The Office on Aging offers a Senior Companion Program for homebound seniors 60 and older in San Jose who have a low or moderate income. Seniors who have difficulty performing activities of daily living or have been recently discharged from an acute hospital or rehabilitation facility are also encouraged to apply. Senior Companions can assist seniors in enhancing their independence. Companions can also provide respite to family members or caregivers who find it difficult to provide the level of support needed to prevent institutionalization. For more information, please call (408) 979-7904.
The Centers for Independent Living in Berkeley and Oakland provide advocacy and support services for people with disabilities who are living independently. Services include information and referrals, housing registry and shared housing information, public benefits counseling, peer counseling, and support groups. The CIL also maintains an attendant registry service where disabled individuals and seniors who need support can get help finding a home care worker who matches their specific needs for care. To access the attendant registry in Berkeley, call Esperanza at (510) 841-4776 ext. 118. Oakland residents, call (510) 763-9999 ext. 16 and ask for Nydawi.
In San Francisco, the Department of Aging and Adult Services has an Information, Referral and Assistance Line that provides 24-hour assistance for people with disabilities and older adults, caregivers and organizations serving people with disabilities and seniors. The hotline is designed to help individuals in locating services and resources to continue living at home and in the community. Information on services includes mental health, housing, legal concerns, employment, financial assistance, disabilities, elder abuse, friendly visitors and LGBT services. Call (415) 626-1033 for more information. Visit the IR&A website to find out about San Francisco’s in-home and community-based services.
Angels Have Wheels provides Medicare consumers with motorized wheelchairs. They will help collect the necessary paperwork and get information for the certificate of necessity required by Medicare. To be eligible for a wheelchair, a Medicare recipient must be unable to ambulate in their home or to use a manual wheelchair. The Medicare recipient must also have a mobility evaluation completed by his or her primary physician. Once approved, Angels on Wheels provides a motorized wheelchair paid for by Medicare. Angels on Wheels can be reached at (800) 810-2877. They can assist people in English, Farsi and Tagalog, calling from anywhere in the United States.
SpiritCare Ministry to Seniors provides free services for seniors living in their own homes or in long term-care facilities. Residents of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties can benefit from Friendly Visitors who offer companionship and support. A chaplain can offer support and counseling to seniors living in care facilities and their families. SpiritCare also holds monthly worship services in long-term care facilities. Services are open to everyone, whether or not a participant has a religious background. Call (650) 483-8328 for more information.
Residents of Contra Costa County can utilize Senior Helpline Services for telephone reassurance and transportation by calling (925) 284-2207. Volunteer “friends” are available to share a few minutes of conversation on a daily basis. If a participant does not answer the phone at the usual time, the volunteer will initiate a follow-up process to ensure the his or her safety. Ambulatory clients using the telephone reassurance program can also use door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, errands and other needs. This service is free and confidential.
Correction: The phone number for the San Francisco Fire Department’s Senior Home Safety Fire and Fall Prevention Program is (415) 734-2101. The number published in the last issue was incorrect. We apologize for the error.
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