A GUIDE TOallwayshomecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/... · medical appointments to help avoid dangerous prescription drug interactions. Gather Information The following information

Understanding and making the best choices about daily care, independent and assisted living options, and the overall health and well-being of an elderly person.

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A GUIDE TO

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Table of ContentsWhen The Demands of Caring for an Elderly Parent Become Too Much to Handle .......................................................1

With Age Comes Many Changes ......................................................................................................................................2

Planning Ahead is the Best Approach ................................................................................................................................2

Warning Signs That Your Loved One Needs Help ............................................................................................................2

Where to Begin ..................................................................................................................................................................3

Gather Information ............................................................................................................................................................4

Call A Family Meeting.......................................................................................................................................................4

Life Support (DNR & POLST) ........................................................................................................................................5

Confidentiality and HIPAA ...............................................................................................................................................5

Getting the Most Out of a Doctor’s Appointment ............................................................................................................6

Geriatrics and Senior Health ..............................................................................................................................................7

Legal Issues to Consider.....................................................................................................................................................8

Investigate Your Loved One’s Health Insurance Matters ...................................................................................................8

Estate Expertise and Guidance for Seniors ........................................................................................................................9

Utilizing Community Resources ......................................................................................................................................10

Why You Need a Certified Senior Advisor ......................................................................................................................11

The Home Team ...............................................................................................................................................................12

In-Home Assistance .........................................................................................................................................................13

In-Home Medical Services ..............................................................................................................................................14

How Long Can Someone Safely Remain in Their Home? ...............................................................................................15

What Assistance Can a Home Care Company Provide? .................................................................................................16

The Pitfalls of Hiring an In-Home Caregiver ............................................................................................................ 17-18

Retirement Communities .................................................................................................................................................19

Assisted Living .................................................................................................................................................................20

Residential Care ...............................................................................................................................................................21

Other Types of Care Settings ...........................................................................................................................................22

Benefits for Veterans .........................................................................................................................................................23

Community Resources and Services for Orange County Seniors .............................................................................. 24-28


Are the Demands of Caring for an Elderly Parent Becoming Too Much to Handle on Your Own?

Caregiving descends upon us in all sorts of ways – through sudden crisis or a series of small but unsettling mishaps and warning signs. You may be the only person to step in or you may be involved in a large network of family members, friends, and other services and resources that are willing and prepared to help. Whatever the situation, you may not be sure of the next step. Or even the first step. Whether you are in the middle of a crisis and decisions have to be made quickly or you are planning ahead for an elderly loved one because of unsettling warning signs, the following questions, suggestions, and information may be helpful.


Is Your Elderly Parent Safe and Properly Cared for When You’re Not There?

Do You Know What Help is Available and Where to Start Looking?

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With Age Comes Many Changes

As we age our lives change. We transition from working to retirement which creates extra time that wasn’t around during all those working years. Our finances change. We lose much of the income we enjoyed as we transition to dependency on retirement income sources and social security. Our medical benefits change too.

Our personal health changes a lot as we grow older. We gradually lose the ability to care for ourelves independently. We may lose the ability to make good decisions. New medical issues arise and affect our lives in many ways. And with all these changes, we need help we never relied on before. Family and friends may need to step in and assist or we may need to find services that can help us cope with the challenges of old age.

Planning Ahead is the Best Approach

Many times an emergency drives the need to make quick decisions. And decisions made during stressful times may not be the best. Early assessment and planning will help assure the best outcome for everyone.

Warning Signs That Your Loved One Needs HelpDifficulty walking—unsteady when standing or recent fall(s)

Poor grooming and personal hygiene – soiled clothing

Loss of appetite –changes in eating/cooking habits

Spoiled or outdated food in fridge –little nutritious food in the home

Diminished driving skills – recent accidents or near misses

Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Reluctance to socialize

Difficulty concentrating – poor judgment

Memory loss – forgetfulness and confusion

Mishandled medication(s)

Persistent fatigue – lack of energy

Personality changes – irritability and sudden mood changes

Unopened mail – past due bills or mishandled finances

Poor housekeeping / home maintenance – unsafe conditions

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If they are able to remain in their home, how will you determine what type of in-home care to arrange?Who will be financially responsible for their care?Who will be legally responsible?Who is the actual decision maker?What type of day does your loved one routinely have?Are there transportation issues?Are there particular challenges caused by a disability?What community resources are available?How much time can family members and others commit to caregiving?How will you manage it all – and still maintain a life of your own?

