Patricia Brannen began working for Delaware County on August 10, 1977 for the Department of Social Services, starting out as a Clerk and then progressing through the ranks as a Social Services Welfare Examiner and then Caseworker.  Pat, a DSS Caseworker experienced in working with older persons and who had case management credentials, was recommended by Commissioner Moon as someone who might be a good match for the Office for the Aging’s new Expanded In-Home Service for the Elderly Program (EISEP) Case Manager position.  In April, 1988, Pat decided to transfer to the Office for the Aging to manage EISEP.

EISEP was a new program developed at the State level in 1988 to address the significant challenges faced by older New Yorkers’ in-home long term care situations.  At that time, frail senior citizens who were not eligible for Medicaid, were on their own to find in-home assistance, as limited as it was.  Often, there was little choice but to transition to expensive nursing home care.  EISEP shifted the way we are able to care for those non-Medicaid clients who have difficulty caring for themselves.  Pat helped to develop the strategies to integrate non-medical care services with other long term care services that were already in place.

Pat is recognized for exercising her close and caring relationship with her clients while enduring a complicated fiscal system that includes co-pays, County matching funds and a State reimbursement fee system, which became more difficult as the client load increased and additional funds became available.  Over the years, in response to increased needs, OFA reorganized its casework staff and provided Pat with the support she needed to more effectively manage the EISEP.  Since then, both the program and Pat have flourished.

Pat has a deep concern for the wellbeing of her clients.  She has an unassuming manner and fosters a level of respect that is shared between client and case manager.  She is well-loved by her fellow staff members and is always ready to pitch in when an “all hands on deck” plea is issued.  Pat enjoys her co-workers and the many wonderful clients that she sees.  She is especially proud of the opportunity that she has had to help those in need.

Pat’s family includes two sons, Eric and Sean, and a daughter, Heather, and a granddaughter who is “the light of her life”.  Her hobbies include reading, gardening and playing the organ at her church.  She also enjoys acting and stage work at the Open Eye Theater as well as attending a variety of different art events in the area.

According to Tom Briggs, OFA Director, “Pat defines who we are at OFA and as our eldest staff member, she has the distinction of being both an outstanding worker and successful senior.  I am honored to nominate Pat Brannen as Delaware County Employee of the Month.”