LTC 267-2006 Telephone Reassurance Program
lD MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 267-2006
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission
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SUBJECT: Telephone Reassurance Program ::-:
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Effective October 9, 2006, the City's Neighborhood Services Department, t~u~
our Answer Center, has implemented the Telephone Reassurance Prograra::; TIW;
program provides reassurance and support to individuals with special nee8s afro
gives them a sense of security in knowing that someone will check in with them on a
monthly basis. In order to address the 172 City residents with special needs
currently registered with Miami-Dade County, we are pairing an Answer Center staff
person or "buddy" with a special needs resident. The Answer Center staff person
will contact that individual monthly and will also be available for the individual if
assistance is needed between calls. Working together, the special needs individual
and the "buddy" will schedule a convenient day and time that the "buddy" will call
each month. If the "buddy" is unable to reach the special needs person, they will
contact emergency medical services and/or an emergency contact provided by
him/her. The "buddy" will make referrals to the Department of Neighborhood
Services, Office of Community Services on behalf of the special needs resident as
needed. In addition, each special needs resident will be contacted whenever a
hurricane watch or warning is issued. Similar services are provided nationally by
private companies at a cost of over $25 per month. In an effort to better serve all of
the City of Miami Beach's diverse residents, this service will be provided for free.
Special needs residents must register with Miami-Dade County on forms currently
available only at the County. The County then provides the City with a list each
month of registered Miami Beach residents. We have been working with the County
in an effort to "get the word out" and make the registration process as seamless as
possible. In the near future a link will be added to the City's website for our special
needs residents to obtain registration information from Miami-Dade County. This is
just another example of the City's ongoing efforts to reach out and serve all of our
residents.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact my office.
JMG/HMFNPG
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