Where to Begin

The first step to getting some assistance for your loved one is to take an assessment of their needs, financial situation, and who is going to be involved in the decision making process. It may be helpful to jot down your answers to the following questions:

What specific kind of help does your loved one need?What kind of medical needs do they have?If your loved one’s problems are not correctable, what living arrangements and nursing care plans are most appropriate?

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Date of birth and social security number- You will need this information to access many services. Medical providers- If you haven’t done so already, gather details about your loved one’s physicians and health insurance. Names, phone numbers, and addresses of medical professionals. Doctors, dentists, and pharmacy (be sure to include complete details about any arrangements the senior has made for discount prescriptions).Copies of health insurance policies and the front and back of all insurance cards- If your loved one is 65 or older, you will need a copy of his/her medicare card.List of medications- prescription drugs and all over-the-counter drugs (such as aspirin, antacids, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements – even daily multi-vitamins). Dosage amounts and instructions for taking them (time of day, with food or between meals, etc.). Take this with you to ALL medical appointments to help avoid dangerous prescription drug interactions.

Gather Information

The following information is commonly needed for access to the resources and services listed in this guide.

Date and results of recent medical tests- Include exams, x-rays, CT scans, MRI’s, dental procedures, hearing and eye tests.Complete health history- Be sure to take this with you to all of your loved one’s medical appointments. Include major illness and medical conditions for your loved one’s parents and siblings.Learn as much as possible about the medical condition afflicting the senior- Talk to his/her doctors about the disorder. Study the symptoms & progression of the disease so you can anticipate what might come next.

Call a Family Meeting

Try to get as many people as possible involved from the beginning. Early input from them will facilitate communication and decision making down the line. Allow all family members a chance to express themselves and their feelings about what should be done. When possible, designate a person to be responsible for each task.

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Life Support (DNR & POLST)

When someone is been diagnosed with a serious life- threatening or terminal illness, it is important for that person to consider life support options or resuscitation choices. Discuss life support options with your doctor. End –of-Life physician orders are called POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) or DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). These orders are not prepared or signed by attorneys.

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Confidentiality and HIPAA

Your doctor and other medical professionals are required by law to protect your medical privacy. This federal law is known as HIPAA. This is why you are often asked to sign a form stating that you have received the provider’s privacy statement. The form often includes an authorization giving permission to share your medical information with other health care providers, your spouse, or other person you designate.

Don’t wait until a medical emergency to sign a HIPAA release and an Advance Health Care Directive.

Every time you visit a doctor, hospital, and medical lab, etc., give them a copy of your Advance Health Care Directive and ask to sign the provider’s HIPAA form so that those assisting you are authorized to receive information about your care.

Important note: Each HIPAA form applies only to that particular provider. You need to sign a separate one for each provider. If you are incapacitated because of an illness or accident, your medical provider needs a written list on your HIPAA of everyone they are allowed to speak with including your spouse, children, siblings, etc. Be specific- list everyone by name.


Ask the doctor to write down his/ her •responses to your questions. Let the doctor know if you do not understand anything.

Before you leave the office, make sure that •you understand your condition, your treat-ments, when you need to meet the goals prescribed by your doctor, and when you need to follow-up with another visit.

After the visit, follow through with the •plan discussed during the visit.

Getting the Most Out of a Doctor’s Appointment A visit to the doctor’s office can be stressful and intimidating, but there are steps you can take to get the most out of your doctor’s visit:

Before you visit, write down your questions.•

Bring them to your office visit; ask the most •important questions first; and make sure you get answers to your top two or three concerns.

Before you visit, write your list of symp-•toms and details and what the symptoms were like when they started.

If you have diabetes or hypertension, bring •your home-monitoring records.

Bring all your medications, including herb-•al supplements and vitamins.

Bring a tape recorder or a health care folder •or notebook to write down the doctor’s responses to your questions; advice about treatment and other information about treatment and follow-up.

If you feel you need support in communi-•cating with the doctor, remembering infor-mation, or if you have a complicated health problem, have a friend or relative accom-pany you to be your advocate and to help you remember information.

