Older adults who live alone, away from family, or in rural parts of Santa Clara County, may struggle with transportation challenges leading to isolation and its detrimental health effects. The solution is the Sourcewise Transit Service— a FREE transportation option for those who need it most.

The Sourcewise Transit Service provides door-to-door rides for older adults who have difficulty with ambulation, are isolated, andwho do not have other available transportation options. The Sourcewise Transit Service enhances transportation access for 11,574 South County residents who are aged 65 and older, and in need of connections to Senior Centers in Morgan Hill and Gilroy.

“When seniors give up driving, it impacts their mobility and affects their social connectedness. South County is a close-knit community, and we are proud to be offering a service that keeps individuals connected,” explains Rosie Jimenez, Director of Sourcewise South County Services. Rosie oversees all aspects of the Transit Service.

Since the program launch in April, the Sourcewise Transit Service has provided 2,433 one way rides and has doubled its operations to serve the growing demand as of October 31.

This holiday season, Sourcewise is partnering with the Mercury Wishbook whose mission is to highlight the needs of our community and to encourage a spirit of civic philanthropy to meet those needs by supporting this program. Learn about the service and those who use it on the Sourcewise page: Wishbook 2017.

“It’s made a difference in my life. It’s perfect and helpful to me,” shares Mary Elmsry, a Sourcewise Transit Service rider.

Sourcewise aims to raise $20,000 to offset costs of maintaining the vehicles: oil changes, fuel, and major wear replacement.

Support the Sourcewise Transit Service wish for 2017 with a contribution of any size by logging in to https://ssl.charityweb.net/wishbook-Sourcewise or send a check to: San Jose Mercury News Wish Book Fund, 4 N. 2nd Street, Suite 800, San Jose, CA 95113.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs from October 15–December 7, 2017. During this period, existing Medicare beneficiaries (already enrolled in Part A, Part B or both) may enroll in, switch, or drop a Medicare Part C or Part D plan. Medicare Advantage Part C members may possibly switch to a Medigap plan without underwriting.

Sourcewise provides personalized, unbiased guidance through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP counselors complete rigorous, ongoing training and are registered with the California Department of Aging.

The Sourcewise 2017 schedule of events is available at: www.mysourcewise.com. Learn to make informed choices for yourself or your loved one by attending a presentation or resource fair.

You may also have prescriptions reviewed on October 22, by University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Services students (under supervision).

From January 1–February 14, 2018, the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) offers an opportunity to disenroll and revert to Original Medicare. Beneficiaries must ensure that a payment method for out-of-pocket costs is in place—such as a Medigap or Retiree plan—before using the MADP.

For those who missed enrolling in Medicare Part B or Premium Part A during an Initial Enrollment Period or Special Enrollment Period (after work or work coverage ended), a General Enrollment Period exists from January 1– March 31, 2018. Coverage starts July 2018.

Recipients with an income at the federal poverty level may find help for Medicare costs by enrolling in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program, which provides payment for the Part A premium, co-pays, and deductibles. Obtain an application for Conditional Part A at your local Social Security office.

Free health insurance counseling is available. Contact the Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program: (408) 350-3200, option 2.

A reorganization at Bank of America in 2008 left Sara Saeedi, Senior Vice President at Banking Center Operations—and many of her colleagues—out of work.

For Sara, leaving Bank of America was advantageous. She suddenly had more time to spend with her two daughters. Sara cherished her time with family; especially caring for her young grandchildren.

But, she soon decided she was too energetic and young to stay at home.

As she considered her options for employment an advertisement caught her eye, prompting Sara called Sourcewise to inquire about Senior Employment Services.

Sara was selected to participate in the program in 2014 as an Intake Representative. Now, she is the Lead Intake Representative, sharing her organizational skills and knowledge with colleagues while managing daily activities for Senior Employment Services.

Sara finds her work very rewarding. She states, “Many seniors come into our office stripped of their confidence. I feel privileged to assist these individuals and to help restore a sense of hope for them. I cherish the power and talent of our seniors.”

