The state designated area agency on Aging (AAA). COA is responsible for developing and funding a range of older adult services. It directly administers the following programs.

HICAP provides assistance to older persons confronted by the medical maze of bills, policies, paperwork and the confusing array of supplemental health insurance plans commonly referred to as Medi-Gap. This service is provided through a network of professionally trained volunteers who are located throughout the county. HICAP publishes an analysis of policies and provides community education to senior groups.

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The Council on Aging provides job placement and a wide range of training designed to sharpen skills. On the job training positions are emphasized as incentives to employers. The Council On Aging pays a portion of the initial wage enabling the older worker to receive training and re-enter the work force.

The employment program is also designed to assist community agencies with their personnel needs by placing persons 55 years of age and older who wish to find employment but need more experience in the job market.

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The Care Call program provides for the installation of a range of electronic home emergency response system devices in the home of frail, older persons. These various devices provide a two way communication between the elderly subscriber and a monitoring support center staffed by trained professionals 24 hours per day.

Computerized information regarding the individual's medical condition, medication, emergency phone numbers, as well as the names and phone numbers of family members and friends is accessed by the support center when the system is activated and immediate help is provided.

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The IHSS Public Authority is the employer of record for the IHAA Independent Providers (IPs) for the purposes of negotiating wages, benefits and terms and conditions of employment. The Public Authority is also responsible for providing a registry to match IPs with IHSS consumers who seek such assistance in finding a provider, screening IPs, and training both the IPs and IHSS consumers.

The County Board of Supervisors is the Governing Body of the Public Authority. The Governing Body appoints an Advisory Board that meets monthly. The IHSS Public Authority contracts with Council on Again to provide management support services to the Public Authority.

The Public Authority is the employer of the IPS with respect to negotiating wages and benefits. The County remains the party responsible for determining the IHSS eligibility and re-certification, hours determination, etc. The IHSS consumer remains the employer with respect to hiring, firing, and supervising their independent provider.

Senior Information & Assistance
1-800-510-2020 (in county only)

Frequently persons need services but do not know where to turn to receive them. Information and assistance is provided by Council On Aging and offers a a needs assessment and information on available services.

Appointments are made for services when necessary and clients are monitored to insure that services are received. Printed resource material, directories and a handbook of services are available. Training is also available on countywide resources. Information presentations are made to interested groups.

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The Council On Aging's MSSP program , funded primarily through the state's Medi-Cal program, provides for the comprehensive case management and a range of health and supportive services for frail, functionally impaired older persons at risk of institutionalization. Linkages is a state funded case management program and can serve disabled persons, 18 years of age and older, and frail elderly.

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The Council On Aging provides home delivered meals in collaboration with the County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency. Meals can be arranged by calling Council On Aging at 1-800-510-2020.

Clients are eligible who are 60 or over and homebound due to illness or disability and unable to shop or prepare a meal. Frozen meals are delivered weekly and include seven breakfasts and seven main meals, plus milk, bread, fruit and juices.

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This service provides for regular visits to older persons what are at risk of losing their independent living status. Clients are targeted for the visiting service from the Home Care Program, Care Management, and the Meals On Wheels programs. Trained and screened volunteers stop in regularly to monitor the clients' health status and to look for signs of abuse or neglect.

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This program offers homemaker, shopping and personal care services to their eligible for or currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Eligibility is determined by the County Social Services Agency and can be reached at 408-441-5858. The services are intended to enable elderly and disabled persons to remain at home.

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