Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens
Area Agency on Aging - Senior Connection - HICAP
“Active Shooter” response and Behavioral Impact In Long Term Care and Assisted Living Communities
Training Your Staff: The Active Shooter in a Healthcare Facility
Active Shooter in a Healthcare Facility-Planning for Responding to & Recovering from the Unthinkable
Nursing Home Shooting Spree
What Long Term Care Facilities Should Do in an Active Shooter Situation
The following videos are recordings from the public comment sessions held in April and May of 2021.
The materials on this page for the Elder Abuse Prevention Webinar held om May 20, 2021 from 9am-11am.
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.
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.
The following information is updated weekly on Wednesdays. For up to the moment information or questions call us:
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
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
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.
# # #
The 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.’
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 $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:
In Santa Barbara County:
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.
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 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.
X X X
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 .
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 .
X X X
Thank you to the following organizations for supporting this show:
