Sourcewise is happy to share that we will once again offer Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) market cards to eligible participants this summer. This program helps older adults buy healthy food while supporting local farmers in Santa Clara County. 

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a once‑a‑year benefit for low‑income seniors. The market cards can be used to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. These foods are available at approved farmers markets, roadside stands, and community farm programs. The program helps seniors eat healthier foods and enjoy fresh produce during the summer months. It also helps local farmers by bringing more customers to farmers markets and small food businesses. 

To distribute the SFMNP benefit cards, Sourcewise staff will visit several farmers markets throughout Santa Clara County to distribute the SFMNP market cards. Cards will be given out on a first‑come, first‑serve basis, while supplies last. Because the number of market cards is limited, participants are encouraged to arrive early. 

The dates, times, and locations for market card distribution are still in development. Once all details are confirmed, Sourcewise will share this information via our website and social media pages. These updates will include the farmers market addresses, distribution times, and any special instructions. Participants should check these sources often so they do not miss important announcements. 

To get an SFMNP market card, residents must self‑certify that they meet the program rules. Self‑certification means participants confirm they qualify without needing to show documents. To be eligible, participants must meet all of the following requirements: 

• They have not already received the 2026 SFMNP benefit 
• They are 60 years old or older 
• Their household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level 

Sourcewise is proud to bring back this program for 2026, and we look forward to helping seniors enjoy fresh, healthy food while supporting local farmers this summer. 

For more information, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

As of April 2024, about 67.3 million Americans receive at least part of their health insurance coverage through Medicare. Nearly 90% of Medicare beneficiaries are over the age of 65 and rely on Medicare to help subsidize the cost of their doctors’ appointments, prescriptions, and more (Forbes). Yet, according to data from the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): “Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion each year due to fraud, errors, and abuse.” To draw attention to how easily Medicare fraud can occur, June 1 – 5 is recognized as Medicare Fraud Prevention Week to generate awareness, educate about common examples of Medicare fraud, and what to do if you notice it may be occurring.  

Medicare fraud most often occurs when:

• You were charged for a service you did not receive.  
• A doctor you do not know reaches out to enroll you in a service or to get a test that your treating physician did not order.  
• You are billed directly for a service by the medical provider or company, rather than through Medicare.  
• Someone asks for your Medicare number so you can receive “free” services or at a resource fair or community event to “check in.”  

This Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, learn how to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud for yourself and your loved ones.

• Prevent Medicare fraud by not answering calls from unknown numbers, learning about circulating scams, and by downloading the SMP mobile app: SMP Medicare Tracker. 
• Detect Medicare Fraud by learning how to properly read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) to spot red flags and create a medicare.gov account to review claims.  
• Report potential Medicare fraud, such as mysterious items on your MSN or giving out your Medicare number to a suspicious individual or entity, by calling +1 (877) 808-2468 to be connected to your local Senior Medicare Patrol.  

If you want more information on resources for scams or more help understanding your Medicare options, call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to be connected to a Community Resource Specialist.

This year’s Older Americans Month (OAM) highlights the theme “Champion Your Health”. Join us in celebrating and highlighting all of the older adults in our community through supporting programs that support prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility for every person on their aging journey.  Learn more about Sourcewise programs and our community partners that are all working together to empower older adults to age with dignity and choice. 

Our Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) has a real impact on enabling healthy aging through unbiased, free Medicare counseling. The program provides 1:1 Medicare counseling appointments with our trained Medicare counselors, many of whom are older adults themselves. The HICAP counselors may inform you about key Medicare plans that could affect your coverage and help ensure you are prepared for any unwanted health surprises. Remaining up-to-date on your insurance coverage and taking preventative measures is integral for any older adult or their loved one striving to age well. 

Our Care Management programs all work to support the wellness and personal responsibility aspects of healthy aging by connecting vulnerable adults with care managers. The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) is designed to help clients to remain living safely at home for as long as possible. Enhanced Care Management (ECM) assists clients in clinical and non-clinical circumstances to identify community-based programs and county resources that can help get them back on their feet.  Care management programs such as MSSP and ECM empower participants by providing person-centered and directed care, and by emphasizing wellness, allow anyone in their program to be a champion of their own health.  

Beyond our own internal programs, Sourcewise supports healthy aging in the community through partnerships with Hearts & Minds Activity Center and Avenidas. These two community-based organizations offer vital programs like adult day activity programs and caregiver support services that meet the diverse needs of the Santa Clara County population.   

This Older Americans Month, we can work together to create stronger support systems that help older adults feel valued, informed, and empowered. Call (408) 350-3200, option 1, to see how you can get involved today.  

Caregiving is meaningful work, but it can take a serious toll on the caregivers’ mental and physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., one in five adults provides care to a loved one, and studies show caregivers are more likely to experience higher levels of stress, depression, and poor mental health compared to adults who are not caregivers. 

What Is caregiver burnout? 

Caregiver burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that occurs when the demands of caregiving outweigh their bandwidth and available support. Federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognize caregiver burnout as a public health issue that impacts both caregivers and the loves ones they care for. 