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Geriatrics and Senior Health

Should seniors see a geriatrician?

Geriatricians are physicians with extra training in caring for the special needs of older adults. They help patients manage common disorders including hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis and they are trained in treating the specialized problems of aging such as stroke and memory loss.

They understand how physical health problems affect all aspects of a senior’s life –their mobility, social interaction, and ability to live independently. Geriatricians look beyond medical problems to see the impact their health has on someone’s overall well-being.

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All the while understanding that health care involves not only medical examinations but also mental, spiritual, functional, and social well-being.

Having a proper diagnosis is crucial step to understanding what is needed to maintain good health, improve adverse health conditions, and help someone age-in-place comfortably. That’s why seeing a geriatrician might be the best choice for the proper management of an older adult’s health and well-being.


Legal Issues to Consider

Find out if the senior has the proper legal tools and documents in place and if they are up to date. Everyone should have the following documents prepared and available in case of changes to their health. All documents should be reviewed from time to time to be sure they are current.

Will- A set of instructions that explain •how to distribute probatable assets after deathTrusts- Tranfers assets into a legal •structure that may help reduce the costs and length of time to settle an estateProperty Titles- Certain property can be •recorded in a way that takes precedence over a Will or TrustDurable Power of Attorney for Finances-•Appoints someone to take care of business and make financial decisions in case of temporary or permanent disabilityAdvanced Health Care Directives- •Directs somone’s healthcare-related wishesHIPAA Release Form- Authorizes the •release of medical information (See page 5 for explanation of HIPPA)

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Does your loved one have “capacity”?

If the senior’s ability to understand and make decisions is in question, see an attorney at once to discuss Conservatorship and it’s alternatives.

Investigate Your Loved One’s Health Insurance Matters

What kind of coverage do they have? •

Are they eligible Medicare or Medi-cal? •

If so, are they enrolled properly? •

Do they have a long term care insurance •policy in place?If so, what • exactly does it cover? Do they have any coverage through •a private pension plan or retirement package?


What is a fiduciary?

A fiduciary is a person who assumes respon-sibility for a position of trust. They accept the obligation for taking care of the financial needs or property of another person for the benefit of that person. Fiduciaries can serve as court-appointed guardians, conservator of the estate (for assets that require protection) and/or of the person (making sure that the conservatee’s physical health, social and personal needs are met). Fiduciaries can also serve as a Personal Representative, Trustee and as agents under Power of Attorney.

Why is a fiduciary needed?

Fiduciaries manage a variety of services for their clients, from day-to-day maintenance and support issues for the elderly, to entire estate, trust, tax planning and investment management services. Trusting the manage-ment of your loved one’s personal affairs or your own estate plan to a professional fiduciary assures that matters are handled impartially in a professional and ethical manner. Professional fiduciaries represent your best interests in an ethical and legal manner.

Estate Expertise and Guidance for Seniors

With aging comes the complexities of maintaining daily living, staying active, socializing, and along with it very unfamiliar legal hurdles, financial risks, and much more. These can consumer valuable time that could be better spent as quality time with family and friends and taking ac-tions to live a healthy and fulfilling life. A fiduciary can help.

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There are also many disease-related organizations that provide assistance for those with specific medical conditions. The Alzheimer’s Foundation has education and support programs for familes and the Braille Institute provides assistive devices free-of-charge for people with visions challenges.

For a complete list of community-based services in Orange County, see pages 26-28 in this guide.

Senior centers and adult day health services in Orange County offer a variety of services and programs for elderly residents. Find out what kind of support do they provide. Do they have transportation services? What meal delivery and transportation support options are available? What other services do they offer?

Even if you are experiencing an acute, or temporary crisis that is likely to pass, start gathering information about assisted living facilities and other long term care options so you have this information when it’s needed in the future.

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Taking Action & Making ProgressUtilizing Community Resources


Mark Rosney, President of ALLWAYS Home Care, has been awarded the Certification of CSA by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. Mark takes a very participative role in the delivery of care for each ALLWAYS Home Care client by conducting new client assessments, interacting on a frequent basis with each client and their family, and overseeing the recruitment and training for every ALLWAYS Home Care caregiver.

