Multipurpose Senior Services

Supporting Seniors with Compassion: The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

Empowering Independence for Elderly Residents

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

The MSSP, operated by WTC, is a comprehensive case management program designed to help elderly Medi-Cal recipients avoid institutionalization by providing support that allows them to remain safely in their own homes. To qualify, individuals must be Imperial County residents, 60 years of age or older, on Medi-Cal, and in frail health which puts them at risk of being institutionalized. A team of Social Workers/Care Managers and an in-house nurse works with each client to develop a personalized Care Plan, which include products for personal care and hygiene, funding for transportation, referral to Adult Day Care, Communication services, and other support services.

Services continue as long as the client remains eligible and in need, with regular monitoring to adapt the care plan as needed. WTC’s MSSP serves up to 200 clients monthly across communities throughout Imperial County, including El Centro, Brawley, Calexico, and others. Since its inception, the program has assisted over 1,350 clients and receives ongoing referrals from medical and community health sources. With a 100% client satisfaction rate, MSSP is recognized for its effective, client-centered approach and innovative service delivery.

Old woman with senior social work assistant

Adult Day Care / Support Center:

Community-based programs that provide non-medical care to meet the needs of adults with functional impairments; a variety of social, psychosocial, and related support services in a protective setting, necessary to reach a therapeutic goal.

Nurse sharing a smile with an older patient in a wheelchair

Housing Assistance:

May include emergency assistance in situations that demand relocation, temporary, lodging expenses in particular situations, and assistance to restore utility services.

Nurse giving medication to an older woman

Chore and Personal Care Assistance:

Services are provided by trained individuals to elderly persons who need outside help to maintain independent living. Chore is for purposes of household support and applies to the performance of household tasks rather than to the care of the client. Personal Care provides assistance to maintain bodily hygiene, personal safety, and activities of daily living.

Frequently Asked Questions

My father is only 63 years old, but otherwise he seems to meet the other requirements for MSSP. Can MSSP still help?
Yes, your father does qualify for MSSP. Other agencies such as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can provide information and refer you to other services in your father’s community. The local AAA is listed in the telephone business white pages, or call 1-800-510-2020 for AAA nearest his home.
What does it mean to be "certifiable for nursing facility placement"? I do not want to have to go into a nursing home.
Being “certifiable” or “eligible” for nursing facility placement just means that you have disabilities that would qualify you to be in a nursing facility – it does not mean that you have to go into a nursing facility. A nurse who works for MSSP makes the certification. The goal of MSSP services is to see that people get the help they need to stay in their own homes as long as possible.
Why do you have to be on Medi-Call to be on MSSP?
The Medi-Cal program funds MSSP, so all enrollees of MSSP have to meet Medi-Cal eligibility criteria.
If I was to enroll in MSSP program, could I still keep my In-Home Support Services caregiver?
Yes you can keep your same In-Home Support Services caregiver, as In-Home Support Services is a separate program from MSSP.
What if I need a service not covered by MSSP?
There is no guarantee that MSSP will be able to pay for every service you need. When a need is identified, the first option is always to check whether family or friends can help. If this does not work, then we look to other agencies in your community that have programs for which you might be able to qualify (e.g. In-home Supportive Services, Meals on Wheels, etc.). Only if these other sources cannot help will MSSP consider whether its program funds can be spent. This determination is based on several factors, including the type of service (only a few things can be paid for by MSSP) and the reasons why other providers are not adequate for your needs)