Coming Soon

The Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce the availability of a $50.00 coupon booklet for low income senior citizens for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at certified Farmers Markets in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.

‘The Area Agency on Aging has established ten sites for the distribution of the free Senior Farmers Market coupons thanks to the cooperation of our local certified markets,’ announced joyoce ellen lippman, Executive Director, Area Agency . ‘Seniors interested in applying for the Senior Farmers Market coupons should attend the distribution site nearest them. A schedule of the distribution sites is below.’

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a 100 percent federally funded program which provides low-income seniors with check booklets that can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables at Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFM). The program is administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services Agency (USDA, FNS), and in California, by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
“CDFA partners with California’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to distribute the SFMNP check booklets which include 5 checks redeemable for $4 each”, continued Mr. Marks. “The AAAs serve this purpose well because they administer several senior programs on a local level.”

‘At the check distribution sites, seniors that meet the age (60 years or older) and low income eligibility (up to $1,926.00 a month) requirements receive one $50 check booklet a year and nutrition education information,’ continued Ms. lippman. “Fruits and vegetables are an important component of a healthy diet. I hope seniors will avail themselves of these coupons and enhance their diet with fruits and vegetables with these free coupons.’
The distribution sites include:

SLO Sites

Santa Barbara Sites

For more information please telephone Gary Suter, Executive Director at (805) 925-9554, (805) 965-3288, (805) 541-0384 or 1-800-510-2020.

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Seeking public comment on the draft Proposal Review Committee report.  Session will be help via Zoom and teleconference(details at the bottom of the post).

The committee review proposals for following RFP:

Elder Abuse Prevention (Title VIIB)

$ 8,200 for the provision of elder abuse prevention services, including the coordination of county based Elder Abuse Prevention Councils in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. This includes public education and training of professionals to develop, strengthen, and carry out programs for the prevention, detection, assessment, and treatment of, intervention in, investigation of, and response to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (including financial exploitation). This includes training for Title III E caregivers. Unit of service: one session.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Title IIID)

$ 40,000 for the provision of an evidence-based health promotion program, including programs related to the prevention and mitigation of the effects of chronic disease (including, but not limited to, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), alcohol and substance abuse reduction, smoking cessation, weight loss and control, stress management, falls prevention, physical activity, and improved nutrition. For a list of ACL approved Evidence-Based programs, please visit the National Council on Aging website at https://www.ncoa.org/resources/ebpchart. Unit of service: One (1) contact.

Title IIIB Legal Assistance in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties

$42,000 for the provision of 850 hours of services to 250 senior citizens.  This includes legal advice, counseling and/or representation by an attorney or other person acting under the supervision of an attorney.

Title IIIC : Congregate Nutrition

$ 245,000. for the provision of a minimum 47,674 meals to a minimum 250 senior citizens at the congregate nutrition sites in Santa Barbara County. The service provider must provide nutrition education.

$ 1,504. for the provision of 56 sessions of nutrition education presentations (provided quarterly) to 600 senior citizens at the congregate nutrition sites in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

Title IIIC  Home Delivered Nutrition

$ 466,650. for the provision of a minimum 89,000 meals to a minimum 350 senior citizens in Santa Barbara County.  The service provider must provide nutrition education.

The comment session will be help on June 16, 2022 at 10AM and continue until all comments have been heard.  If you are unable to attend you can share your comment by email aaron.pankratz@centralcoastseniors.org or mail Proposal Review Committee, 528 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

Draft Report: PRC Report Preliminary Draft

Zoom meeting info
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87942776131

Meeting ID: 879 4277 6131
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California

Senior

Legislature

 

The California Senior Legislature is a volunteer body whose primary mission is to gather ideas for legislation at the state and federal levels, craft the ideas into formal proposals, prioritize the proposals, present them to members of the Legislature or the Congress, and advocate for laws implementing the ideas.

