CALL CENTER: 800-339-4661

Senior Options, Advocacy and Referrals (SOAR)

Senior Options, Advocacy and Referrals (SOAR), formerly the Management and Assessment of Social and Health Needs (MASH) is a care management program that serves frail and disabled adults age 60 and older, who are at risk of nursing home placement and ineligible for other care management and in-home-care service programs.

How does the program work?

SOAR is a program through the County of San Diego's Aging and Independence Services (AIS) that provides care management services to people who do not qualify for such services in other programs.

SOAR care managers work with the client to find and coordinate services in the home. The staff members develop a care plan with the client and any significant others to help the client remain safe and as independent as possible. One common goal for SOAR care managers and for clients is to prevent hospitalization or long-term, out-of-home placement.

There is a purchase of service component available within the program to provide assistance with homemaker, respite, escort, and money management services. SOAR clients whose monthly income and resources make them ineligible for In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and unable to afford private-pay home care assistance may be eligible for purchase of services.

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  • List of Included Services
    • Comprehensive assessment
    • Care planning with the client and family
    • Arrangement of services
    • Limited purchase of services
    • Coordination of care with other community agencies
    • Advocacy
    • Ongoing monitoring

Who We Serve

SOAR care managers serve persons who are "at risk" for needing placement outside their home. Many of the SOAR clients have difficulties taking care of several of their needs.

To Qualify

  • Age 60 or older.
  • May or may not be Medi-Cal eligible.
  • At risk of placement.
  • Eligibility to other case management programs must be explored before screening for SOAR.

Alternatives to SOAR: Professionals in our Call Center 800-339-4661 will evaluate other possible AIS care management programs if clients are not appropriate for SOAR. Referrals might be made to private care management services.

What is the cost of services?

Clients who can afford to pay are requested to contribute to the cost of the care management and purchased services; however, no eligible person is turned away solely from inability or unwillingness to pay.

Referrals

Please note that the SOAR program has a waitlist, and it can take several months for a referral to be assigned to a care manager.

 

For information about SOAR, or to apply to the program, call 800-339-4661 or send us an email.