the City Council to give more attention to senior services.
One of the proposed City Council goals for FY 2021 -22 is to provide resources, and
programs for aging and disabled community members.
Over the past several months, Staff has developed the proposed RPV Aging and
Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) program to serve the needs of aging and
disabled community members through resources and programs. Tonight, Staff is
presenting an overview of the proposed ADRC program and seeking Council
authorization to implement the program as a pilot program for further review six months
after implementation.
DISCUSSION:
ADRC Program Goals
The goal of the ADRC is to connect residents with services to enhance quality of life,
foster a sense of inclusion, and enhance community success at all levels.
The ADRC would connect residents and their families with available resources to help
retain independence and remain in their homes as long as possible, as well as create
additional City-run programs. The ADRC would additionally strive to provide accurate
information to assist in making informed decisions on available services, programs, and
resources through education and engagement, such as digital and print messaging and
special events with community partners, as described below. Staff would additionally be
able to provide referrals to community and county resources if community members’
needs exceed City services.
Education: Email, print, and website messaging would be used in conjunction with large-
scale events to help educate residents on topics most relevant to aging and disabled
communities. Topics may include the following:
• Financial security
• Cyber security
• Emergency Preparedness
• Advocacy services
• Recognizing abuse
• Health and wellness
• Mental wellness
• Physical fitness
• Nutrition
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Engagement: The ADRC would enhance resident engagement through volunteer-based
programs and special events. The volunteer network would provide connection and
services to ADRC members, assisting with friendly check-ins, as well as certain needed
activities, such as errands or changing smoke alarm batteries. Special events would be
held on a larger scale than the volunteer programs and connect ADRC members and
volunteers with the broader community.
ADRC Program Participation
RPV residents 65 and older and individuals with a disability covered under the Americans
with Disabilities Act would be invited to participate as ADRC members. This would be a
free service for residents. The draft membership application is attached to this report (see
Attachment A). Members would be required to provide proof of residency, such as a copy
of their driver’s license or a utility bill.
All RPV residents would be encouraged to volunteer with the ADRC, whether helping run
special events or committing to long-term programs. The draft volunteer interest form is
attached to this report (see Attachment B). Volunteers would be required to pass a
background check prior to working with ADRC members.
ADRC members and volunteers would be able to indicate their availability and interest in
certain programs, and Staff would match them together. Staff anticipates that some
volunteers and members would be interested in regular meetings/assistance but that
others may only be interested in short-term or periodic assistance. Staff would organize
both volunteers and members to best serve needs and ability for programs.
Proposed ADRC Programs
The following are some proposed programs the City would operate benefitting the aging
and disabled community. All programs would be offered in accordance with all relevant
public health guidelines at the time of implementation. Hybrid or virtual options would
continue to be encouraged to enhance accessibility options available to members and
volunteers.
• Support System Program: Volunteers conduct friendly weekly check-ins with
ADRC members. Check-ins could include phone calls, walks or small excursions,
or a shared meal. Volunteers may also provide companionship for light errands,
such as grocery shopping. Volunteers and ADRC members would be matched
based on their level of commitment and availability.
• Handyworker Program: Aging and disabled community members may request
minor household repairs, such as changing light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries
and paint touch-up provided by volunteers. Contingent on grant funding, the City
may provide reimbursable referrals to handyworkers for provisions of services to
repair certain homes to bring them up to standard condition and meet health and
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safety standards. These repairs could include roofing, electrical, plumbing, and
lead-based paint hazard reduction measures.
• Cyber-Squad Program: Volunteers would assist ADRC members with basic
technical support, such as general instruction, updating software, and setting up
computer equipment. Support could be received either in person or over the
phone, depending on health orders and preferences.
• Emergency Preparedness: Members would be added to a database that can be
shared with neighborhood block captains or representatives to be “guardian
angels” in the event there is an emergency. Volunteers would ensure that
members are safe or able to evacuate during an emergency, among other
services, such as assisting with hardening homes from potential disasters.