 

Your Representative:

Anne McCracken,CSL

CA Senior Legislature

AnneHelps1@gmail.com

www.4csl.org

The following files are for the Listening Session on 3/30/2022

Listening Session Flyer

Listening Session Agenda

Join Zoom Meeting 3/30/22 at 10 AM

The following videos are recordings from the public comment sessions held in April and May of 2021.

Listening Session: Inclusion and Equity

Listening Session: Affording Aging

Listening Sessions: Caregiving

Listening Sessions: Health

Listening Session: Housing

The materials on this page for the Elder Abuse Prevention Webinar held om May 20, 2021 from 9am-11am.

Webinar Program

Scams and the Brain Handout

Romance Scam Handout

Financial Exploitation Newsletter

Course Evaluation/ CEU Quiz (posted after the webinar is complete)

March 9, 2021                                                                                            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Board of Directors of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens has elected new officers and a new member.

 Newly elected officers include: Randall Harris of San Luis Obispo as President, Christine McReynolds of Lompoc as Secretary and e. Howard Green of Santa Barbara as Treasurer.

 “In addition, we are delighted to have Robert Spector of San Luis Obispo join the Board and bring his experience and knowledge,” stated Randall Harris, President, Board of Directors.  “Mr. Spector  has developed and guided major community and social service initiatives to award-winning success throughout the United States.  He has served as consultant to a range of private sector, public, and non-profit organizations nationally.  He is an expert on issues such as community organization, marketing, strategic planning, customer service, entrepreneurism, digital media, and program planning for targeted populations.”

“Needs of senior citizens have increased significantly through this COVID19 pandemic period,” continued Mr. Harris. “As President of this Board, Board members work to ensure prudent expenditure of limited public funds to address the need for services for the frail and vulnerable seniors in our community.”

“The allocation of increased Older Americans Act monies from several federal stimulus monies has allowed the Area Agency on Aging to significantly increase funding for nutritious meals and mental health services for frail, at-risk older persons in this two-county area.”

The Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens serves as the Area Agency on Aging, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), and Senior Information and Referral Program for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. As the Area Agency on Aging the agency is responsible for the allocation of monies from the Older Americans Act.

“There are vacancies on the Board of Directors and the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council,” continued Mr. Harris. ‘Anyone interested in working with us to address the needs of senior citizens are invited to contact us and join us in our efforts.”

 For more information, please telephone 925-9554, 965-3288, 541-0384 or 1-800-510-2020 or contact us at seniors@KCBX.net .

X X X

For many families, the holidays are an opportunity to talk about plans for the future. It may also be a time when the needs of older relatives come to light. These resources can help inform the conversations around the needs of seniors.

• Money Smart For Older Adults from the Bureau of Consumer Affairs
• Fit After Fifty- Home Based Exercise Guide
• Hospital to Home- Plan for a Smooth Transition
• Hiring In Home Help Guide
• Advanced Health Care Directives Guide

For printed copies or help finding information specific to the needs of those in your family contact Senior Connections to speak with a trained senior resources specialist.

805-928-2552

The following information is updated weekly on Wednesdays. For up to the moment information or questions call us:

805-928-2552

Free drive up flu shots (no insurance required)

10/6 & 7 2-6pm at Lompoc High School, 515 W College Ave, Lompoc

10/8 & 9 2-6 pm at San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Ave, Goleta

10/13 & 15 10am-1pm at Allan Hancock College, 800 S College Drive, Santa Maria

10/21 12-5pm at K-Mart Parking lot, 3980 El Camino Real, Atascadero

10/21 12-5pm at Walmart Shopping Center, 1168 West Branch St, Arroyo Grande

Other options for flu shots

The flus shot is free for those with Medicare, Medi-Cal and most health insurances. Use the links or call to get information on appointment and walk in times.

