Black History Month is an annual celebration of Black Americans’ history, culture, and contributions. It was the brainchild of historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAALH), Carter G. Woodson. Initially, it began as a week that coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, but in 1976 President Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month, saying the American people should “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

For the older adults we serve, celebrating the events of Black History Month may be painful or bring up suppressed memories. It’s important to remember how many of the Black history events have taken place recently, and what may seem far away for younger generations might be fresh in the minds of their older families, friends, and neighbors.

The following are some ideas to celebrate Black History Month with your senior loved ones:

• Encourage them to share their memories. Learn about their individual experiences during pivotal moments in US history.
• Organize in-person or online visits to Black or African history museums, galleries, and historic locations.
• Read a book by a Black author.
• Support a local Black-owned business, whether that may be a restaurant, retail shop, or other venue.
• Attend a Black History Month event or parade! Find one in your local community and see what may be being done right in your neighborhood.

As you think about Black History Month, it’s a time to not only recognize the resilience and strength of the Black community, but also to highlight Black joy in the face of and through adversity.

Learn more about what events may be happening near you by calling a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Sourcewise is pleased to have launched its newest Digital Inclusion initiative: the Digital Access Program! Operating from October 2024 through August 2025, the Digital Access Program is hosted at the Roosevelt Community Center and offers a physical space for seniors to access the internet, use technology, and harness digital skills training.

Building on insights gained from Sourcewise’s previous Digital Inclusion programs, the Digital Inclusion Team is excited to capitalize on the growing demand for face-to-face assistance by increasing in-person training offerings.

In addition to in-person training, eligible seniors can receive access to iPads for on-site use and technical assistance via the Digital Access Program.  While the program is centered around iPads, seniors are welcome to bring their devices if they prefer and the Digital Inclusion Team will assist to the extent of their capabilities.

As of January 2025, the program has enrolled 18 clients and enrollment remains open. Clients have received technical support and 1:1 training encompassing a range of requests such as accessing email, navigating job portals, testing Zoom accounts, and troubleshooting iPad-specific inquiries.

This program is free for eligible seniors and offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. To be eligible, participants must be 55+ years of age, a City of San Jose resident, and can travel to the Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95116.

For further information and/or enrollment assistance, the Digital Inclusion Team is eager to assist via phone (669) 699-2245 or email tech@mysourcewise.com. Interested seniors can also enroll directly via mysourcewise.com.

The Digital Access Program is made possible through funding from the City of San Jose and in partnership with the San Jose Public Library Foundation.

End-of-life care can be an emotional journey for the caregiver and their loved one. Navigating around a loved one’s final few moments is rarely simple. However, utilizing the following tips may bring a level of peace when going through the end-of-life care journey:

• Understand the impact of your presence whether you are speaking, listening, or remaining in silence. Even if your loved one is unable to communicate, your presence could be the greatest gift you could give.
• Practice listening. Ensuring that when speaking to a loved one, you are not simply waiting for your chance to respond but truly listening and hearing what they are saying.
• Ensure that you are exhibiting patience. Grief presents differently for everyone; assure your loved one that you are there with them every step of the way.
• Use clear communication. Discuss your thoughts and emotions with your loved one to strengthen your bond.
• Keep track of your health. Remember to prioritize your own well-being, and practice activities that help replenish your energy.

Creating an environment that centers around comfort is integral when facilitating end-of-life care. This applies to your loved one’s physical and mental well-being. Understand that some individuals experiencing end-of-life processes may exhibit different symptoms of pain and discomfort. There could also be instances where individuals do not feel any pain or discomfort. Regardless, establishing a comforting environment is essential in aiding the end-of-life process.

Being a loved one’s caregiver can be both physically and mentally exhausting.  Keep in mind that there may be no “perfect” way to handle death. However, as long as you do the best you can, you may look back and rest knowing that you did the best you could.

For more family caregiver support services and resources, call a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1 to see what may be available for you or a loved one today.

Now that the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is over, let’s turn our attention to a group of Medi-Cal programs that are specifically designed for Medicare recipients with lower incomes and may be able to lower their Medicare costs. 

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are a type of Medi-Cal that can help Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare premiums and out of pocket costs. 

As of January 1, 2025, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients already enrolled in Medicare Part B are automatically given QMB. Those who do not yet have Part A due to its high cost will have the premium paid and be auto enrolled as of February 1, 2025. By having both Medicare Part A and Part B, folks have the option to a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan if so desired.  

If a person’s income falls in the SLMB or QI range, consider applying for full-scope Medi-Cal which also pays the Part B premium. Medi-Cal may be easier to qualify for than an MSP alone because deductions for health, dental, vision premiums and board and care costs are allowed.  

The QDWI program helps those under age 65, disabled, and no longer entitled to free Medicare Hospital Insurance Part A because they successfully returned to work. The QDWI assists qualified individuals by paying the Part A premium. 

Sourcewise Medicare counseling is free, unbiased, and available to all Santa Clara County residents. Call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to schedule an appointment with a Medicare counselor today.