Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Lisa Mancini, Director, Aging and Adult Services
Subject: Agreement with Answernet, Inc. for 24-Hour Phone Answering Services for Aging and Adult Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Answernet, Inc. to provide 24-hour phone answering services for Aging and Adult Services, for the term of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, in an amount not to exceed $400,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Aging and Adult Services (AAS) operates the Adult Protective Services (APS) program to help elders (the definition of which will change from 65 years and older to 60 years and older, starting January 1, 2022) and dependent adults (age 18-64 years who have a combination of a disability and the inability to protect their own interest, or who have an inability to carry out normal activities to protect their rights) when they are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. APS investigates reports of abuse of elders and dependent adults who reside in private homes, apartments, hotels, or hospitals.
The California Department of Social Services requires that every APS agency provide free public telephone access to a 24-hour hotline system to receive reports of known or suspected abuse or neglect of elders and dependent adults. San Mateo County's 24-hour phone answering service also serves clients from other AAS programs, including the Public Guardian, Public Authority, and In-Home Supportive Services.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for the 24-hour phone answering service has increased, with the hotline receiving an average of 2,569 incoming calls per month.
DISCUSSION:
AAS has contracted with Answernet, Inc. since 2015 to provide 24-hour phone answering services for APS. Their performance has been satisfactory to the County wi...
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