The Sourcewise Transit Service (STS) was initiated for Sourcewise South County Services after a needs assessment was conducted in 2016. One of the services originated included door-to-door transportation for adults 60 years of age and older to go to the Gilroy Senior Center and Centennial Recreation Center in Morgan Hill. Since its launch in April 2017, eligible seniors received free rides to the centers that provided a hot lunch and socialization.  

In March 2020, the STS was paused when the community centers closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was also made for the safety of our clients and staff.  

The COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the Southern Valley of Santa Clara County community just like all others, where our senior community felt isolated and feared going out into the community. When the community centers temporarily closed, Sourcewise saw the need for door-to-door transportation to grocery stores, medical appointments, and for general errands.  

Once vaccines became available, Sourcewise resumed the STS in February 2021. Additionally, the services expanded to offer transportation to medical appointments, vaccine appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores in Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy.  

Sourcewise developed a safety protocol for both drivers and clients. The safety protocol included installing protective shields in the vehicles, providing drivers with personal protective equipment, having drivers disinfect vehicles before and after every ride, providing transportation to one client at a time, having all clients wear a mask properly while in the vehicle, and having temperature checks for all clients before entering the vehicle. All vehicles also receive monthly oxygen cleaning through a detailing service.    

In August 2021, the community centers in Gilroy and Morgan Hill reopened their doors which allowed Sourcewise resume transportation for returning and new clients. Since February 2021, the STS has served 116 clients and has provided 900 one-way rides through December 10, 2021.  

To learn more about the Sourcewise Transit Service, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 762-7362.  

The annual Social Security Administration (SSA) cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is based on the change in prices of a market basket of goods. To measure these changes and to determine how much the COLA will be, SSA uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). What makes the 2022 COLA special is that it is the largest increase to Social Security benefits since the 7.4 percent hike that went into effect in January 1983. Until this year, COLAs have been modest, averaging a 1.65 percent increase annually over the past decade. The increase that went into effect in January 2021 was 1.3 percent.

“Today’s announcement of a 5.9 percent COLA increase, the largest increase in four decades, is crucial for Social Security beneficiaries and their families as they try to keep up with rising costs,” said Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP Chief Executive Officer. The COLA announcement made back on October 13, 2021, is expected to provide a boost to average retirement benefits of about $92 per month for individuals, starting in January 2022.

Social Security recipients should note that most of them will see their COLA reduced by an increase in the cost of Medicare. Medicare Part B premiums, which cover physician visits and outpatient medical services, are typically deducted directly from Social Security benefit payments. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B recipients in 2022 is $170.10, an increase of $21.60 from 2021. The standard rate applies to beneficiaries with incomes of $91,000 or less for an individual and $182,000 or less for a married couple that files taxes jointly; those who earn more pay higher premiums.

The SSA and the monthly payments provided are essential to income security more so now than ever, especially for older adults. “Social Security is the largest source of retirement income for most Americans and provides nearly all income (90 percent or more) for 1 in 4 seniors,” said Jenkins.

To learn more about the changes on Social Security, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.  

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is produced within the body when the sun hits the skin. It can also be obtained from foods and supplements. Vitamin D is an important component to maintaining health and vitality in people of all ages, especially older adults.  

With shortened days and cold weather during the winter season, it might be difficult for older adults to get enough sunlight. According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults are at increased risk of developing vitamin D insufficiency, partly because the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D declines with age. In addition, older adults are likely to spend more time indoors and might have inadequate dietary intakes of vitamins. 

This vital nutrient is a major component in the immune system, in addition to bone, muscle, and heart health. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include depressed mood and physical symptoms such as muscle and bone pains, and excessive fatigue.  

During the winter months, our energy levels can start to decline, but a healthy lifestyle can change that with the right food choices. Foods such as fatty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, and mackerel), eggs, and low-fat dairy products are a few ideas that can help older adults feel their best all winter long. You can also purchase vitamin D supplements in pill form as an alternative if you are unable to access foods with high levels of vitamin D. In addition to eating well, older adults can aim to stay active. There are various indoor exercises that can help improve balance, mobility, mood, and more. 

To learn more about effective ways to increase your vitamin D levels, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.   

A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in need, such as an ill partner, a disabled child, or an aging loved one. However, family caregivers who are actively caring for an older adult may not self-identify as a “caregiver.” Recognizing this role can help caregivers receive the support they need.

If you are experiencing any of the following while managing your caregiving responsibilities, you have been neglecting your own health and well-being:

• Sleep deprivation
• Poor eating habits
• Failure to exercise
• Failure to stay in bed when ill
• Postponement of or failure to make medical appointments for yourself

Take steps to preserve your own health and well-being by considering some of the following tips below shared by the Family Caregiver Alliance.

• Reducing Personal Stress. Stress reducers can be simple activities like walking and other forms of exercise, gardening, meditation, or having coffee with a friend. Identify some stress reducers that work for you.
• Seeking Solutions. If your first idea does not work, select another. Do not give up after the first attempt; sometimes an idea just needs fine-tuning.
• Communicating Constructively. Respect the rights and feelings of your loved one. Recognize that they also have the right to express their feelings.

As a caregiver, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs from time to time.  It is an important part of your role, and you are responsible for your own self-care.

To learn more about self-care practices and tools for family caregivers, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity typically spreads in the winter and is most often peaked in February. However, every flu season is different and the substantial health impacts can vary widely from season to season.

The flu vaccination can help keep you from getting sick with the flu and its potential complications. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approves flu vaccines for the prevention of influenza disease and to help protect against four different virus strains of influenza. Regardless, for those who get the flu, there are FDA-approved antiviral drugs available by prescription to treat the illness. These drugs work best if started soon after the onset of symptoms (within 48 hours).

By now, we are familiar with COVID-precautionary measures. These same practices can help protect you and your loved ones from getting the flu:

• Avoid people who are sick with flu-like symptoms.
• Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms to avoid getting others sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  Avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth.
• Regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces.

Bay Area Community Health (BACH) is a nonprofit health center providing a diverse spectrum of healthcare services and education to the underserved in southern Alameda County and Santa Clara County. BACH is offering flu vaccines to community members at various pop-up locations. Drop-ins are welcomed, but they are subject to availability.

To learn more about the flu vaccine and available vaccination resources, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.