Welcome to this week’s Friday Focus, where we shine a light on a selection of resources, insights, and tools specifically curated for professionals who work in the field of aging and adult services.
Agency Spotlight: Mitchell County Adult Protection Multidisciplinary Team
Situated in western North Carolina, Mitchell County boasts a tight-knit community dedicated to the well-being of its residents, particularly its aging population. Two years ago, the county established an adult protection multidisciplinary team (MDT). Led by Wendy Boone, Director of the Department of Social Services, this team comprises approximately 12 members from diverse agencies who convene monthly to address the multifaceted challenges confronting vulnerable adults in their community.
In a county with a population hovering around 15,000, over half of whom are aged 50 and above, resources are scarce, and needs are varied and pressing. The Mitchell County MDT has emerged as a vital resource for professionals in aging and adult services. Comprising representatives from the county department of social services, hospice, mental health, the local senior center, emergency medical services, emergency communications, law enforcement, the local hospital, transportation, and Medicaid, the team pools expertise from across the county to better serve their community.
The strength of the Mitchell County MDT lies in its emphasis on building relationships and fostering mutual understanding. Each meeting sees members sharing updates from their respective agencies and exploring collaborative opportunities. Guest speakers frequently contribute insights related to aging and adult services, enriching the team’s collective knowledge and enhancing their effectiveness.
Operating in a small, aging community with limited resources presents inherent challenges. However, the Mitchell County MDT remains committed to safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable adults. A recent intervention involving a gentleman living in substandard housing showcased the team’s commitment to action. After receiving an adult protective services report, APS staff found the housing conditions to be substandard, however, they found the gentleman to be competent and very independent. Despite the gentleman’s reluctance to leave his home, APS staff and senior services collaborated to provide home-delivered meals and organize a community clean-up day. Fundraising efforts facilitated the construction of a new bathroom, with member agencies stepping in to provide transportation, durable medical equipment, and essential supplies such as a new mattress.
This success underscores the power of collaboration fostered by an MDT’s alliance, cultivated through shared objectives and mutual trust. As you consider the work of the Mitchell County MDT, we hope you draw inspiration from their collaborative spirit and commitment to serving vulnerable adults. In an increasingly complex field, their model of community-driven advocacy serves as an example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose.
Kristy Preston, the Adult Protection Network Director at the UNC School of Government, recently attended one of their meetings and saw this collaborative work in action. She shared a brief presentation with the team, offering insights on how they can further enhance their efforts. If you are interested in learning more about establishing an MDT in your community, or if you would like staff from the Adult Protection Network to attend one of your meetings, reach out to the Help Desk.
