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City-funded social worker outlines services connecting Garland seniors to health and social supports
Summary
Melissa Sullivan, a licensed clinical social worker embedded with Garland first responders, told the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission her team provides complex case management — connecting homebound or isolated seniors to caregivers, medication assistance, Medicaid enrollment and equipment deliveries.
Melissa Sullivan told the Garland Senior Citizens Advisory Commission she serves as a licensed clinical social worker working with first responders to help seniors with non-emergency needs. "I'm a licensed clinical social worker," Sullivan said, describing a role that began under a grant and is now city-funded; she said most referrals come from the fire department and police. Sullivan outlined practical services her team provides, including in-home assessments, coordination with primary care, connecting residents to hospice when appropriate, and help obtaining medical equipment and identity documents that are barriers to services.
Commissioners asked how residents can be referred. Sullivan said the program has largely accepted referrals through city departments out of concern for volume and triage: the team is willing to talk with anyone but prefers referrals from first responders or center staff to avoid being overwhelmed. Commissioners discussed the idea of vetted volunteer check-ins and outreach through faith leaders; Sullivan cautioned volunteer programs require careful vetting to prevent exploitation of vulnerable seniors. The presentation closed with agreement to include Sullivan’s contact information at the senior centers and in commission outreach materials.
