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…Meeting the needs of our County’s older population.
Our Mission is to provide leadership in addressing issues that relate to older Californians, to develop community-based systems of care that provide services which support independence within California’s interdependent society, and which protects the qualify of life of older adults and persons with functional impairments, and to promote citizen involvement in the planning and delivery of service.
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) was formed in 1975 by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to develop a system of care and support for adults aged 60 and older and adults with disabilities to lead independent and dignified lives in their own homes for as long as possible. Committed to identifying services and meeting unmet needs, the AAA works to coordinate existing programs and develop new services, by partnering with community organizations and pursuing funding resources which would help to enhance or create new programs.
Caring for Seniors
ADULT DAY CARE
Adult Day Care is a social weekday program, which provides stimulating activities in a supervised and protective setting for dependent adults aged 60 and older. Meals and snacks are provided and individualized plans of care are developed for each participant.
LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
Ombudsman services include complaint investigation and resolution services to residents over the age of 60 residing in skilled nursing homes and residential care facilities.
FAMILY CAREGIVER PROVIDER PROGRAM
AAA implemented a family caregiver provider program, which addresses the specific needsof family members who provide care to an elderly relative. Through a network of agencies, family caregivers are provided with respite services, resource information, counseling, assistive living devices, and services to grandparents who are providing custodial care to a child.
FRIENDLY VISITORS
Volunteers provide home visiting services to the frail elderly, and those who are isolated and homebound. The goal of the program is to reduce the risk of inappropriate institutionalization and provide comfort and reassurance.
ASSISTED TRANSPORTATION
Volunteers provide assistance with transportation by running errands or transporting seniors to various appointments, shopping, or other needed trips, which would not be possible without this service.
IN-HOME REGISTRY
AAA provides an In-Home Services Registry to frail, elderly persons in Contra Costa County to reduce the risk of diminishing capacities to perform essential household and personal care tasks. The program recruits, screens and matches the providers with the clients.
Meal Programs
CONGREGATE MEALS
Our Senior Nutrition Program serves an average of 16,000 meals a month at 21 different sites called “Cafes” throughout Contra Costa County. Transportation is provided to these centers for those who cannot drive to a site on their own. A registered dietician presents nutritional education programs at each of the congregate meal sites.
HOME DELIVERED MEALS
More than 2,000 homebound seniors over 60 receive home delivered meals at least five days a week through the Senior Nutrition Program. On average, 19,000 meals are delivered each month to all areas of the county, from Richmond to Brentwood.
Consultation Services
HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM (HICAP)
Seniors and disabled people can receive free assistance with Medicare concerns, paperwork involving medical bills and claims, HMO’s, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, nursing home insurance and legal appeals.
HICAP provides individual counseling at convenient locations in Contra Costa County or at a person’s home, if needed. The counselors also help with problems regarding denial of medical care, insurance policy analysis and prescription drug coverage. HICAP is a program of the California Department of Aging and Contra Costa County.
For more information about HICAP go to www.cchicap.org
Legal Services
Consultation, advice, administrative representation and advocacy by attorneys and legal support staff are available to individuals aged 60 and older with law-related problems, such as consumer fraud or housing issues.
Community Advocacy
AAA ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING
The Council may have up to 40 members who advise AAA and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. They act as advocates for older people and review the funding of program operations for seniors. Call AAA at (925) 335-8700 if you are interested in becoming a member of the Council.
SENIOR COALITIONS
AAA provides grass root economic support to three senior coalitions serving the western, central and eastern geographical regions of the county. The coalitions provide services specifically tailored to meet the needs and interests of their particular constituency.
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
Information and Assistance provides seniors and their families with information on community services and programs that help solve the problems faced by our older population. By linking people with appropriate services, the program empowers them to make good choices and enhance the quality of their lives.
Services rendered include telephone counseling regarding available resources. Staff maintains up-to-date computer resource listings on areas of concern such as housing, transportation, caregiving, adult day care programs, help in the home, and health issues. Information and Assistance provides resource guides,
fact sheets and helpful literature.
Information and Assistance staff makes presentations to community groups on age-related topics, resources and services.
INFO VAN
Our Info Van can go directly to your neighborhood to show videos, distribute resource literature offered in various languages and provide on-the-spot information and referral services. To invite the InfoVan to your community, call (800) 510-2020.
We assist adults and people with disabilities to maximize self-sufficiency, safety and independence.
For more information on AAA or other programs offered in our community, please call Information and Assistance (I & A):
(800) 510-2020 from landlines within Contra Costa County ONLY, or
(925) 229-8434 Outside Contra Costa County or from cell phones.
Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging
2530 Arnold Dr., Suite 300
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 229-8434
Fax (925) 335-8717 |
