I recently uncovered one of the best kept secrets in Santa Clara
County. Last week, I found myself at an innovative and
action-oriented organization available to support you and your
elderly loved ones: The Council on Aging Silicon Valley
(COASV).
I recently uncovered one of the best kept secrets in Santa Clara County. Last week, I found myself at an innovative and action-oriented organization available to support you and your elderly loved ones: The Council on Aging Silicon Valley (COASV). I spent three hours with Lorraine Larson, COASV’s director of marketing and communications.
With each fleeting decade, there is a significant increase in the older population, but the main caregiver group remains constant. To fully comprehend what this demographic shift will bring about, and to curtail crisis in the 21st century, COASV encourages you to prepare your families via education and involvement. Consider this: 22 years from now, six out of every 10 baby boomers will be managing more than one chronic health condition and by 2040, these seniors will outnumber their caregivers 3:1.
COASV is our local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and was established in 1974. AAAs were created in the early ’70s and are funded by the Older Americans Act. The AAAs receive federal and state funding which they distribute to community-based organizations such as senior centers.
For more than 30 years, COASV has provided high-quality service programs to seniors and caregivers alike. They help navigate the complex system of care and get you the assistance you need. The COASV is annually recognized by business journals across the nation as one of the largest and most progressive non-profit organizations in California. Their outstanding accomplishments have been recognized both locally and nationally.
In 2007 for instance, COASV won the Industry Innovators Award for their Generational Resource Center, a high tech “conference room on wheels,” which can be customized according to the specific needs of your company, congregation, senior center or health or career fair.
The GRC is equipped with touch-screen computers, online resources and tools, the latest Aging-in-Place products, videos and counseling areas.
“Council on Aging Silicon Valley offers an innovative, creative and high quality approach to wellness – one that promotes health, well-being and quality of life for older adults, and helps individuals stay independent,” said Colin Milner, International Council on Active Aging founder and CEO, upon presentation of the Industry Innovators Award.
Comprehensive programs include, but are not limited to:
1. Health insurance counseling: selecting insurance, exploring alternative healthcare options and solving common problems with Medicare.
2. Care management and education: a skilled team of social service and health professionals offer all levels of support for seniors and their families.
3. Fair lending project: legal services and education for seniors at risk of losing their homes due to refinancing, equity stripping scams and deed theft.
The Generational Resource Center is just one example of a creative idea, which has come to fruition to serve Santa Clara County seniors and to educate residents. This is due in part, to monetary contributions from Santa Clara County residents and businesses.
COASV learned a long time ago, that when it comes to senior services, hoping for change and waiting for increased funding often leads to the paralysis or extinction of non-profit organizations. COASV adapts to change quickly and that is why they have been so successful. They travel to Sacramento and Washington D.C. regularly to support legislation on senior and caregiver issues and to advocate for healthcare reform.
They can’t do this without your help. They are continually striving to increase charitable contributions so that they can continue their work; providing your family members with the quality care they deserve and ensuring you have an adequate support system. They were kind enough to give me two boxes of their comprehensive Senior Services Directory (normally $3). I will distribute these directories to various locations throughout Morgan Hill and Gilroy this month.
COASV is ready and willing to help you, in multiple languages no less. All you’ve got to do is call (408) 296-8290 or check out their Web site at careaccess.org.
So, consider your current situation: are you a pre-retiree, a grandparent caring for a grandchild, a boomer with three generations living under one roof or a senior in need of assistance? The “woulda, coulda, shoulda” approach simply doesn’t work. You don’t have to do this alone, call COASV today.
Services are offered at little to no cost and donations are gladly accepted. Hollister residents, please call (831) 688-0400 to reach Seniors Council, as they operate the AAA for both San Benito and Santa Cruz counties or visit www.seniorscouncil.org.
