Don is a retired engineering manager with experience as a field service engineer with the military, including the Army, Air Force and 5 1/2 years with the submarine service. He has provided training and education as part of his duties, whether in the job description or not.

Aside from his volunteer work at the Palo Alto Clinic, Don is well known for his speaking engagements at Stanford, The Forum, Channing House, and others. Connie Corrales, Director of HICAP, commends Don, “His generosity with his time has been overwhelming. Don’s initiative is often demonstrated in his actions, research, and presentations for HICAP. He is very knowledgeable and exhibits a high level of compassion and an exemplary work ethic.”

With experience and a helpful nature, Don is a trusted advisor for members of various communities throughout the Bay Area. Don explains that what he likes most; he has “seen people for so long…Maybe their kids come in now and [he] can help them. It’s fun.”

Don encourages future volunteers to join HICAP, stating, “This is a lot of fun! This is challenging and it changes every year.”

If you would like more information about the Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program, please contact our Community Resource Specialists at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

• Get Vaccinated. According to the Center for Disease Control, the flu vaccine safely and effectively prevents illness each year. Because the virus and the vaccine change every year, getting an annual vaccination is important. Your body will develop immunity about two weeks after receiving the flu shot.
• Wash your hands frequently to kill germs. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Stay home if you’re sick to prevent the illness from spreading.
• Prepare for cold weather by keeping your home safe and warm. Check your heating system annually, inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney, and check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Also, check your fire extinguisher.
• Be prepared for weather-related emergencies such as power outages. Stock up on candles and batteries. Know where your flashlight is. Keep nonperishables on hand, such as canned foods, crackers, peanut butter, and bottled water.
• Check on family and neighbors who are at risk; especially older adults and those who are chronically ill. Bring pets indoors, or provide them with warm and adequate shelter.

If you would like a home safety evaluation, please contact our Community Resource Specialists of Sourcewise, for information on agencies that can help: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

SALA focuses on legal matters commonly impacting seniors. For example, they assist elder abuse victims to obtain restraining orders and to stay safe at home.

SALA helps elders who have Social Security or Medicare/Medi-Cal benefits difficulties. SALA also helps with housing by advocating for senior tenants. Assistance is also available for advance health care directives, powers of attorney, and simple wills. Supervising Attorney Michele D. Schroeder visited Sourcewise to share SALA’s mission. She stated, “At SALA, we see many elders who are in crisis. Some are suffering physical, emotional, or financial abuse. Others face the threat of losing their income or housing. SALA can help stabilize these elders by helping them navigate complex government systems; from the courts to the Social Security Administration. SALA also helps elders plan for future incapacity by preparing planning documents, ensuring that elders’ wishes are followed, and caregivers are given authority to advocate for frail elders. Assisting with a current crisis and planning to prevent a future crisis are both important aspects of the work that SALA does.”

Sourcewise provides funding for Senior Adults Legal Assistance to continue its mission to help seniors with free legal aid. Services are provided through appointments at senior centers throughout Santa Clara County. There are no income qualifications for services.

For more information about the services offered by SALA and other legal resources throughout Santa Clara County, please contact the Community Resource Specialists of Sourcewise: (408) 350-3200, option 1.