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Area Agency on Aging Releases Request for Proposal to Fund Services for Senior Citizens and Family Caregivers

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 .
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Comment Sought on Funding Priorities

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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Senior Farmers Market Coupons Available in July and August

SFMCThe Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce the availability of a $20.00 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.’

SFMC2015The 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 $20 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:

In San Luis Obispo County:

  • Arroyo Grande Certified Farmers Market – Wednesday, June 26, 2019
    8:30 a.m.- 11 a.m. Smart & Final, 1464 E. Grand Ave
  • Templeton Certified Farmers Market – Saturday, July 6, 2019
    9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 6th and Crocker St., Tempton
  • Baywood/Los Osos Certified Farmers Market – Monday, July 15, 2019
    2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 2nd Street Santa Maria Avenue, Baywood
  • SLO Saturday Morning Certified Farmers Market – Saturday, July 20, 2019
    8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. World Market Parking Lot, 25 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo
  • Paso Robles Certified Farmers Market – Tuesday, July 23, 2019
    9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 11th and Spring St., Paso Robles

In Santa Barbara County:

  • Carpinteria Certified Farmers market – Thursday, August 8, 2019
    3:00- 6:30 p.m. 800 block of Linden Ave, Carpenteria
  • Goleta, Camino Real Farmers Market – Sunday, August 25, 2019
    10 a.m.- 2 p.m. 7004 MarketPlace Dr., Goleta
  • Downtown Santa Barbara City Farmers Market – Saturday, August 31, 2019
    8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Corner of Santa Barbara & Cota Streets, Santa Barbara
  • Lompoc Certified Farmers Market – Friday, August 16, 2019
    2 p.m.- 6 p.m. Oceano & H Streets, Lompoc
  • Santa Maria Certified Farmers Market – Wednesday, August 21, 2019
    Noon- 4 p.m. Broadway and Main in Fallas Parking Lot, Santa Maria

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

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NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR AWARDS CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR AWARDS CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

 

Nominees are being sought for seven categories of awards to be presented as part of the Older American’s Month – May 2018 – celebration activities. The seven award categories are: Senior Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen Program of the Year, Public Official of the Year, Media Advocate of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Older Worker of the Year and Intergenerational Effort of the Year.

‘2018 marks the 34th year of activities to celebrate Older American’s Month’, announced Barry Jay Marks, Chair, AAA Advisory Council. ‘At this time, the community recognizes significant achievements and the contribution of senior citizens to the community.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2018 is Engage at Every Age.  The theme  emphasizes that you are never too old (or too young) to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotional well-being and celebrates the many ways older adults make a difference in our communities.

What it means to age has changed. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. They expect to continue to live their lives to the fullest, and they’re insisting on changes that make that possible. Older Americans Month’18 is a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.

All persons are invited to present candidates for the award categories. Nomination forms may be obtained from the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens by calling 1-800-510-2020 or via email at seniors@KCBX.net or on the website (www.CentralCoastSeniors.org). Deadline for submission of nominations is April 30, 2018.

     

In Santa Barbara County the celebration to honor the nominees will be held at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriot on May 30, 2018 at 2 p.m. In San Luis Obispo County the celebration to honor the nominees will be held at the Sierra Vista Hospital on May 31, 2018 at 2 p.m.

For more information about local activities for Older Americans Month contact joyce ellen lippman, Area Agency on Aging, at 805.925.9554 (voice) or via e-mail at seniors@KCBX.net.

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Candidates sought for California Senior Legislature

CSL Informational Flyer

Candidates are sought to serve as local delegates to the California Senior Legislature, for a four year term beginning June 2018.

“The Area Agency on Aging is responsible for the conduct of the election of three local delegates to the California Senior Legislature,” announced Barry Jay Marks, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. “The election will be held in May 2018 and candidates must declare their intention to be a candidate by April 30th.”

The California Senior Legislature (CSL) is a non-partisan, grass-roots body of 120 elected members 60 years of age and older, who serve as unpaid volunteer advocates. The CSL meets annually in a legislative session in the State Capitol Building to develop legislation responding to the needs and concerns of older Californians.

The CSL drafts Senior Legislative Proposals, hears testimony, debates, may amend, and votes approval or disapproval. Of those approved, the highest Ten State Government and the highest Four Federal Government Senior Legislative Proposals become that year’s priorities, and receive special attention throughout the year.