For more information about ALLWAYS Home Care, call toll-free: 866-360-2618.

Why You Need a Certified Senior Advisor

Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® credentials are awarded to professionals that have shown a commitment to a comprehensive understanding of the health, financial, and social issues of seniors. CSA is the leading certification for professionals seeking to supplement their knowledge and adjust to the rapidly changing aging population by understanding the many aspects of aging. Earning the CSA certification requires individuals to pass a rigorous exam, uphold the highest ethical standards, and complete continuing education requirements.

With this knowledge, CSAs are thoroughly prepared to help seniors make decisions with the appropriate level of informed consent. They are also trained to recommend the most suitable products and services for each individual’s situation and serve as a credible source of information for seniors. CSAs build their knowledge through continuing education and maintaining a strong network of strategic partnerships that act in a unified approach to benefit the seniors they serve.

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The Home Team

When involved in caring for a senior, it’s helpful to consult with anybody and everybody. Talk to friends, neighbors, acquaintances – anyone with experience in caring for an elder.You will learn that others have been there before and found their way through—though sometimes with great difficulty and sadness.

Communicate with your loved-one

Allow them as much independence as circumstances permit. Your role is to help them maintain as much control over their lives as feasible, not take it away.

Allow them to make their own decisions unless the decisions become harmful to them. The more you can consult with them, consider their desires, and truly respect them, the smoother the transition in your relationship will be.

Make sure that everyone on the care giving team, whether they are family members , friends, or professionals, has the information they need to perform their responsibilities. Make a list of emergency numbers, family contact numbers, and other items and distribute it to those who might need it.

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Family members should know how to locate legal, financial, and medical documents like durable powers of attorney, trusts and wills, investment account statements, and health insurance policies in case of emergency.

If the senior is still living at home, make sure you and others in their inner circle have keys to the residence in case of emergency.

Keep good notes

Whenever you talk to a doctor, lawyer, insurance company, service agency, government office or advocacy organization, write down the date and name of the person you spoke with, contact information and the substance of the conversation.

Keep separate files for different areas of concern- financial topics, medical affairs, etc.Even though this may sound unnecessarily pessimistic, never assume that the professional and medical personnel who are helping you with your loved one will do what they promise. If you don’t actively follow-up, you may set yourself up for disappointment. While they made their promises with the best of intentions, these professional people are extremely busy and have other people to care for in addition to your loved one.


Home Health and Hospice

When assistance with wound care, physical therapy, speech therapy, IV drug administration, and other in-home medical services are needed, a licensed nurse working for a home health, infusion, or hospice company is required. Medical insurance helps pay the costs for these medical services which have to be ordered by a doctor. Nurses do not perform housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, or the other duties provided by non-medical companions and caregivers.

In-Home Assistance

The following are types of in-home care services that are typically used by people who choose to age in place. Homemaker, companion, and caregivers services are typically not covered by health insurance, but may be covered by Long Term Care insurance and veteran benefits. Home health and hospice services require specific licenses (RN, LVN) and are usually covered by medical insurance.

Homemaker/Companion

Provide friendly companionship, assist with light housework, shopping, laundry, physical activity, social events, etc.

Caregivers

Assist with personal needs such as bedside care, bathing, feeding, etc. May also assist with transportation to doctors and therapy appointments and perform errands such as food shopping and picking up prescriptions. Caregivers can also prepare meals and do light housekeeping.

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More About In-Home Medical Services

Home Health Care can only be given by licensed health workers, such as skilled nursing care, physical therapy rehabilitation or other in-home services for the treatment of an illness or injury and is typically (though not necessarily) initiated by a physician. Medicare may pay for some home health care, but only if you meet certain qualifications and conditions. Check with your insurance company or physician for more information.

Palliative Care addresses the needs of patients struggling with chronic and/or life threatening illnesses and may occur at home or in a skilled Nursing setting. Comfort and quality of life ~ sometimes combined with curative treatment ~are the focus of care.

Hospice Care is for individuals who are approaching end of life and are no longer seeking a cure or curative treatments. The focus of their treatment is comfort and quality of life for their remaining days. Hospice and Palliative care are both team-oriented groups consisting of specially trained professionals, volunteers, and family members and may occur in a variety of settings, including private homes.

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How Long Can Someone Safely Remain in Their Home?