Sansum Clinics (Clinic Patients only)

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics- Call 844-594-0343

Costco (members only) Call 805.685.4141

CVS

Rite-Aid

Target

Walgreens

Need More Info?
Call us 805-928-2552

The Advisory Council of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), voted at its August meeting to support HEROES Act, a proposed stimulus bill in response to the COVID19 pandemic.

“The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is pleased to support the HEROES Act because of its recognition of the serious community impacts of the COVID19 pandemic on our local senior citizens ,” stated Barry Jay Marks, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. “It is recognized that senior citizens are among the most vulnerable to the COVID19 virus.”

“Many of our local programs were able to expand and/or pivot to meet the needs of local older adults due to the resources provided by the CARES Act”, continued Mr. Marks. “For example, the Area Agency on Aging has increased allocations for the provision of meals to be delivered to the homes of hundreds of senior citizen clients never previously served. Seniors have responded affirmatively to the call to shelter in place and need food delivery, as well as delivery of groceries and prescription medications.”

“Members of the AAA Advisory Council believe that the next stimulus bill from the federal government needs to continue to provide funding to meet the needs of older adults,” continued Mr. Marks. “Another need that must be addressed in the next stimulus bill is the supplemental unemployment insurance payment. Even in good times, seniors face age discrimination in employment. With a scarcity of jobs, the supplemental UI payments allowed older adults seeking employment the ability to survive through their job loss. Many older adults, not yet eligible for social security at age 62 years, need employment.”

“The other proposed stimulus bill, Heal Act, fails to meet the needs of older adults”, continued Mr. Marks. “It doesn’t include any additional monies for meals and other services for older adults, as the COVID19 pandemic continues.”

“Many senior citizens who continue to contact this Agency express fear and anxiety about this pandemic situation and their vulnerability”, stated joyce ellen lippman, AAA Director. “Some have found that their families and neighbors can no longer assist and they are now looking for community resources. Few expected this social isolation and loneliness to continue this long.”

 For additional information contact Barry Jay Marks, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Chair, or Mrs. lippman, AAA Director, at 805-925-9554, 1-800-510-2020, www.CentralCoastSeniors.org, or seniors@KCBX.net .

X  X  X 

The Advisory Council of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), elected four new persons to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.

“The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is pleased to announce that Cindy Deibert of San Luis Obispo City, Sally Saenger of Santa Barbara, Dorothy Schlitz of Arroyo Grande and Lisa Marie Frantz of Paso Robles have been elected to a two- year term of office,” stated Barry Jay Marks, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.

“Ms. Deibert brings nearly three decades of experience as a social services director,” continued Mr. Marks. “Her experience will be invaluable as the Council reviews proposals for funding recognizing the social needs of older persons, such as the issue of social isolation. Previously, she served on the San Luis Obispo County Commission on Aging.”

“Ms. Frantz currently is engaged as the Community Relations Director at Creston Village, an assisted living facility in Paso Robles,” continued Mr. Marks. “In addition, Ms. Frantz is active with the Chamber of Commerce and the North County Aging Alliance. Her knowledge of the needs of at-risk older adults will be valuable.”

Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens • 528 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 TEL. (805) 925-9554 • FAX (805) 925-9555

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra this week warned residents to be on guard against scammers who send email, text messages or call people, pretending to be coronavirus contact tracers and trick people into providing personal information.

The scammers deceive people into believing they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Then they ask for private, healthcare information such as the Medicare number, Social Security number or bank account information.

“Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for personal information such as your Social Security number or financial information. It sickens the soul that there are people out there who make it their business to scam you as most of us seek to band together to respond to the coronavirus pandemic,” Becerra said in a statement.
If you get a call such as this, please report it to Senior Medicare Patrol on our toll-free hot line 855-613-7080.

Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Elects new members

The Advisory Council of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), elected Cindy Deibert of San Luis Obispo and Lisa Marie Frantz of Paso Robles as members at its May 2020 meeting.