Senior Legislators work throughout the year to find State and Federal lawmakers to author their priority Senior Legislative Proposals and they continue to advocate for the adoption of those bills when authorized. The first California Senior Legislature was held in 1980. Since that time, the CSL has had a very successful track record with the State Legislature in gaining passage of priority Senior Legislative Priorities.

” Any person aged 60 years of age or older, who is a registered voter in either San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara Counties , is eligible to run for the Senior Legislature, ” continued Mr. Marks. “Interested persons are required to complete a Nomination Petition, a Statement of Commitment, Code of Ethics, and Biographical statement and submit these completed forms to the Area Agency on Aging office in Santa Maria by April 30, 2018.”

“This Area Agency on Aging will sponsor several information sessions for interested persons ’, continued Mr. Marks. “At these information meetings we will provide information about the election, duties and responsibilities of a CSL delegate and respond to questions. All interested persons are welcome to attend.”

The information sessions are scheduled as follows:

in San Luis Obispo: Ludwick Community Center, 864 Santa Rosa St., Friday, March 2nd at Noon;

in Santa Barbara: Carrillo Community Center, 100 E. Carrillo, Thursday, March 8th at 2:30 p.m.;

in Santa Maria: Area Agency on Aging office, 528 S. Broadway, Monday, March 5th at 2 p.m.

For a copy of the Nominating Petition, the other forms and additional information, please contact the Area Agency on Aging office in Santa Maria at 965-3288, 925-9554 or 541-0384, via email at seniors@KCBX.net  or www.CentralCoastSeniors.org .

 

Attachments

RFP for Elder Abuse Prevention Activites

Area Agency on Aging releases Request for Proposal to fund Elder Abuse Prevention Activities

The Area Agency on Aging for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties announces the availability of a Request for Proposal to fund Elder Abuse Prevention activities in Fiscal Year 2018/19 through funds 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. “This funding is designed to increase awareness of elder abuse and prevention strategies as well as training for local professionals and family caregivers.”

“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”, continued Mr. Talbott. “It is estimated that one in fourteen senior citizens is abused each year in the United States. All persons are at-risk.”

“Approximately, $8,000 is available to provide elder abuse prevention activities,” continued Mr. Talbott. “Eligible organizations are invited to an Applicant’s Conference on March 5th to learn more the application process and the expectations.”

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

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2019-21 Santa Barbara Senior Resource Directory Available

The Senior Resource Directory for Santa Barbara County has been updated and is available free of charge throughout Santa Barbara County.

‘A committee with representatives of local senior services has worked to update and prepare the 2019/21 Senior Resource Directory for Santa Barbara County’, announced Barry Jay Marks, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Chairperson.  ‘The Senior Resource Directory is developed to assist older persons and caregivers in developing plans to meet the care needs of family and friends.’

‘The 106- page Senior Resource Directory is available free of charge and can be picked up at local senior centers and health care facilities’, continued Mr. Marks. ‘Additionally, homebound older persons can have a copy mailed to them by telephoning the Area Agency on Aging at 925-9554 or 965-3288.’

‘The Senior Resource Directory has been developed to empower the older person’, stated Mr. Marks.  ‘With information about resources and services, an older person can maintain control of their lives, planning to meet their needs.’

‘The Senior Resource Directory has information about all the major areas concerning older person,’ continued Mr. Marks.  ‘Topics covered range from transportation services, planning for Incapacity, shared housing, veteran’s benefits and elder abuse reporting. Do you need information about medical services, or in home supportive services?’

‘The Senior Resource Directory is also valuable for adult children of aging parents’, continued Mr. Marks. ‘Many adults have parents in the 80’s and 90’s and are concerned and want to learn about available services that can assist in securing their parents safe living at home. Perhaps in home services or home repair to eliminate steps or install grab bars are needed. The Directory can help locate these services.’

For more information about the Senior Resource Directory or services and resources available for older persons, please telephone the Area Agency on Aging at 965-3288 or 925-9554.

 

X X X

 

NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR AWARDS CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

Nominees are being sought for seven categories of awards to be presented as part of the Older American’s Month – May 2017 – celebration activities. The seven award categories are: Senior Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen Program of the Year, Public Official of the Year Media, Advocate of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Older Worker and Intergenerational Effort of the Year.

Nomination Form SB County            Nomination Form SLO County

‘2017 marks the 33rd year of activities to celebrate Older American’s Month’, announced Barry Jay Marks, Chair, AAA Advisory Council. ‘2017 marks the 33rd year of activities to celebrate Older Americans Month in Santa Barbara County. At this time, the community recognizes significant achievements and the contribution of senior citizens to the community.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2017 is Age out Loud. The theme is intended to give aging a new voice—one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say about aging. Age Out Loud gives us an opportunity to shine a light on many important issues and trends.

