According to recent statistics, more people aged 65 or older live in California than another other state in the nation. Nearly 4.4 million seniors reside in the Golden State, about 10% of its population. It represents a 21% jump in the senior population since 2000. Because of this, the state is working hard to provide services to this growing group.
If you are a senior living in California, there is a multitude of services available to help you in what could be the most difficult years of your life. Each county has its own Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which works in conjunction with the California Department of Aging (CDA).
The following are some of the services that could be available in your county:
-- Adult Day Health Care & Community-Based Adult Services, providing services to seniors with chronic health issues.
-- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, helping seniors to remain healthy.
-- Family Caregiver Support Program, providing assistance to those who are taking care of seniors.
-- Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, helping seniors through the confusing maze of Medicare and Medicaid.
-- Legal Assistance.
-- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, resolving complaints made by residents of long-term care facilities.
-- Multipurpose Senior Services Program, including such items as housing, transportation and meal services.
-- Senior Community Services Employment Program, training seniors and helping them get part-time jobs.
Sadly, 10% of California seniors are living below the poverty line, so these services are essential to their well-being. Of course, most of these services are available to all seniors regardless of financial need.
Most doctors and experts in the fields of senior health suggest that a medical alert system be part of the plan for every senior to ensure that they are protected in the event that a medical emergency occurs and there is no one there to help. This becomes a vital issue if a senior is living alone or with a spouse.
If you live in California and are shopping for a medical alert system, do not be fooled by companies that make the vague claim that they are a “California medical alert provider.” Every company is national; there are no companies that operate only in California or any other specific state. They are just saying this as a way to get your business, to trick you into thinking you are dealing with a local company.
You can compare all of the varying services from more than a dozen quality medical alert providers here.
Having proper medical insurance is obviously a critical issue for seniors. The federal government provides Medicare, but like any government bureaucracy, it can be confusing. The California Department of Insurance has designed a portion of its website to help seniors cut through the red tape and make sure they have the coverage they need.
The page also features information on Medi-Cal, which is California’s Medicaid program that provides health insurance for low-income residents. Seniors might also qualify for this.
Senior Gateway provides resources that deal with issues that many California seniors might face. They include:
-- Abuse and Neglect. Unfortunately, many seniors are abused or neglected in their own homes or in long-term facilities. This will help you recognize abuse and what to do about it.
-- Scams and Frauds. It is also unfortunate than many people prey on the elderly and take advantage of them financially. The Gateway will tell you how to report such scams.
-- Health Care. It is obviously a huge issue with seniors, and here you can get help to figure out which is the best plan for you.
-- Resources. The Gateway has links to websites that could provide valuable information to help seniors live a full, rich life.
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Medical Alert Systems > California
Medical Alert Systems and Senior Resources in California