“The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is pleased to announce that Cindy Deibert and Lisa Marie Frantz have been elected to a two- year term of office,” stated Barry Jay Marks, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.

“Ms. Deibert bring nearly three decades of experience as a social services director,” continued Mr. Marks. “Her experience will be invaluable as the Council reviews proposals recognizing the social needs of older persons, such as the issue of social isolation. Previously, she served on the San Luis Obispo County Commission on Aging.”

“Ms. Frantz currently is engaged as the Community Relations Director at Creston Village, an assisted living facility in Paso Robles,” continued Mr. Marks. “In addition, Ms. Frantz is active with the Chamber of Commerce and the North County Aging Alliance. Her knowledge of the needs of at-risk older adults will be valuable.”

Recruitment for new members of the AAA Advisory Council is underway. For additional information contact Barry Jay Marks, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Chair, or Mrs. lippman, AAA Director, at 925-9554, 1-800-510-2020, www.CentralCoastSeniors.org, or seniors@KCBX.net .

X  X  X 

Area Agency on Aging releases Request for Proposal to fund Fall Prevention services for older adults

The Area Agency on Aging for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties announces the availability of a Request for Proposal to fund Fall Prevention services for older adults and persons with disabilities in Fiscal Year 2020/21.

“The Area Agency on Aging is responsible for the allocation of monies from the State Budget authorized through Assembly Bill 74,” announced Jim Talbott, President, Board of Directors, Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens. “Funds will be able to provide in-home environmental assessments; instruction on behavioral, physical and environmental aspects of injury prevention, purchase on injury prevention equipment and services.”

“This funding is designed to target those ‘at-risk’, continued Mr. Talbott. “Those are individuals that have a high likelihood that they will suffer a fall based on certain indicators. Some common indicators include: suffered a previous fall or numerous falls, have been hospitalized for a fall or had surgery as a result of a fall, or have certain medical conditions that leaves them more susceptible to falls.”

“Falls among the senior population are both serious and costly,” continued Mr. Talbott. “One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. Each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.”

Locally, the 2018 Elder Needs Assessment survey conducted by this Area Agency on Aging revealed falling and fear of falling were among the top three concerns identified by over 1,100 senior citizens completing the survey, continued Mr. Talbott.

“Eligible organizations are invited to an Applicant’s Conference on Thursday, June 11, 2020 to learn more about the application process.”

For more information please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 805-925-9554 or seniors@KCBX.net .

X X X

27 January 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Area Agency on Aging releases Request for Proposal
to fund services for senior citizens and family caregivers

The Area Agency on Aging for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties announces the availability of Requests for Proposal to fund services for older adults and family caregivers in Fiscal Year 2020/21 through monies from the Older Americans Act.

“The Area Agency on Aging is responsible for the allocation of monies from the Older Americans Act,” announced Jim Talbott, President, Board of Directors, Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens. “Funds from these Requests for Proposal will fund elder abuse prevention, elderly nutrition services (congregate, home delivered meals and nutrition education) and health promotion.”

“This funding is designed to increase awareness of elder abuse and prevention strategies as well as training for local professionals and family caregivers, continued Mr. Talbott. “Every week we learn of new financial scams and incidences of physical or emotional abuse among senior citizens and dependent adults in our two- county region. It is estimated that one in fourteen senior citizens is abused each year in the United States. All persons are at-risk.”

“Monies are available for nutrition services, specifically home delivered meals, meals in congregate community settings and nutrition education,” continued Mr. Talbott. “It is reported that in 2016, nearly 8.6 million older Americans faced the threat of hunger, representing 13.6% of adults aged 60+ in the U.S. Food insecurity is growing among older adults. The food insecurity rate for all senior households was 7.8% in 2016,” continued Mr. Talbott.

Locally, the 2018 Elder Needs Assessment survey conducted by this AREA AGENCY ON Aging revealed nutrition needs were among the top three needs identified by over 1,100 senior citizens, continued mt. Talbott. Currently the Older Americans Act funds over 300,000 balanced nutritious meals in this two-county region.