What it means to age has changed. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. They expect to continue to live their lives to the fullest, and they’re insisting on changes that make that possible. Older Americans Month’17 is a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.

All persons are invited to present candidates for the award categories. Nomination forms may be obtained from the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens by calling 1-800-510-2020 or via email at seniors@KCBX.net or on the website (www.CentralCoastSeniors.org). Deadline for submission of nominations is April 28, 2017
.
In Santa Barbara County the celebration to honor the nominees will be held at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriot on May 26, 2017 at 2 p.m. In San Luis Obispo County the celebration to honor the nominees will be held at the Sierra Vista Hospital on May 22, 2017 at 2 p.m.

For more information about local activities for Older Americans Month contact joyce ellen lippman, Area Agency on Aging, at 805.925.9554 (voice) or via e-mail at seniors@KCBX.net.

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AAA supporting national campaign to address lonliness

The Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce that it is supporting a national campaign to raise awareness of the growing problem of social isolation and loneliness in older Americans.

“It is estimated that one in five adults over age 50 are affected by isolation, a problem that has been associated with higher rates of chronic disease, depression, dementia and death,” announced Barry Jay Marks, Chair, AAA Advisory Council. ‘That means that over 30,000 older residents of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties are isolated and lonely.”

“This topic is especially timely because it is developed to encourage discussion of important issues affecting older Americans at a time of the year when family and friends often gather together”, continued Mr. Marks.  “The Area Agency on Aging is specially equipped to offer information and resources to help older adults reduce their risk of becoming isolated or lonely.”

“This Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and its many partners provide crucial home and community-based services and supports for older adults throughout this two county region”, continued Mr. marks.  This AAA is uniquely positioned to shine a light on this growing problem and to help find solutions.”

“Because our agency is on the frontlines of helping older Americans live with dignity and independence in their homes, connecting them to an array of home and community based services so vital to their well-being, we are often the first to realize that an older adult is isolated and lonely,” continued Mr. Marks.  “That’s why we believe our participation in this national campaign can have such a major impact locally. This campaign is led by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), in collaboration with the AARP Foundation.

For more information about the campaign to prevent isolation and loneliness, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 965-3288, 925- 9554 or 541-0384.

 

 

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Community input sought for 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 2017 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 2017/18, 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 the new federal administration. 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.

“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 second year (2017/18) 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 12, 2016. The email address is: seniors@KCBX.net .The public hearing schedule is:

in Paso Robles: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the Senior Center, 270 Scott St., beginning at 2 p.m.

in San Luis Obispo City: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Ludwick Community Center, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

in Santa Barbara: Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Carrillo Community Center, 100 E. Carrillo St., beginning at 9 a.m.

in Santa Maria:   Monday, January 23, 2017 at the Area Agency on Aging office, 528 S. Broadway, beginning at 2 p.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 13, 2017.

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

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Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Supports CSL Legislative Priorities

The Advisory Council of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), announces their support of the federal and state legislative priorities adopted by the California Senior Legislature (CSL) at their recent session in Sacramento.

“The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is pleased to announce their support of the ten state and four federal legislative priorities identified by the 120 member CSL,” stated Barry Jay Marks, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. ‘The California Senior Legislature convened its 36th Annual Legislative Session in late October.”

“Each year the AAA Advisory Council reviews the legislative priorities identified by CSL,” continued Mr. Marks. “As the Area Agency on Aging the Council is responsible for the election of the three delegates from this region to serve on the California Senior Legislature. Currently, the local delegates are Gari Cave of Morro Bay, Alice Loh of San Luis Obispo and Martin Tucker of Summerland.”

“This year the variety of topics included in the CSL priorities is impressive,” continued Mr. Marks. “The range included labeling of prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers, Alzheimers’ Research Funding, Medi-Cal Long-Term Care Personal Needs Allowance, Mobile Home Residency Rights, Unit pricing of food products, Social Security Burial Benefits and grab bars.”

For a complete copy of the legislative priorities of the California Senior Legislature click here or please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-510 – 2020 or seniors@KCBX.net .

“The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Advisory Council advocates on behalf of older persons,” concluded Mr. Marks. “The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is looking for new members. We are looking for retired persons who have an interest in helping senior citizens and enjoy advocacy and reviewing the issues and legislation.”