• Loan Closet: The City would establish a loan closet that contains items to assist
with mobility, such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, bedrails, and grip bars. Loans
would be meant to provide short-term assistance for those recovering from a
recent surgery or temporary disability. Community members would be encouraged
to donate gently used items they no longer need to the Loan Closet, but the City
could provide some initial materials through CDBG funds. The City could provide
certain items such as wheelchairs and walkers to be loaned out until donations of
mobility equipment are received. The City will need to allocate space at one of its
facilities to house such items when not in use. Possible locations include City Hall
in a temporary storage container.
• Large-Scale Events: The ADRC would also host large-scale events such as health
panels and community socials. These events would be held in partnership with
other local groups.
In the short term, the ADRC would focus on developing the member and volunteer
network and database, and establishing initial programs. It is anticipated that the first
large-scale event would be held within a year and would be used to serve the community,
as well as attract more residents to be members and volunteers.
Initial Program Implementation
To evaluate the proposed programs and establish a network of volunteers, Staff
recommends initiating a “soft launch” of the ADRC for approximately six months. This
initial program launch would focus on attracting members and volunteers on a smaller
scale, utilizing social media, listserv messaging, and direct communication with
homeowners associations (including Council of Homeowner’s Associations) and City
commissions and Boards. Program offerings would be limited to the Support System
Program, Cyber-Squad Program, and volunteer only Handyworker Program.
This period would allow Staff to make any necessary adjustments to the program before
it is publicized more widely. Staff recommends providing the City Council with a status
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update six months after implementation to determine what adjustments are needed and
whether to proceed with a larger program implementation.
Budget and Funding
For the initial program launch, the only expense would be the cost to fingerprint volunteers
as part of their background check. The City has a contract that provides live scan services
at $20 per person. Staff has allocated $200 in the FY 2021-22 budget for this service.
Once these programs move past the initial stage, it is anticipated that Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding would be used to fund the referral based
Handyworker Program and to establish the Loan Closet. Staff is also monitoring other
grant opportunities to fund and enhance the programs.
In terms of staff time, the ADRC program will initially be implemented by the
Administrative Analyst(s) and Deputy City Manager. If the program is successful and
expands warranted additional staff time, staff will explore utilizing volunteers or hiring par t-
time staff that may be funded by CDBG grant funds.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize implementing the ADRC pilot program to
provide resources and volunteer-based services to aging and disabled community
members. The ADRC would begin implementation of the volunteer and member network
through the Support System Program, Cyber-Squad Program, and the volunteer-only
Handyworker Program. Staff would evaluate the programs and return at a future meeting
to provide an update and to initiate the full list of ADRC programs proposed in this report,
as well as plans for large-scale events.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not authorize the implementation of the ADRC pilot program.
2. Identify other programs and services to include in the ADRC program.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Thank you for your interest in the RPV ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource
Connection). Please provide the following information and provide a copy of proof of
residency, such as a utility bill. Direct any questions to Administrative Analyst
McKenzie Bright at mbright@rpvca.gov or (310) 544-5305.
Member Information (please print):
Name:
Address:
Please Indicate: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. Rev.
Phone Number:
Email:
Birth Date:
Emergency Contact:
Name:
Address:
Please Indicate Relationship
Phone Number:
Email:
What type of assistance can RPV ADRC provide for you?
A-1
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Thank you for your interest in the ADRC. Please fill out the following form and staff will contact you
with more information. Volunteers will be required to pass a background check prior to participation.
Direct any questions to Administrative Analyst McKenzie Bright at mbright@rpvca.gov or (310) 544-
5305.
Volunteer Information (please print):
Name:
Phone Number:
Please Indicate: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. Rev.
Email:
Program Preferences: For information on specific programs, please visit rpvca.gov/ADRC.
Program(s) of Interest: ☐ Support System Program ☐ Handyworker Program ☐ Cyber Squad
☐I would prefer to be contacted for one-time assistance rather than a regular
program
Preferred Availability:
Please provide a brief description of why you would like to volunteer with your selected program(s):
Special Requests or Additional Information:
B-1