Things it might be helpful to know about this program:

• COSS is an on-call mobile crisis intervention and outreach service for seniors that provides short-term support, 365 days a year, 7 days a week, from 9am-5pm. The COSS Follow-up Service provides short-term case management for those who need more support.
• COSS can help seniors who are having a mental health or addictions-related crisis, are at risk of elder abuse, or who are isolated or at risk of repeated hospital use. COSS can also put into place services and supports in the community for seniors who need them.
• Service is provided in the community – meaning either in your home or in your neighbourhood.

To be eligible or service a person must:

• Be 65 years or older. People 55-64 can be eligible depending on circumstances. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Have a suspected or diagnosed mental health and/or addition issue, including dementia.
• Eligibility for service will not be denied on the basis of language or disability.

Once in service you can expect the following:

• You will participate in an initial assessment with your case manager that will support you to identify your strengths and needs in order to determine your goals, which will be the focus of the service.
• Your case manager will connect you to a broad range of services/resources, including long term case management, as required.
• Your case manager will coordinate your services in partnership with you.
• The case manager will discuss with you how crises will be managed and help to create a safety/crisis plan.
• Your status and progress will be documented.
• You will work with your case manager to determine how your significant others are involved in your care.
• You will be made aware of Reconnect’s complaint process and how to access it.
• You will be made aware of your right to privacy, how your personal health information is being kept secure, and how and under what circumstances the agency will collect, use or disclose your personal health information.
• Your case manager will develop a transition plan with you.
• You can be discharged from service for the following reasons:
• Your preference
• You have achieved all your goals
• You have been connected with other similar services
• Frequent no-shows or cancellations
• Once you have been discharged, If you are experiencing a crisis or otherwise need support, you can contact Reconnect to be re-admitted to service within a year of discharge.

If you would like the pdf version of this program description click here.