“Eligible organizations are invited to an Applicant’s Conference on Thursday, February 13, 2020 to learn more the application process and the expectations.”

For more information please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 805-925-9554 or seniors@KCBX.net .
X X X

January 14, 202
CONTACT: joyce ellen lippman, 925-9554
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comment sought on funding priorities

Community input is sought to create Senior Friendly Communities throughout this area and ensure that limited federal monies are meeting the priority needs of senior citizens through the work of the Area Agency on Aging.

The Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging, announces that four (4) public hearings will be held throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties in January 2020 to secure comment from the public.

“With the uncertainty of funding from the federal and state budgets, it is imperative that we hear from senior citizens, caregivers and other interested persons about the priority needs as we attempt to have a ‘senior-friendly’ community,” announced Jim Talbott, President of the Board of Directors. “These are very difficult times and we need to be sure we are on the right track.”

“In developing the draft Plan for 2020/21, the Area Agency on Aging decided to project that federal and state funding remained stable” continued Mr. Talbott. “That may be a positive outlook but there are no indications of what changes may be sought by either the state or federal administrations. The Area Agency on Aging services are basic services – designed to ensure safety and security for older persons and caregivers in this two county region.”

“Annually the Area Agency on Aging prepares a Draft Area Plan which presents a proposed allocation of Older Americans Act monies to address the needs of senior citizens in greatest social and economic need in the two county region,” continued Mr. Talbott. “This year it is especially important to look at our funding priorities and ensure they help us to maintain a senior friendly community.

“This year with Governor Newsom convening a Task Force to develop a Master Plan on Aging for California, we want to look at our local priorities within the context of the Framework drafted by this group, continued Mr. Talbott. “Attendees will help to examine the framework and review the draft Area Plan priorities within that framework.

“All interested persons are invited to attend and present comment at the public hearings,” continued Mr. Talbott. ” The intent of the public hearings is to receive community comment regarding the priorities, goals and objectives of the Area Agency on Aging for the first year (2020/21) of the four year Area Plan , which are outlined in the Draft Area Plan.”

“The Area Plan expresses the intent of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to implement the goals and objectives of the Older Americans Act,” announced Barry Marks, Chair, AAA Advisory Council. “We are responsible for over $2.7 million for supportive, health and nutrition services to assist older persons and caregivers to remain safe and secure in their own homes.”

“We want to hear from the community whether our Plans for the expenditure of these federal monies are properly targeted,” continued Mr. Marks. “The basic question is how to allocate the limited federal revenues to maintain a senior friendly community?

Public comment on the DRAFT Planning and Service Area Plan can be provided at either a public hearing or in writing to the Area Agency on Aging office by February 3, 2020. The email address is: seniors@KCBX.net .The public hearing schedule is:
in Paso Robles: Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Senior Center, 270 Scott St., beginning at 11:30 a.m.

in San Luis Obispo City: Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the City/ County Public Library, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

in Santa Barbara: Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Carrillo Community Center, 100 E. Carrillo St., beginning at 10 a.m.

in Santa Maria: Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at the Area Agency on Aging office, 528 S. Broadway, beginning at 10 a.m.

“The Draft Area Plan has been prepared by the members of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and Board of Directors to ensure the development of a community based system of social and nutrition services in the two county region,” continued Mr. Marks. “The challenges ahead for the Area Agency on Aging include support of a social service system which strengthens the capacities of older persons in greatest social and economic need within the financial constraints imposed by federal and state governments.”

Copies of the Draft Planning and Service Area Plan are available at the local libraries and the Area Agency on Aging office. All interested persons are invited to attend the hearings. Persons needing accommodation must contact the Area Agency on Aging by January 15, 2018.

For more information contact Mrs. lippman, AAA Director at 925-9554.
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