For additional information contact Barry Jay Marks, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Chair, or Mrs. lippman, AAA Director, at 925-9554 or 1-800-510-2020.

Attachments

2016 Open Enrollment

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HICAP can help

HICAP can help with your open enrollment questions

HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) is offering free Medicare Part D drug searches during the open enrollment period of October 15th through December 7th.

“HICAP recommends that Medicare beneficiaries review their Medicare Part D plans annually”, stated Jim Talbott, President, Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens. “Each year the Prescription Drug Plans (Part D of Medicare) change the monthly premiums, deductible, formularies, gap coverage and pharmacy networks. So it is important that beneficiaries review their current Plan to see how it will meet their needs in 2017. And they also can review and consider the other Drug Plans available in California to find the best plan to meet their needs.”

“Since 2006 Medicare beneficiaries have had access to prescription drug coverage offered by private plans, either stand- alone prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage drug plans”, continued Mr. Talbott. “Since 2006 the share of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Part D Plan has increased from 52% to 71% of all eligible beneficiaries.”

“HICAP is funded by both the State and federal governments to serve as advocates for Medicare beneficiaries”, continued Mr. Talbott. “To secure the free Prescription Drug Plan search services contact HICAP and complete a worksheet. HICAP uses the medicare.gov website to complete the search for each person based on their prescription drug utilization. A custom search result is prepared that presents the three least expensive drug plans for that person among the 30 Plans available in California.”

HICAP offers free and unbiased counseling and information on Medicare issues. HICAP does not sell, recommend, or endorse any insurance product, agent, insurance company, or health plan. Part D drug searches are a service of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, HICAP with financial assistance, in whole or in part, through a grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services, the federal Medicare agency.

For more information about the Medicare Part D drug searches, contact the local HICAP office at (805) 928-5663, seniors@kcbx.net, or www.centralcoastseniors.org

Property Tax Postponement

The Advisory Council of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), announces that the California Property Tax Postponement Program for eligible senior citizens has been reinstated and will be accepting Applications effective October 1, 2016.

“The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is pleased to announce the reinstatement of a prograsm suspended due to the recession in 2009 by the State Legislature,” stated Barry Jay Marks, Chair, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. ‘Back in 2014, this AAA Advisory Council supported AB 2231 which would reinstate the State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program.”

“Eligibility for the Program has been revised and a finite allocation is available”, continued Mr. Marks. “Therefore, it is important to be ready to submit an Application to the State Controller’s Office on October 1st. Applications will not be accepted prior to October 1st.”

“For more information about the reinstatement of the Property Tax Postponement Program please call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-510 – 2020”, continued Mr. Marks. “Senior Connection volunteers are trained specialized Information & Assistance specialists.”

“The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Advisory Council advocates on behalf of older persons,” concluded Mr. Marks. “The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is looking for new members. We are looking for retired persons who have an interest in helping senior citizens and enjoy advocacy and reviewing the issues and legislation.”

For additional information contact Barry Jay Marks, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Chair, or Mrs. lippman, AAA Director, at 925-9554 or 1-800-510-2020.

 

Flyer

Attachments

Senior Scam Alert Seminar

senior-scam

A free seminar for senior citizens, sponsored by the Elder Abuse Prevention Council of Santa Barbara County, will explain the ‘ins and outs’ of avoiding scams on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Public Library in Montecito.

“Senior citizens are a primary target of scammers”, announced Vicki Johnson, Deputy District Attorney, County of Santa Barbara. “As a result, our District Attorney has developed a program to provide fraud prevention, intervention and victim support.”

“It is often said that financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century,” stated Jim Talbott, President, Board of Directors of Area Agency on Aging. “Some speculate that seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts.”

The seminar in Montecito will include a keynote presentation by John Savrnoch, Assistant District Attorney, and a panel including a local banker and Adult Protective Services staff. Additionally, the seminar will include a role playing skit.

Financial scams often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they’re devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses.

It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. Over 90% of all

reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others.

Sponsors of the Senior Scam/Fraud Alert seminar include Santa Barbara County District Attorney, Area Agency on Aging, DASH (Doctors Assisting Seniors at Home), Union Bank Our Gang and the Elder Abuse Prevention Council of Santa Barbara County.

For more information about the Senior Scam/Fraud Alert seminar contact the Area Agency on Aging at 925-9554 or 1-800-510-2020.

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