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2-1-1 and Elder Care Experts |
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What is 2-1-1?
Similar to dialing 4-1-1 for directory assistance and 9-1-1 for an emergency, 2-1-1 is the number to dial for information about health and human services available in our community.
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Who operates 2-1-1?
In our community, 2-1-1 is operated by the United Way of Greater Houston.
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What are the operating hours for 2-1-1?
2-1-1/United Way Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Who answers the phone at 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is staffed by certified information and referral specialists who are trained to respond to questions about community resources available in our community.
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Does someone have to speak English to call 2-1-1?
No, call specialists have access to translation assistance in over 150 languages.
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What are Elder Care Experts?
Elder Care Experts refers to a group of organizations that have come together to provide enhanced information and referral services, benefits counseling and case management services to older adults and family caregivers who have complex situations and need more help "than just a phone number" to meet their needs.
The network formed by the organizations participating as Elder Care Experts is directed by Care for Elders, a partnership of more than 80 organizations committed to improving access to services and enhancing life for older adults and family caregivers in Harris County.
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How can someone reach an Elder Care Expert?
By calling 2-1-1 and asking to speak with an elder care expert.
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What types of Elder Care Experts are available through the Access Network?
Older adults and family caregivers can talk with Enhanced Information and Referral Specialists whose expertise is in senior services. These specialists have advanced knowledge and training about the unique challenges often experienced by older adults, and provide more in-depth consultation about care options and local resources than is typically provided by 2-1-1. Care for Elders also has agreements with local partners who specialize in helping Chinese and Vietnamese speaking elders, as well as families who are coping with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Benefits counselors who are experts in such things as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, long term care insurance and other common benefits for seniors are also Elder Care Experts.
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Which organizations provide Enhanced I & R and Benefits Counseling services?
Enhanced I & R is provided by specialists at the United Way of Greater Houston, Houston Area Parkinson Society, Alzheimer's Association, Chinese Community Center, and Boat People SOS. The Harris County Area Agency on Aging provides benefits counseling services.
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Is everything done over the telephone?
2-1-1, Enhanced I & R services, and benefits counseling are provided over the telephone. If an older person needs someone to visit him/her at home to discuss their needs, case management services are provided.
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Who provides case management services as part of this network?
Case management is provided by Sheltering Arms Senior Services, Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, the Houston Area Parkinson Society, Chinese Community Center, Boat People SOS, and the Human Services Bureau of the City's Health and Human Services Department.
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Is there a cost for utilizing 2-1-1 and Elder Care Experts?
No, all services provided through the network are free.
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Are there age requirements for who can speak with an Elder Care Expert?
Callers of any age with questions or concerns about an older adult can call 2-1-1 and speak with an Elder Care Expert. Individuals 60 and older in need of assistance for themselves are the highest priority for Elder Care Experts.
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What geographic area is covered by 2-1-1 and Elder Care Experts?
2-1-1 provides information and referral services for a multi-county area surrounding Houston. Elder Care Experts are focused on serving older adults residing in Harris County.
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What types of services can someone find out about by calling 2-1-1 and speaking with an Elder Care Expert?
Elder Care Experts have access to a comprehensive database of resources, including federal, state and local government agencies, community-based organizations, non-profit agencies and for-profit providers. Information is available about resources that address the gamut of elder care needs.
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