As we get older, it’s normal to require more help and support. At CCA Health California, we want to help our members age well and stay independent. The good news is no matter where you live, there are agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping older adults in the community.

Each state has an agency dedicated to providing seniors with the support they need to live independently and thrive as they age. These agencies offer services that help seniors stay connected and live their best lives. Services include in-home support, nutrition assistance, adult day centers, legal advice, adult protective services, transportation, housing, and more.

Other programs offer financial assistance to low-income households to help with utility bills. For those caring for a loved one, there are special programs to support caregivers.

Food insecurity is a common concern among seniors. By working with community agencies, you can ensure your loved one’s nutritional needs are met.

In addition, a variety of in-home services are available to help seniors remain happy and independent. Services include home health visits, 24-hour crisis lines, and even companion programs.

We’ve put together this guide for our members in California so you can have easy access to the services that will help you stay well and independent.

Community Resources in California

The California Department of Aging manages programs and services to support older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents of long-term care facilities. Services include nutrition and home-delivered meals, caregiver resources, legal services, transportation, Medicare counseling, and more. Services are provided locally by the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and other contracted community agencies.

You can call 800-510-2020 or contact your county’s local area agency directly to learn about services and programs available in your area:

• Merced: 209-385-7550
• San Joaquin: 209-468-1104
• Santa Clara: 408-350-3200
• Stanislaus: 209-558-8698

You can also locate your local agency and the services it offers on this website.

Food and Nutrition Assistance

The California Department of Aging and its local Area Agencies on Aging coordinate a congregate meal program in group settings as well as a home-delivered meals program. Call 800-510-2020 or locate your local agency on this website.

Here are a few organizations:

• Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Food Bank serves individuals in Santa Clara County. They can be reached at 800-984-3663.
• Second Harvest of the Greater Valley serves individuals in Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties. They can be reached at 209-239-2091.
• Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin can be reached at 209-464-7369.
• Meals on Wheels of California delivers meals to anyone over the age of 60 who is homebound and unable to shop or prepare meals. For more information about Meals on Wheels, call Sourcewise at 408-350-3200 and select option 4. Or click here to find a local option near you.
• CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps) is a federal program also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It offers monthly assistance for purchasing food for qualifying households. Email [email protected], call 209-229-6556, or apply online at the BenefitsCal website.

In-Home Support Services

For California residents aged 60 and over, a variety of services are available through the California Department of Aging and its local Area Agencies on Aging to support individuals living in their homes. Services include caregiver assistance, adult day care, transportation, legal assistance, in-home support services, and more. Call 800-510-2020 or locate your local agency on this website.

• Merced: 209-385-7550
• San Joaquin: 209-468-1104
• Santa Clara: 408-350-3200
• Stanislaus: 209-558-8698

The California Friendship Line is a 24-hour resource for crisis intervention and a “warm line” for emotional support, medication reminders, and well-being checks. It can be accessed by calling 888-670-1360 or going to this website.

24-Hour Emergency & Advice Line for Older & Dependent Adults: Call 844-868-0938 or 650-573-3900 (from outside CA). You can also visit their website here.

Help with Utility Bills

The California Department of Community Services and Development offers a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and a Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Contact the call center toll-free at 866-675-6623 (TDD: 916-263-1402).

Healthcare

• Medicare counseling: The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides free, confidential, one-on-one counseling, education, and assistance to individuals and their families on Medicare, long-term care insurance, other health insurance related issues, and planning for long-term care needs. You can locate a HICAP office in your area by selecting your county on this website or by calling 800-434-0222.
• Prescription drug assistance: California offers a Prescription Drug Discount Program for Medicare Recipients. Medicare recipients with questions may contact the Medi-Cal Help Line at 800-541-5555 or by email at [email protected].

Disaster Relief and Recovery Assistance

• After a federally declared disaster, your first point of contact is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They can be reached at 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362). For TTY, dial 800-462-7585.
• The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Offices Emergency Information Hotline can be reached at 866-INFO-HUD (866-463-6483).

Caregiver Support: Childcare and Elder Care

Help is available for caregivers, including respite care, temporary assistance, and training. Learn more here.

Elder Abuse Reporting

To report abuse, call 833-401-0832. When prompted, enter your 5-digit ZIP code to be connected to the Adult Protective Services in your county, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Transportation

• Merced County: The Merced County Area Agency on Aging offers free fixed-route bus passes to seniors aged 60 and older. Call 209-385-7550 or click here for more information.
• San Joaquin County: The San Joaquin County Department of Aging and Community Services can be reached at 209-468-2202 or this website.
• Santa Clara County: Call 408-755-7680 or click here.
• Stanislaus County: There are several options for senior transportation in Stanislaus County. Call 800-510-2020 or click here.

Legal Services

Legal services are available to assist older adults and adults with disabilities with a variety of legal problems concerning housing, consumer fraud, elder abuse, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medi-Cal, age discrimination, pensions, nursing homes, protective services, conservatorships, and other matters. Call 866-44-CA-LAW (866-442-2529) or visit the California Bar Foundation’s website.

Senior Centers

The Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council offers activities for seniors along with resources that can help them continue to live well in their community. Resources include a senior center with a full calendar of social activities, an adult day program, and its RYDE senior transportation program for adults aged 65 and older.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

• Crisis: If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: SAMHSA coordinates a helpline for 24-hour free and confidential help. You can get treatment referral and information about mental health and drug or alcohol use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. Call 800-662-4357 to reach the helpline.
• Disaster Distress Helpline: The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is for people who have experienced natural, or human caused disasters, such as a tornado or a crime. It provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support to people feeling emotional distress due to the disaster. Call or text 800-985-5990.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are numerous volunteer programs for seniors in California for those who want to remain active and support their community.

• The California Department of Aging offers volunteer opportunities. Click here for more information.
• California Volunteers is a program managed by the Office of the Governor. Click here or call 916-323-7646 for more information. Toll-free: 888-567-SERV.
• The California Highway Patrol offers Senior Volunteer Programs. Contact your local CHP Area office for opportunities. You can also email the Senior Volunteer Program at [email protected] or call 916-843-3210.
• AARP offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Explore open AARP volunteer roles by cause here. Nationwide toll-free: 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277).