What services does your agency provide?
Our agency directly runs three main programs including:
- Senior Connection / Aging and Disability Resource Center offers information and resources to residents of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties on multiple topics regarding aging and disability related services. Click on the “Senior Information” tab at the top of this page for more information.
- HICAP offers health insurance counseling to those on Medicare. Click on the “HICAP” tab at the top of this page for more information.
- The Senior Nutrition Program provides free home delivered meals to eligible home-bound seniors over the age of 60. They also offer congregate meals to seniors over the age of 60 in Santa Barbara County at multiple locations. Click on the “Senior Meals” tab at the top of this page for more information.
Where are the local senior centers and what activities do they offer?
- Click here to see what is available near you.
Are there programs that can help me pay for my rent or utilities?
- There are several programs that can assist those with low income and limited resources. Click here to view a PDF of those resources.
Can you help me apply for services?
- We attempt to provide assistance whenever possible to help seniors and adults with disabilities understand how to apply for public benefits such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Social Security Disability and more. However, our agency does not have public computers for use and we cannot fill out applications for you. For that reason, we recommend going to the public agency directly or reaching out to the Independent Living Resource Center for help applying for, and appealing public benefits.
Are there any programs that can help me get food?
- There are several food banks and distribution sites in the area that can assist low-income individuals, families, or seniors when in need. There are also home delivered meal services offered to eligible seniors and congregate sites where seniors can get a free daily lunch. Please call us for more information on these services.
Where can I find low-cost legal advice?
- San Luis Obispo County Residents: SLO Legal Aid Foundation is a non-profit offering free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of San Luis Obispo County, including seniors (60+), veterans, and people with disabilities. Click here to go to their website to learn more.
- Santa Barbara County Residents: The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County is a non-profit firm offering high-quality civil legal services to low-income and vulnerable residents. They provide legal information, document preparation, and court representation. Click here to go to their website to learn more.
I need some repairs made to my house. Is there a program to help with that?
- San Luis Obispo County Residents: CAPSLO’s Minor Home Repair Services are available at no cost to seniors age 60+ throughout San Luis Obispo County and the Santa Maria Valley. Services offered include grab bar installation, smoke alarm and CO detectors, minor plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and drywall to increase accessibility. Click here to go to their website and learn more.
- Santa Barbara County Residents: CommUnify offers utility assistance, minor home repairs and weatherization to those in Santa Barbara County. Some services are only available in South County. Click here to go to their website and learn more.
Where can I find durable medical equipment like a walker, cane, etc.?
- Loan closets are a great place to find donated durable medical equipment. Many local senior centers have loan closets available. Reach out to us for more information.
My parents need more help around the house. Are there any services to help them?
- We can provide a list of in-home care agencies in the area. These services are not typically covered by insurance, change an hourly rate and require and hour minimum. These agencies can help with personal care and light housework like meal prepping, laundry, etc. Reach out to us for more information.
- For those enrolled in Medi-Cal, or those who may be eligible, there is a program called In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) that provides in-home care free of charge. Click here to learn more about IHSS.
- We also have a Hiring In-Home Help guide that goes over all options for in-home care, including hiring an individual caregiver, or using a subsidized option. Please reach out to us to receive a hard copy, or click here to view a PDF version.
My elderly family member can no longer safely stay in their home. What other options are there?
- We can provide a list of assisted living communities in the area, as well as a list of placement agencies to help find the best one to meet your loved one’s needs. The assisted living communities in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County are not typically covered by insurance.
- If your family member needs a higher level of care than an assisted living community can offer, we recommend talking to their primary care doctor about being admitted into a skilled nursing facility. We have a list of these as well.
How can I apply for Medi-Cal?
- Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. You can apply for Medi-Cal through the Department of Social Services either by mail, online, or in person. Click here for more information.
What can I do if I believe an elder or dependent adult is being abused?
- If the incident occurred in the community or in an individual home the report is made to Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832 (24 hour Abuse Hotline). If the suspected abuse occurred in a Long Term Care Facility, the report is made to the Long Term Care Ombudsman in the correlating county:
-San Luis Obispo: (805) 785-0132
-Santa Barbara: (805) 922-1236
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