Vital Medical Care Access for Seniors

Grantee: South Park Senior Citizens
Timeframe: July 2024 – June 2025 | Amount: $131,457

The Vital Medical Care Access for Seniors (VMCAS) program bridges healthcare gaps for low-income seniors from underserved BIPOC, immigrant, refugee, and undocumented communities. These seniors often face significant challenges in accessing care due to language, cultural, financial, technological, and transportation barriers. VMCAS addresses these disparities through personalized support and services.

To achieve this, VMCAS will:

• Identify and enroll seniors with high medical needs and limited insurance.
• Develop tailored care plans addressing individual needs.
• Provide financial assistance to support healthcare costs.
• Coordinate access to various healthcare providers and systems.
• Offer interpretation and translation services.
• Educate seniors about their healthcare options.
• Implement robust documentation and reporting procedures.

VMCAS will expand comprehensive care for seniors by connecting them to medical, dental, and mental health services, ultimately improving overall health outcomes and self-sufficiency.

VMCAS collaborates with local healthcare providers to match seniors with appropriate care. Partnerships with human service agencies strengthen the program’s reach.

Serving a diverse population, primarily from Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Hispanic communities in Seattle neighborhoods with high poverty rates, VMCAS addresses systemic barriers to care. Many seniors served live below the poverty line, face food insecurity, and struggle with complex healthcare systems. Through empathy, equitable services, and personalized guidance, VMCAS empowers seniors and promotes well-being.

A dedicated team of multilingual Social Services Support Specialists provides comprehensive assistance, including translation, care coordination, and financial support. By building strong relationships with seniors and incorporating their preferences into care plans, VMCAS ensures patient-centered care. In 2023, the team supported 306 seniors. VMCAS will continue to prioritize senior voices, fostering independence and overall wellness.

ABOUT OUR GRANTEE

South Park Senior Citizens

SPSC promotes healthy aging by creating a space of belonging that provides culturally responsive support services including sustainable access to nutritious meals, social services, physical activities, continued learning, and social engagement.

SPSC’s vision is that King County seniors have access to services, and the cultural community needed to lead vibrant, healthy, and independent lives.