People can remain in their home thruout their entire life. Some will require some easy adjustments. Others may require extensive modifications and a significant level of outside help and assistance

Home care services can help with companionship, transportation, housekeeping, dressing, bathing, and more, enabling someone to continue to enjoy life in the comfort of their own home.

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What Assistance Can a Home Care Company Provide?

HousekeepingVacuuming, dusting, bathrooms, and kitchens•Laundry•Pet care•

Dressing, Bathing, and MobilityShower monitoring•Transfer to bed, chair, toilet•Toileting assistance•

MealsNutritional consultation•Meal preparation•Clean-up•

TransportationShopping•Erands•Doctors appointments•

ActivitiesCompanionship•Daily exercise•Socialization•

MedicalMedication reminders•Transport to therapy appointments•Can arrange in-home nurse assistance•

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When a contractor is fired or is no longer needed, you will have to pay their unemploy-ment benefits. Again, this will trigger govern-ment tax audits.

The best way to protect yourself from these disastrous financial liabilities is to work with a company that employs the caregivers that work in your home (known as W2 employees). These companies will carry worker’s compensation insurance for their employees and all the re-quired state, federal, and unemployment taxes are paid to the government.

Some home care companies may appear to follow the employment model, but are only referral services. They contract with individual non-employee caregivers (known as 1099 con-tractors) and do not carry workers compensa-tion coverage or pay the required payroll taxes. When a worker’s compensation, unemploy-ment, or tax issue occurs, you may still be left covering all the financial responsibilities.

In addition to the tax and worker’s compensa-tion risks, there are some other things to keep in mind when hiring a home caregiver.

Who’s Liable for Accidents?

If a caregiver causes damage to your home, property, or worse, to you, there needs to be

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Hiring an In-Home Caregiver

Hiring a home caregiver is a good option for many people who prefer to age in place in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. Choosing the right person and company to provide the assistance should be pursued with great care and diligence, as there are some very important legal and safety issues to consider.

When you hire an independent con-tractor to work in your home you may be liable for their Taxes, Unemploy-ment Compensation, and Worker’s Compensation-related Medical Costs and Lost Wages.

If the contractor has not paid their federal or state income taxes, you will be held liable by the government. Not only will you have to pay the taxes, you will have to pay the non-pay-ment penalties and interest charges as well.

If a contractor is hurt while working in your home, you will be liable for paying medical bills and lost wages. And when this happens, it will trigger the government tax audits men-tioned above.

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ALLWAYS Home Care proudly follows all of the best practices outlined here, assuring our clients of the very highest levels of service and protection. We employ our caregivers (W2), relieving you of any tax, unemploy-ment, or worker’s compensation risks. Each employee passes a careful screening, background check, and TB screening prior to hire. Our liability insurance coverage and employee bonding provide you with complete protection against accidents.

liability insurance in place that will provide coverage for repairs, medical bills, and other damage. Contract caregivers hired directly by you may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

Assuring Your Safety

Responsible home care companies check em-ployment references, perform background checks before employees are hired, and carry fidelity bonds on employees to assure your protection. Because of the precautions taken by the company, you know the person working in your home does not have a criminal record and if someone were to steal from you, the company has insurance coverage as a backup. Some companies require employees to pass a tuberculosis screening prior to employment so there’s no chance of transmitting this common deadly disease.

HOME CAREwaysall

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Other Aspects of High-Quality Service

You should never have to pay for a care as-•sessment and proposal.Care plans should be reviewed by a creden-•tialed professional.You should never have to pay a deposit to •start service or any type of set-up/start-up fee.There should be no unreasonable minimum •number of hours, or any cancellation fees.There’s supervision of caregivers and over-•sight by credentialed personnel and man-agement.Companies should maintain ongoing and •active communication with family mem-bers.And perform home safety inspections and •make recommendations for your safety.


Retirement Communities

One alternate residence option exclusively for seniors is the Independent Senior Community, also called a Senior Independent Living Community. Two of the most well known communities in Orange County, CA are Laguna Woods and Casta del Sol. Residents must be over a certain age to move into one of these communities that are surrounded by security gates. They are designed to accommodate independent seniors with few medical problems by providing many options for social activities within the community and local transportation services to help residents get around.

