Most older adults live independently. The majority still work and/or volunteer and are active members of the community where they live. When people refer to frail older adults, they are actually referring to a very small segment of this population. Some individuals become increasingly frail while others have short episodes of ill health in an otherwise healthy and active life. These unexpected challenges—some short, others more long-term—require adaptations and adjustments. In most cases they require support from sources other than friends or family. Sometimes, older adults might feel lost and confused—not knowing where to go for help.
A survey of San Diego County by Aging and Independence Services (AIS) found that 31 percent of older persons said they had problems “getting information about services/benefits.”
Although numerous agencies—government, nonprofit and private—are trying to help, each has its own set of guidelines and requirements. Some individuals have additional questions like, “How do I find out if an agency is better than another?” or, “Which senior center is closer to my house?” Knowing where to go, or who to call to get answers has just been made easier and is as close as your telephone.
San Diego County has a “call center” for older persons, with counselors who are skilled in assisting with most issues. The number is 1-800-510-2020. It works throughout the county and if you have a relative or friend in another part of California, that same number will connect them with their local call center. A national phone number also exists to find out about services across the US. The “eldercare locator,” at 1-800-677-1116—will connect anyone with the local information and assistance center just by providing the local zip code.
The call center and the "network of services" assist not only frail elderly but also active elders. It seems that no one comes equipped to handle aging. We learn about aging through experience and hopefully through education. Active older adults might need advice on where they can work, where can they get involved in their community, or how can they continue with life-long learning. These and many similar questions come from active, healthy older adults. The call centers provide answers and options.
If you are familiar with the internet, the level of helpful resources increases. You can check out the availability of individual services for yourself. In the San Diego area, two major directories contain all the available information about services for the elderly. One is sponsored by AIS and contains most of the information the call center uses. It’s known as the San Diego Network of Care http://sandiego.networkofcare.org/aging/ The second is the San Diego Eldercare Directory, http://eldercare.signonsandiego.com, which is sponsored by the Union Tribune. Living independently—despite some limitations—can be made easier by accessing this vast support network that exists to keep you that way.
Mario Garrett is a professor of Gerontology at San Diego State University can be reached at mariusgarrett@yahoo.commariusgarrett@yahoo.com Joaquin Anguera is a professor of Gerontology at San Diego State University can be reached at joaquin.senior@gmail.com
© Mario Garrett 2010
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