The Advisory Council for Sourcewise plays a vital role in advocating for the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities in Santa Clara County. Members of the council participate in planning for future services provided and funded by Sourcewise for those with the greatest economic and social needs in the county. Members are also involved in the development and tracking of legislation affecting older adults. For example, several members of the Advisory Council serve on the California Senior Legislature, where new legislation supporting older adults is developed and lobbied each year.

At the monthly Advisory Council meetings held virtually, members discuss the activities of the council, exchange information about upcoming events, and learn about the latest programs and services of Sourcewise and other county service providers. Guest speakers inform members of current needs and issues facing older adults and individuals with disabilities. One council member stated, “A major benefit of serving on the council is learning about the broad array of programs and services to help older adults in the county.”

Members of the council represent the diverse cultural and ethnic communities, areas of need, and cities and supervisor districts within the county. For each of the communities they represent, council members report on events and needs within their communities and take back to their communities on what they have learned through the council. Many members are also involved with other local organizations that advocate on behalf of older adults.

Serving on the Advisory Council for Sourcewise is an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and work with a group of passionate advocates for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

If you are interested in learning more about the Advisory Council and openings for new members, contact Shirley Loffer (shirleyloffer@aol.com) or Tom Picraux (stpicraux@gmail.com), Membership Co-Chairs.

While many people may be aware that May was designated “Older Americans Month” by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, far fewer know that February also celebrates older Americans. Every February, the nation celebrates Senior Independence Month to support dignified and full lives for each senior member in our community.

Senior Independence Month as we know it today began in the 1800s. The Industrial Revolution was sweeping across America, disrupting traditional, social, and familial networks. As individuals moved to the cities and became dispersed over the U.S., the vacuum of extended families left many people stranded in times of need. Women’s organizations and church groups established the first homes for the elderly, and other organizations slowly popped up after.

A simple way to support National Senior Independence Month is by investing in making public spaces assessable through the construction of public infrastructure such as elevators, ramps, and rails. This helps keep seniors active and mobile, while still retaining their independence. Another way to support is through helping seniors adopt and comfortably use technology. This can protect them from fraud, monitor their health, connect with their loved ones, and so much more.

Most importantly, as we prepare to celebrate National Senior Independence Month, one of the most impactful ways to support seniors is through building relationships. An easy way to start is by visiting with older relatives and exploring volunteer opportunities at senior citizen centers, retirement homes, and nursing homes. Investing time and resources into senior citizens create a more inclusive society for everybody while striking to the heart and purpose of National Senior Independence Month.

To learn more ways to get involved, call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with a Community Resource Specialist today.

With the new year, many people may begin caring for a grandparent, parent, or other loved one for the first time. Caregiving may happen suddenly with an accident, or a medical diagnosis, or start gradually with driving your loved one to get groceries. Later, you may find yourself preparing meals, handling their finances, or taking time off work to address their growing needs.

Whether you are just beginning to anticipate a need for taking care of a loved one full-time, consider these tips, resources, and checklists to help you get organized and find support on your caregiving journey.  Just take it one step at a time.

Consider the ‘IRS of Caregiving’:

• Information- What knowledge/skills will you need to be able to provide care?
• Respite- Caregiving is often a 24/7 job, and everyone needs a break sometimes.
• Support- You cannot do it alone!

Getting information and training can help you feel confident about the many tasks you perform. You can access information online like Family Caregiver Alliance, through medical providers, Area Agencies on Aging like Sourcewise, support groups, and your community. You can start by saying, “I am a caregiver and I need help.”

Whatever else happens, do not forget that your loved one is an individual with their own wants and needs. Involve them in caregiving decisions, especially those that involve their health, living situation, or finances. When it can be done safely, allow them independence to perform the daily tasks they are capable of. Give them a say in their own affairs. It can help make the process smoother.

To learn more about caregiver tools and resources, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

The wintertime can be a more difficult season for seniors to stay healthy and active. From food access to the cold temperature to socialization access, a variety of factors can make it difficult for seniors to maintain their health.

Since most fresh vegetables and fruits are out of season in the winter months, they can be more expensive and of lower quality than what you can normally get. Consider looking at the supermarket‘s frozen selection for alternatives. Frozen options often contain less sodium than the canned selections you can find. A healthy balanced diet can help maintain your body’s health in order to avoid getting sick this winter.

Staying active and getting some exercise is also important. For seniors, it is especially important to stay warm in cold weather. According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors are at a greater risk for hypothermia than the average person because of changes that happen as the body ages. Older adults can lose their body heat faster than younger people, they are also more vulnerable to changes in body temperature, and they can have a harder time noticing they are getting cold. Remember to dress warmly if you are planning a long walk or a light jog outside.

COVID-19 can also pose a considerable risk concern for seniors. The virus continues to mutate, and the immune system weakens with age. A poor diet coupled with cold weather can also impact your immune system. Therefore, it is important for seniors to remain vigilant about COVID and potential infection. Even vaccinated seniors can still develop complications. You can improve your chances by staying up to date with the latest COVID-19 boosters.

To learn more about staying healthy this winter, speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

The South County Sourcewise office in Morgan Hill has been helping older adults and adults with disabilities living in Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy since 2015. Thanks to a recent grant, South County team members have undergone CalFresh training and can assist eligible individuals with the application process.

You may be wondering, what is CalFresh? CalFresh is federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This helps supply food benefits to low-income individuals through a monthly benefit. Clients can receive CalFresh benefits to help with buying nutritious foods. This can also help offset expenses as the money an individual would normally use on food can now be spent on items such as utility bills or other household expenses. The funds are provided to those that qualify through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, like an ATM card. They may be used at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and participating restaurants.

The Sourcewise South County office initially started helping with CalFresh applications in 2019. The CalFresh Assistors were able to enroll a total of 473 clients prior to the pandemic hitting. We have received funding to be able to resume offering this service. The team has experience completing CalFresh applications taking into consideration an individual’s income, and monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, and out-of-pocket medical expenses, to help clients qualify.

Who is eligible?

• U.S. Citizens
• Permanent Residents (green card), U or T visa holders, Refugees, and Asylees
• All U.S.-born children, no matter where their parents were born
• SSI recipients

Important documents needed to apply:

• Any valid form of I.D.
• Proof of income for the last 30 days (check stubs, retirement statement, bank statement, etc.)
• Social Security numbers for anyone who has them
• Medical bills and expenses for persons who are 60+ years old and/or have permanent disabilities
• Proof of housing and utility expenses

If you or a loved one is interested in applying for CalFresh benefits, complete the interest form at CalFresh Interest Form | Sourcewise (mysourcewise.com).

To learn more about the CalFresh program, speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 762-7362 or email southcounty@mysourcewise.com.