Independent Living Systems (ILS) Works with State, County and Local Leaders to Help Displaced Residents
July 16 2024 - 8:00AM
Independent Living Systems (ILS), a leading provider of health and
social services for complex populations in the Medicare, Medicaid,
and Dual-Eligible markets, worked shoulder to shoulder with
community leaders and elected officials recently to help serve the
dozens of people displaced by the recent fire at Temple Court
Apartments in Miami.
The fire, which occurred on June 10th, was one of the largest in
nearly a quarter century to hit the area and displaced numerous
elderly residents, requiring immediate and specialized care. Within
hours of the emergency, ILS - coordinating with local and state
authorities – mobilized to meet the needs of the residents who were
sent to a local motel for temporary shelter.
The ILS team ensured that essential services such as medication,
meals, and personalcare supplies were rapidly delivered to meet the
urgent needs of the residents. The team included members from all
of ILS’ home care services division including pharmacists,
registered nurses, medical equipment delivery personnel and a
nutrition services team that delivered medically tailored meals
regularly.
"I am proud that our team acted so swiftly and efficiently to
address the urgent needs of the displaced residents from Temple
Court Apartments. Within hours, we were able to
collaborateseamlessly with elected leaders and community
organizations to ensure that essential services were not just
promised, but delivered,” said Nestor Plana, Chairman and CEO of
Independent Living Systems. “This rapid response underscores our
commitment to being there when our community needs us the most,
proving that compassion combined with action can indeed make a
profound difference in times of crisis."
Highlights of the assistance provided by ILS, included:
- Wellness assessments were conducted on individuals to identify
urgent health needs.
- Essential supplies and the distribution of walkers, canes, and
incontinence supplies were delivered as needed.
- Nutritional support and delivery of hot meals and snacks
- Medical support and pharmacy assessments and assistance for
residents.
- Distribution of medical kits containing critical health
monitoring devices and personal care products for each
individual.
- Provision of cellphones and chargers to facilitate
communication.
This swift response was coordinated under challenging
conditions, including torrential rain that led to a State of
Emergency declaration in Miami-Dade County due to flooding and
numerous road closures.
ILS has a longstanding partnership with the Florida Department
of Emergency Management and local municipalities, enhancing their
capability to respond swiftly to emergencies. ILS’ experienceand
infrastructure enables ILS to deliver critical 'last mile' services
to those in urgent need.
“In the face of adversity, we rose to the challenge. We became a
lifeline for displaced residents, swiftly mobilizing our full range
of services – from pharmacy to hot meals,” said Plana. “We bridged
the gap, collaborating with community groups, local leaders,
andcharities to bring solace and support to a community in
crisis."
The work with those displaced continues as ILS continues to
provide services to those in the temporary shelter.
About Independent Living Systems: Independent
Living Systems (ILS) is a Florida-based company providing a
comprehensive range of turnkey payer services to managed care
organizations and health care providers that provide care and
social services to complex populations in the Medicare, Medicaid,
and Dual-Eligible markets. The company also owns and operates
Florida Community Care, Florida’s only statewide Medicaid long-term
care provider service network, as well as Florida Complete Care, a
Medicare Advantage special needs plan for people who live in a
nursing home, an assisted living facility, or live at home and have
complex health issues that require more coordinated and
comprehensive care.
lucio guerrero
Independent Living Systems
786-761-3255
lguerrero@ilshealth.com