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Assisted Living

Assisted living communities combine housing, healthcare, socialization and some assistance with personal care in an independent environment.

Residents have meals in large dining rooms with other residents. There are many options for daily activities including movie screenings, excursions, card games, and exercise programs. Many assisted living facilities have transportation services to get residents to doctors appointments.

Though residents are primarily independent, some caregiver services are available.

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Residential Care

Residential Care Homes (often referred to as a Board and Care) provide care for seniors in a homelike setting. This type of setting is excellent for residents who want to live in a community setting but may require a higher level of assistance and have less of a need for the social aspects of a larger assisted living facility. This type of home varies considerably in both size and setting. The staff in a residential care home may assist with medications, help residents bathe, get dressed, and provide other personal care services.

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Other Types of Care Settings

Adult Day Programs

Day programs are a good option for seniors who have family caregivers that provide assistance in the evenings, but also work a regular job outside the home. Day programs provide meals, activities, and daily transportation to and from the program facility. Some medical assitance similar to home health services are also available on site.

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Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) (may be referred to as Nursing Home or a Rehab facility) provide a high level of care for those requiring constant nursing attention and for those who have significant deficiencies with everyday activities (i.e., activities of daily living/ADL’s). An SNF often includes both the young and the elderly who may have physical and mental disabilities. Residents typically receive occupational, physical, and other rehabilitative therapies after an accident, illness, or hospitalization along with medical care.

Memory Care Communities often delivered in an assisted living or nursing home setting usually on a separate floor or unit. Most of these living environments have secured areas to prevent wandering.


Qualifying Periods of War

World War II: 12/7/41 - 12/31/46

Korea: 6/27/50 - 1/31/55

Vietnam (in country): 2/28/61 - 8/4/64

Vietnam: 8/5/64 - 5/7/75

For more information about VA benefits for veterans and their spouses, contact Allways Home Care at 866-360-2618.

Benefits for Veterans

The United States Veteran’s Administration has a long list of benefit programs for service members and their spouses, especially those that served their country during wartime. Within a benefit called “Aid and Attendance” is a opportunity for qualifying veterans to get up to $2,790 per month tax-free to help cover expenses related to their medical needs.

How to QualifyMust be age 65 or older•Must need assistance with Activities of •Daily Living (ADLs)Must have medical expenses relating to the •need for assistanceMust have served in the US Military for a •minimum of 90 days with at least one day during a qualifying period of war. Or, must have been married to a war era veteran that meets this criteria.

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Community Resources & Services for Orange County Seniors

Note: The resources and services listed in this publication are not intended to be a recommendation or a comprehensive listing, but rather a guide for residents and caregivers in Orange County, California.

General Programs and Information for Seniors2-1-1 Orange County (Dial 211 from any phone)A free 24-hr, 3-digit telephone number that will enable callers to access comprehensive info and referrals to health and human services. Provides links to services including food, shelter, domestic violence, etc.Adult Protective Services Orange County 714-825-3000 Investigates reports of adult / elder abuse perpetrated by others (physical neglect, financial, abandonment, isolation, abduction, etc.) or self-neglect (physical care, medical care, health & safety hazards, malnutrition / dehydration, other).Benefits Checkup Public Assistance Program Locatorwww.benefitscheckup.orgDeveloped by the National Council on the Aging (NCOA), helps seniors determine if they are eligible for a wide range of public assistance programs, including state programs, Social Security, MediCaid, food stamps, in-home services and pharmacy programs.City GovernmentsContact individual city halls for grant & senior assistance information through yellow pages and /or city websites. Local city government’s likewise fund and operate community / senior centers and are knowledgeable and helpful in terms of information, services, classes and case management.Council on Aging-Orange County 714-479-0107 or 714-352-8820www.coaoc.orgProvide direct service to families of older adults and persons with disabilities through programs, resources, and services that help seniors improve socialization and remain safe and independent.

