Alliance On Aging Inc

Ombudsman programthe ombudsman program is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in long-term care. Ombudsman staff and volunteers advocate on behalf of the 2,640 seniors and dependent adults residing in long-term care in monterey county, acting as spokespersons for those who are without family or friends to speak on their behalf, or who fear retaliation if they complain. Ombudsman's placement services benefit family members and caregivers searching for long-term care facility information and guidance for their loved ones. Ombudsman helps place the senior in a safe living environment with the appropriate level of care required for optimum health as well as a positive social setting. In fy23-24, the ombudsman program opened 165 new investigation cases based on complaints received, provided 922 resident/facility consultation calls including those to discuss placements, and provided 8 community education presentations on topics related to long-term care such as 'covid-19 preparedness', 'prepare for your care' advance health care directive, facility staff cultural sensitivity training, resident rights, and emergency preparedness.

Senior peer counseling programthe senior peer counseling program offers emotional support through no-cost, individual home-based and group peer counseling sessions to seniors who are experiencing grief and depression due to loss, loneliness, isolation, and other stresses of aging and transitions in life. In fy23-24 senior peer counseling provided 680 hours of individual peer-to-peer support counseling to 82 individuals. 142 individuals routinely engaged in support groups for both spanish and english-speaking older adults.

Senior luncheon programthe senior luncheon program offers a monthly hot meal and socialization to seniors. In fy23-24, we served a total of 703 hot lunches to 139 seniors. A frequent feature of the meal is a bag of produce from the food bank.

Tax counseling for the elderly programthe tax counseling for the elderly program has a tangible impact on moving seniors from crisis to stability by assisting with the filing of income tax returns and economic stimulus payments and helping seniors to obtain refunds. Every extra dollar these seniors receive impacts their ability to survive, especially now that many other public assistance programs, such as those detailed previously, have disappeared. In fy23-24, the program competed 1979 federal/state tax filings; secured $1,688,319 in refunds and achieved 20 resolutions of irs issue. (approx 2969 hours tax service)

Outreach and benefits checkup programthe aoa's outreach program travels throughout monterey county to inform and educate the general public, in particular seniors and their care partners, about services available to them through the alliance on aging as well as other area agency on aging-funded programs, e.g., meals on wheels, legal services for seniors, alzheimer's association. Outreach enables the alliance on aging to provide information, in english and spanish, to underserved seniors in remote areas of the county. The program also schedules "benefits checkup" appointments for low income seniors who may be eligible for calfresh food assistance, home heating discounts, inexpensive cell phones, and other targeted benefits. In fy23-24 we conducted 650 individualized screenings for various assistance programs, assisted 644 clients with applications, and participated in 198 events

Transportation programthe transportation assistance program is designed to help seniors navigate a wide variety of transportation options including bus, taxi, uber, lyft, and door-to-door services. In fy23-24, we participated in 226 community events, provided five training presentations to educate the public about transportation options. We responded to 206 client requests for passes which resulted in 642 bus passes distributed to seniors. We provided consultation to 172 individuals (37% self- identified as 'disabled').

The hubthe hub offers access to services, resources, and enrichment opportunities geared to seniors of all ages. The hub embodies the "no wrong door" model of service that is comprehensive, inclusive and promotes aging with dignity. The alliance on aging along with five strategic partners provide services on site with other senior providers from the public, private, and non-profit sector offer activities, information and educational resources, technology training, or a place to meet for coffee or a chat. Opened in january 2022, the hub provides seniors with services and social interaction with dancing, technology training, drive smart classes, cooking demonstrations and a farmers' market. In fy23-34 we offered 515 wellness, enrichment, or educational opportunities.