Sara meets candidates; conducts interviews; and administers testing for seniors with a variety of skill sets and interests. She also efficiently handles office tasks to keep the program running smoothly.

Henri Villalovoz, Director of Senior Employment Services for Sourcewise, states, “Sara has been a valuable asset to the success of the Senior Community Services Employment Program. She has helped so many seniors regain their splendor and live a more enlightened life given that they are again employed!”

Learn more about Senior Employment Services. Call (408) 350-3200, option 5

Between 1989 and 2014, breast cancer deaths decreased 38% due to improvements in early detection and effective treatment. More than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors live in the United States, with worldwide numbers above 6 million.

Still, one in eight women in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Worldwide, breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual national health campaign organized by major charities to increase awareness, raise funds for research into cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of breast cancer. Visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month for information regarding education; support services; and personal experiences related to breast cancer.

Screening tests are used to find breast cancer before any warning signs or symptoms exist. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, early detection is the ultimate goal; increasing both treatment options available and survival rate.

Susan G. Komen Foundation emphasizes the importance of early detection through regular breast exams and mammography. Learn more about clinical breast exams, mammography, and breast MRI’s on the website: www.komen.org. Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to increase awareness of the importance of these regular screenings.

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you and your family have support available in the community. Services include: financial assistance; transportation; patient advocacy; assistance with prescriptions; and support groups. Cancer CAREpoint provides no-cost caregiver support groups, yoga classes, meditation, and nutrition information (among other services) for those living with cancer and their families. Visit: www.cancercarepoint.org.

Contact a Sourcewise Community Resource Specialist to learn about community resources: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Sourcewise announces $2.7 million in grants to local non-profit organizations that provide services to vulnerable Santa Clara County community members: low-income seniors; persons with disabilities; and their caregivers.

Twenty-two grants were awarded in the areas of Adult Day Care/Health, Case Management, Legal Assistance, Transportation, Nutrition, Disease Prevention & Health Promotion, Elder Abuse Prevention, and the Ombudsman Program. This marks year 44 of the grant program, which focuses on a streamlined approach to service and support systems.

“At Sourcewise, we work with our grantees to maintain and enhance services that are critical to the lives of our client demographic— a rapidly growing group which is projected to account for 25% of our county’s population by 2030,” explains Stephen Schmoll, Chief Executive Officer of Sourcewise.

The Sourcewise 2016–2020 Area Plan on Aging highlights priorities for the next four years, based on a comprehensive needs assessment. Sourcewise lists 2017-2018 grantees and makes the Area Plan available to the public on the Sourcewise website: www.mysourcewise.com.

“We are confident that the 2017–2018 Sourcewise grantees will help strengthen and support quality of life in our community by providing access to services that support independent living.” said Manuel Altamirano, Chief Operating Office of Sourcewise.

Sourcewise is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is primarily funded through federal support by the Older American’s Act. The Sourcewise mission is to provide adults and their caregivers the tools and services they need to effectively navigate their health and life options.

Support the programs of Sourcewise with an online donation: www.mysourcewise.com/commitment.

As a result of our rapidly expanding senior population, more family members are cast into a new role: caregiver for an aging parent, spouse, or relative.

Caregiving is challenging and may require additional skills to successfully balance the needs of the person requiring care with those of the caregiver.

Caregivers can reduce anxiety by preparing themselves.

• Learn as much as you can about your family member’s illness or disability. Educating yourself may reduce your anxiety about your new role and increase your effectiveness as a caregiver.
• Seek out other caregivers by participating in a support group. Caregivers often find comfort in giving and receiving support from others in similar situation. Interacting with others helps to reduce isolation and build confidence in caregiving techniques.
• Encourage your loved one’s independence. Caregiving does not mean doing everything for your loved one. Discuss strategies to strengthen independence and self-sufficiency when possible.
• Plan in Advance. Discuss a plan of action for situations including power-of-attorney and advanced health care directives.

Equipped with the right resources and support, even those new to this crucial role can become a skillful, loving caregiver. Effective balance and knowledge of available resources are the keys to success. Sourcewise Community Resource Specialists can offer more information on caregiver support: (408) 350-3200, option 1.