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Dayle Mcintosh Center ~Disability Resources & Advocacy 714-621-3300, www.daylemc.orgThe Dayle MaIntosh Center is an independent living center (ILC) providing disability resources and advocacy to residents of Orange County with a disability. DMC offers a range of services such as Aging with Vision Loss, Transition Services and community organizing.Financial Abuse Specialist Team 800-414-2002Orange County Office on Aging 714-567-7500www.officeonaging.oc.gov.com/Advocates, plans & facilitates relative to all aging issues on behalf of older persons in Orange County. Together with their partners, provides a guide to older adult services, i.e. Transportation, counseling, adult daycare, financial assistance, housing, legal aid, meals & more.OSHER / OLLI ~ Osher Life Long Learning Institute 657-278-4686Seeks to enhance the quality of life for mature adults by promoting intellectual growth in a center for senior learning. Call for course and class information. UCI SeniorHealth Center 714-456-5523www.healthcare.uci.edu/seniorhealth/index.aspLocated at UC Irvine Medical Center, the SeniorHealth Center is designed expressly for older patients’ special health care needs ~health assessment, primary care, geriatric consultation, and memory / neurological assessment. UC Irvine Medical Center has a movement disorders program as well.Veterans Assistance Foundation 866-823-8387

Insurance Counseling and AssistanceCal Optima (for Cal Optima Direct members) 714-246-8400 www.Caloptima.org CalOptima is a public health plan which provides health care coverage for Orange County residents who are eligible for Medi-Cal.Medicare Appeals Help Line 800-841-1602

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Disease-Related Support ResourcesAlzheimer’s Association of Orange County 800-272-3900www.alz.org/oc The Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County Chapter provides patient and family services to aid present and future victims and caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, advocacy for improved public policy and needed legislation, education and increasing public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, and funding research into the cause, prevention, treatment, and cure for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.American Cancer Societywww.cancer.orgDedicated to helping persons who face cancer. Supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education.American Heart & Stroke Association 949-955-9000The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency to help reduce disability and death due to cardiovascular disease and stroke.American Lung Association 714-835-LUNGThe American Lung Association offers educational programs and community outreach that promotes lung health; reduce tobacco use, and controlling and eliminating influenza and tuberculosis.American Parkinson’s Association 800-223-2732Arthritis Foundation 949-585-0201The arthritis foundation in Orange County provides help to reduce pain and disability and other burdens of arthritis and other related diseases. They also offer information, events and activities as well as vital programs and services.Braille Institute (OC) Regional Sight Center 714-821-5000 www.brailleinstitute.org/orangecounty Braille Institute offers a wide array of free services designed to help people with vision loss to lead enriched and fulfilling lives. Free services include low vision rehabilitation consultations, library services, support groups, campus and outreach classes. Website provides user-friendly information.

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Food Delivery ServicesAGEWELL Senior Services 949-855-8033www.myagewell.org Provides nutritious home delivered meals to low-income seniors in all South Orange County cities. A $6.50 donation is requested for delivery of food but seniors will not be turned away for inability to pay.Community SeniorServ 714-220-0224www.communityseniorserv.comCommunity SeniorServ is dedicated to meeting the needs of older adults in central and north Orange County and offer services which include: Friendly Visitor Program, Adult Day Services, Meals-on-Wheels and Case Management.

Legal AssistanceNational Senior Citizens Law Center 202-289-6976ww.nsclc.orgNational senior Citizens Law Center is a non-profit organization that protects the rights of low income elder adults. They offer education and counseling, helping older people to know their rights.

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TransportationAGEWELL Senior Services 949-855-8033www.myagewell.org Provides south orange county residents (60+) non-emergency medical transportation to medical appointments, prescription pick-ups, testing and x-rays. Access Transportation Program 877-628-2232www.octa.netOCTA’S shared-ride service for people who are unable to use regular bus service because of functional limitations caused by a disability.

Caregiver SupportCaregiver Resource Center of Orange County 714-446-5030www.caregiveroc.org Assists families coping with the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities of care giving for an adult over the age of 65. These services include family consultation, assessment and care planning, support counseling, psycho-educational seminars, guest speaker’s bureau, respite planning and community education.

Assistive Deviceswww.abledata.comContains information on more than 200K currently available assistive devices including prices and manufacturers. The database also contains information on non-commercialized prototypes and do-it-yourself designs.

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Notes

Allways Home Care120 Vantis, Suite 300Aliso Veijo, CA 92656

866-360-2618

Documents

A GUIDE TOallwayshomecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/... · medical appointments to help avoid dangerous prescription drug interactions. Gather Information The following information