Sourcewise Care Management programs offer support to adults in Santa Clara County with resources and options. The Care Management team works with clients and their loved ones to assess the client’s situation and develop a personalized plan that fits their social, physical, and budgetary needs.

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) – MSSP care managers work with frail older adults who need additional supportive services. The focus is to help the client live safely at home. This program includes yearly assessments by care managers and nurses, referrals to community resources, and financial help for hygiene supplies, transportation, emergency response systems, and more. To be eligible, adults must be 65 or older and receive Medi-Cal benefits with no share-of-cost in Santa Clara County.  

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) – ECM provides a whole-person approach to care that supports high-need Medi-Cal recipients. A lead care manager in ECM helps clients navigate medical appointments, connect with health providers, and support chronic health needs. Referrals for community services are made for housing, food, and other benefits. Clients receive regular home visits to ensure continual health and well-being. To be eligible, adults must be 18 or older, and be a member of managed care Medi-Cal via Santa Clara Family Health Plan or Anthem Blue Cross.  

Community Supports (CS) – The CS program provides Nursing Facility Transition and Diversion Services. CS helps individuals in care facilities shift back into the community and prevent placement into skilled nursing facilities. The CS team helps with discharge planning and transition to appropriate placement. Financial assistance for care costs at Residential Care Facilities is also available. To be eligible, adults must be 18 or older and receive Medi-Cal Anthem Blue Cross benefits in Santa Clara County. 

To learn how to apply for a Sourcewise Care Management program, contact the Care Management team at (408) 350-3226 or email caremanagement@mysourcewise.com.

Participating in support groups can be beneficial for caregivers, offering them a critical lifeline in their caregiving experience. These support groups provide a safe and understanding space for caregivers to share their experiences, concerns, and emotions with other caregivers who are in similar situations.

How caregiver support groups can help:

• Emotional Support: Caregiving can be emotionally draining, leading to stress and anxiety. Support groups can provide an environment where caregivers can express their emotions and find solace in knowing they are not alone.
• Information & Resources: Support groups can offer knowledge and information on various aspects of caregiving, including medical, legal, and practical advice, empowering caregivers to make informed decisions and navigate challenges more effectively.
• Validation & Understanding: Caregiving can be an isolating experience as others may not fully comprehend the complexities involved. Caregiver support groups can help validate caregivers’ experiences, allowing them to feel understood, acknowledged, and valued. Sharing common challenges and triumphs can foster a sense of belonging and normalize their feelings.
• Coping Skills & Self-Care: Support groups can provide a platform for caregivers to learn effective coping strategies, stress management techniques, and self-care practices. By prioritizing their well-being, caregivers can enhance their resilience, maintain their health, and continue providing quality care.

Support groups can be invaluable for caregivers. Caregivers Network with Sourcewise hosts a Caregiver Support Group every first Thursday of the month from 6 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, and every third Tuesday of the month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in person at the Cupertino Senior Center. Caregivers Network is available to support you every step of the way of your caregiving journey.

For more information about caregiver support groups, speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a racquet sport in which two to four players use a solid paddle to hit a lightweight ball over a net. The pickleball court uses the same dimensions as badminton and uses the rules and net of tennis with a few modifications.  

As we get older, it can become increasingly important to find enjoyable and low-impact activities that promote physical fitness and overall well-being. Pickleball’s growing popularity among older adults can be attributed to its numerous health benefits. As stated in The Pickleball Player, this sport can provide an excellent cardiovascular workout that helps strengthen the heart and lungs. It also enhances balance, coordination, and agility, all of which are vital for maintaining mobility and preventing falls for older adults.  

Pickleball can improve muscle strength and endurance, particularly in the upper body and core, due to the constant swinging and movement involved in the game. One of the key advantages of pickleball for older adults it is low-impact in nature. This is especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis or other joint-related conditions, allowing them to engage in physical activity without excessive strain or discomfort. 

Another aspect that makes pickleball appealing to older adults is its social aspect. The game is typically played in doubles, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.  

 Pickleball can be easily tailored to accommodate different skill levels, making it inclusive and accessible to seniors of all abilities. Whether one is a beginner or an experienced player, the sport offers a variety of options to ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy the game.  

To find a community center near you that offers pickleball, speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

Prescription drug price increases are one of the main reasons why some Americans skip or delay filling their drug prescriptions. According to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022. This landmark law gave a peace of mind to millions of Medicare beneficiaries by lowering the prices of prescription drugs. This new law is the most significant health care legislation since the Affordable Care Act.  

Beginning in 2026, the new drug law requires the federal government to negotiate prices for some top-selling drugs covered under Medicare Part B and Part D, preventing drug companies from raising prices more than inflation. Drug companies will have to pay rebates if prices rise faster than inflation. This rebate is paid to Medicare and will be calculated and invoiced by CMS.  Included among the 43 prescription drugs are cancer medications, blood thinners, and insulin. The lower Part B coinsurance on the listed drugs took effect July 1, 2023, and will be effective as of September 30, 2023. 

The law’s drug price reforms are projected to generate $288 billion in federal savings over the next decade. Medicare beneficiaries will experience improved affordability because the act creates a new $2,000 maximum on annual out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and caps insulin cost sharing at $35 per month. In addition to lowering drug costs, the new law makes improvements to Medicare that will expand benefits, keep prescription drug plan premiums stable, and improve the sustainability of the Medicare program. 

To learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act, speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

Every year, Baby Boomers Recognition Day is celebrated on August 17. Baby Boomers or simply ‘boomers’ refers to those born between 1946 -1964 in the U.S., which would be between the ages of 59 and 77 years old. Baby Boomers Recognition Day was initially held in June but was moved to August when boomers across the country agreed that it collided with Father’s Day celebrations.

Some interesting facts about the Baby Boomer Generation, according to National Today:

• The first manned space mission and the first lunar landing were both witnessed by boomers.
• In 1967, about 100,000 baby boomers came together in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco for an event now known as the ‘Summer of Love’.
• In 1969, 400,000 people gathered on the fringes of Woodstock, New York for a three-day music event from August 15 to 18. The event provided the boomers with the ideal opportunity to convey their message of love and peace while also enjoying some amazing music.

On Baby Boomers Recognition Day, congratulate people born in this era. You can dress in 1950s and 1960s fashion and listen to music from that time. Take the time to celebrate a baby boomer close to you. It could be your parents or someone outside your family. If you are a part of the boomer generation, use this time for reflection and take a trip down memory lane by sharing the ideas of peace and love that drove your generation with loved ones.

To learn more about ways to celebrate baby boomers, speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.