In 2009, Marnice Smith established Meeting Seniors Needs Hotline (MSNH), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers. While assisting individuals in navigating the complexities of obtaining Medi-Cal benefits, Marnice recognized the difficulties faced by those unable to afford assisted living facility fees or full-time in-home care costs.
The Lifestyle Advocates at Meeting Seniors Needs Hotline collaborated with local care coordination agencies serving Medi-Cal applicants, ensuring eligibility for the assisted living waiver program. Acting as third-party representatives, they assist families and advocates in navigating complex application procedures, resulting in a significantly reduced timeframe for many underserved Medi-Cal members to attain secure housing and care.
The Assisted Living Waiver Forum to be held at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, CA, is the inaugural event of a series of planned regional forums. The aim is to create a space for policymakers, housing providers, and community leaders to discuss the future of assisted living waiver and low income housing solutions for the unhoused communities in the Inland Empire and surrounding areas.
Featuring keynote speakers and panelists from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and the Senior Care Action Network (SCAN), the forum expects over 200 attendees. This year's theme, "Homeless Solutions and the Impact on the Assisted Living Waiver Program," emphasizes addressing housing challenges and transitions from healthcare institutions with extended waitlist times and other concerns.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, pose questions, express concerns, and collaborate towards the waiver's goal: facilitating the transition of institutionalized members to less-restrictive, community-based settings and preventing imminent institutionalization.
Your participation, knowledge, and attendance at this event will be a valuable contribution to everyone present.
Attendance is limited to the first 200 registrants, and registration is currently open for vendors and sponsors to sign up and secure their spots at this impactful event.