Common signs of burnout caregivers may experience include: [hopkinsmedicine.org]

• Ongoing fatigue, sleep problems, or frequent illness 
• Feelings of anxiety, sadness, irritability, or hopelessness
• Withdrawal from social activities and neglect of self care  

Coping tips recommend for caregivers: 

• Prioritize self care and regular health checkups 
• Seek peer support and counseling 
• Use respite care and community services 
• Access reliable caregiver education resources and planning tools 

Unpaid caregivers in Santa Clara County can access Caregivers Network by Sourcewise, which offers caregiver support groups, counseling, case management, and respite service, to reduce the possibility of burnout and to catch a break. 

If you identify as a caregiver, you are not alone and support is available. For more information on family caregiver resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

Scams can happen in many different ways. They are constantly evolving and reinventing themselves according to what is “trending” in the world. Commonly known scams on the internet like winning prizes or hitting the lottery jackpot are well known. However, there are potentially lesser-known scams out there, which is why you should always be on alert.

Below are a few examples of well-known and current common scams: 

• Text phishing: May appear as a text message asking you to click on a link or list a phone number to call.
• Tech support: May appear as a phone call from someone claiming to be with Microsoft, stating that your computer or electronic device has some sort of problem that needs to be fixed.
• Employment opportunities: May appear as scammers posing as “recruiters” who will seek out individuals and offer positions that make quick and easy money through text messages, emails, or online job postings.
• Impersonation scams: May appear as someone pretending to be a celebrity asking for money, someone claiming to be your friend/loved one in need of help, or impersonating a known agency like FastTrack and threatening you with unpaid fees.
• Online shopping: May appear as a website with unheard of cheap deals. If something appears to be too good to be true, it probably is.

In general, it is good to avoid answering phone calls from unknown numbers and ensure your voicemail is set up and open. If someone is truly trying to reach you, they will leave you a message. When you listen, you can then take the time to identify whether you are dealing with a scam or not. Ignoring suspicious text messages is also helpful.

Following these tips can help go a long way and keep you and your loved ones safe from falling for a scam.

For more information on community resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Heart-healthy • Omega-3 rich • Easy Prep 

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)
• 1 cup diced butternut squash
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts (halved)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dill or parsley
• Pepper (optional; limit or No salt)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Toss vegetables in olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
• Place salmon fillets on the same tray; drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle herbs.
• Roast 18–20 minutes, until salmon flakes easily and vegetables are soft

Enjoy!  

Social workers make a lasting impact every day. Their dedication strengthens communities by connecting individuals in need to essential resources and support. At Sourcewise, we are proud to recognize their vital role in improving lives and empowering individuals to thrive and lead healthy lives every day. This March, join us in celebrating social workers everywhere in honor of National Social Work Month.

A social worker is a trained professional who helps individuals, families, and communities overcome social, economic, and health challenges. Their mission is to promote well-being and independence by ensuring access to critical services. Social workers wear many hats as advocates, problem-solvers, compassionate guides, and more, who walk alongside clients through some of their most difficult moments.

Social workers provide hands-on support in many ways, including:

• Managing medical care: Coordinating appointments and scheduling follow-ups to ensure clients receive proper care.
• Connecting to resources: Linking clients to food assistance programs like Meals on Wheels, transportation, and other community-based services.
• Housing support: Guiding individuals through applications for affordable housing and rental assistance.

Their work often goes unseen, but their impact is profound, helping people regain stability, independence, and hope.

Our care management programs are designed to support older adults and individuals with disabilities in Santa Clara County. We offer three care management options depending on each client’s unique situation: Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), Enhanced Care Management (ECM), and Linkages. Our dedicated team evaluates each person’s needs and provides ongoing support to ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve. Social workers transform lives, and their work reminds us that together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community.

Call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to learn more about what care management options might be available to you and your loved one.  

Since 2023, Sourcewise has partnered with the Veteran Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System to provide the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program to the counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Mateo and Monterey.  This program is an alternative to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). VDC provides participants with funds for in-home and community-based services. Ultimately, the hope of the VDC program is that by empowering Veterans to choose their own care, they can remain independent in their own home.

VDC promotes independence by:

• Providing help with in-home care, such as paying a family member for caregiving or employing a caregiver through an in-home care agency.
• Providing approved supplies that are not currently available through traditional VA benefits, such as incontinence supplies.

To determine eligibility, Veterans can inquire by connecting with their social worker at the VA to assess their eligibility and begin the enrollment process. Once deemed eligible and enrolled, Veterans work together with a care advisor to develop a personalized service plan.

For a former Marine, VDC came as a much-needed solution. After describing his health challenges and struggle to afford in-home care, which he needed to continue living safely at home, George W. heard about VDC from his VA social worker. He was approved to receive VDC benefits and worked with the care advisor from Sourcewise to develop a service plan that addressed his unique situation. Through VDC, he was able to get financial support to pay for caregivers, pay the VTA for transportation services, and access community services at Live Oak Adult Day Center. VDC allows George to age more comfortably, and focus on his hobbies, which include solving puzzles, completing memory games, and looking at famous artwork.

For any questions about VDC, contact (669) 230-4290 for assistance with getting connected to the VA to determine eligibility.