Meet Rafael and Rosa.
For them, life looks brighter now. But not long ago, life was different.
Rafael was struggling with serious health issues and his family faced housing uncertainty. The family had difficulty facing Rafael’s medical diagnoses and proposed treatment. They were overwhelmed by the systems responsible for his medical and housing benefits. It was hard to know where to start — until they found support through Santa Cruz County’s Long Term Case Management team.
Long Term Case Management (LTCM) is a program which focuses on helping elderly and dependent adults maintain independence through advocacy, counseling and referrals to community agencies. Social workers connect one-on-one with clients, fostering special bonds and relationships that enable people like Rafael and Rosa to stay safe and maintain independence.
When older adults experience a crisis, whether due to abuse by another person or because they are having difficulties caring for themselves, they may not know how to get help. They may be ashamed, fearful of the government or worried they will lose their independence. The County of Santa Cruz’s Adult and Long Term Care (ALTC) division and Adult Protective Services program advocates for people experiencing abuse and helps them stay safe and independent. ALTC is dedicated to protecting the elderly (60 years and older) and dependent adults, ages of 18-59, who have physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out daily activities or to protect their rights.
With bilingual social workers and nurses by his side, Rafael began facing his fears — one appointment, one conversation, one small victory at a time.
In addition to accompanying Rafael to medical appointments and advocating for him, his team leveraged additional resources through the Home Safe program. Through Home Safe, Rafael and Rosa had support to find a safe place to live, received security deposit assistance, navigated the complicated Housing Authority requirements and were provided furniture.
Through long-term, intensive care coordination and continuous social-emotional support by his team, Rafael was able to overcome his fear of the healthcare system. Without the level of support that LTCM provided, Rafael may not have survived.
Rafael now attends medical appointments on his own. He is more independent with taking his medication and takes a more active role in household chores and gardening. Rafael and Rosa love their new home and recently adopted a cat. Rafael loves his grandchildren and is eager to continue working in therapy to better express his needs and his feelings.
Rafael and Rosa’s story is a reminder: accepting help can change your life. Santa Cruz County’s Adult and Long Term Care Services are here for you — to help you stay healthy, safe and supported.
“Since 2023, Adult Protective Services Long Term Case Management program has served nearly 100 older and dependent adults throughout the county,” said Whitney Barnes, supervisor at Adult and Long Term Care. “The program has consistently improved client’s health and outlook on life.”
If you or someone in your life needs help, please reach out to the Adult and Long Term Care Division at 831-454-4101 or www.santacruzhumanservices.org/AdultLongTermCare.
