Transcript Senior Population and Special Needs Development and Design

Senior Population and Special Needs
Development and Design
Designing housing to meet the needs
of seniors and disabled persons
Special Needs Populations
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Homeless individuals and families
Persons with mental health issues
Persons with substance abuse issues
Individuals with developmental disabilities
Transitioning youth
The ever increasing senior population
Promote the expansion
of affordable housing
Special Needs populations
Determine the gap in the market for those who
are underserved and have needs that are not
being met by mainstream housing.
What do we do well?
As an agency, what are we lacking to
accommodate these individuals?
Do we need specialized training for staff to
offer more in depth supportive services?
Determine who can best serve
Special Populations
As an agency, we need to identify staff
members who truly have the compassion and
the calling to work with different segments of
the population such as children, seniors, and
challenged individuals.
Recognize maintenance, supportive service and
property management staff members who have
the empathy to deal with different sectors of
those we serve.
Take the Time to Know Your Market
• In today’s world we have “studies” and
surveys for everything….
• BUT….do we really take the time to know who
our consumers are….and what basic needs
they require to live a quality life.
• Taking the time, up front, to acquaint yourself
with your program participant and their needs
results in a successful relationship and
understanding of the housing program.
• Realize “one size does not fit all”
Maintain Housing Stability for
Vulnerable Households
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Providing Transportation
Housekeeping
Grocery Shopping
Preparing Meals
Arranging for Outside Services
Managing Finances
Giving notices / messages
Sample Case Study
for 504 Compliance
Individuals diagnosed with Autism often have
heightened sensory awareness. Noises that may
be normal or not even noticed by others can be
overwhelming to individuals with Autism.
Lighting may also affect an individual with
Autism. It is not uncommon for bright or
flickering light to cause discomfort or
distraction.
Sample Case Study continued
Something as simple as changing the type of
light bulb used can have a positive effect on
someone who has light sensitivities. A thorough
assessment of an individual’s environment
should be taken into consideration and planned
accordingly to ensure a calm and healthy
atmosphere.
By getting to know your client…
• Avoid lease violations
• Prevent termination from program which
could lead to eventual:
Group home placement
Personal care facility
Incarceration
Homelessness
Return to family home
If you have any questions,
feel free to contact me
Ed Jenkins
Deputy Director
Pennsylvania Interfaith Community Programs
717-334-1518 ext 228
[email protected]