Giving a Lift to Those in Need

Santa Clara, November 2022: Seventy-five-year-old Lillian Squiers no longer drives, and macular degeneration robbed her 74-year-old husband Larry of his ability to pilot a car years ago. They had nowhere to turn for transportation. Then they found Sourcewise — a nonprofit in Santa Clara County that offers free rides to medical appointments to adults 60 years old or disabled.

“I don’t know what we would do without them,” Larry said during an interview at the couple’s apartment in Gilroy.

The couple estimated they use the service two to three times a month. Lillian described the drivers as “very friendly, caring and understanding.” But funding for the vital service is running thin. Sourcewise is seeking $10,000 through Wish Book to help keep the service in place through at least September 2023.

“These funds will give us an additional three to four months, depending on how many clients use the service,” said South County Services Director Rosie Jimenez.

Sourcewise added medical appointment rides to its existing transit service program during the pandemic. Jimenez said the agency formed a partnership with Morgan Hill Taxi and used Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding to help cover the cost of more than 650 rides between July 1, 2021, and Sep. 30, 2022.

“Morgan Hill Taxi has been a great partner,” Jimenez said. “They know why we’re doing it and they give us a discounted rate.”

Jimenez said Sourcewise also has three drivers and a small fleet of vehicles. One driver helps clients get to medical appointments and run errands. The others only provide rides before 9 a.m. and after 1 p.m., when they aren’t ferrying others to senior centers. For now, the rides are available just to residents of Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy. To use the service, clients must either be at least 60 years old or have a disability. Jimenez said many clients have health insurance that does not cover the cost of transportation to appointments.

“Transportation has been a really big issue,” the director said. “This fills that gap.”

The service ensures clients are receiving the routine medical care they need to age in place and maintain their current quality of life as much as possible, Jimenez said.

“If they don’t go to these appointments,” she said, “sometimes they end up in the hospital.”

For example, clients who are unable to visit a doctor to adjust a prescription medication that is making them dizzy could fall and injure themselves, Jimenez said. Jimenez said other residents have expressed appreciation for the service, with one going as far as to leave tips for the drivers. The money was collected and returned.

“This is a free service,” she said.

Along with rides, the service provides residents, many of whom are isolated and lonely, with a human connection, Jimenez said. They get to know the drivers and share their life stories with them.

“We kind of become an extended family to them,” she said.

The CARES Act funding for the service ran out in September, but Sourcewise is aiming to provide medical appointment rides to South County residents for another 12 months, Jimenez said. The success of that endeavor will hinge on a reallocation of agency funds as well as an influx of funds from outside sources such as Wish Book. The agency is also exploring the possibility of extending and expanding the service – something Jimenez said would likely require a mix of local, state, and federal funding.

“We partnered with Morgan Hill Taxi because we don’t have the bandwidth,” she said. “It would be great if we could get an additional driver or additional vehicles, and then we would do this on our own and it might offset the cost. For now, this is what we can do.” And, for the Squiers, that’s been a godsend.

“They are good to me and my husband,” Lillian said, adding that the drivers keep a stepstool on hand to help her climb into some of the taller vehicles. “We are very thankful.”

How to help

Donations will help Sourcewise pay for roundtrip rides for seniors in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, or San Martin with Morgan Hill Taxi, and will coordinate rides for those seniors who need transportation to medical appointments in northern Santa Clara County.

Goal: $10,000

Donate to Sourcewise

Donate to the general fund

The original article can be found on The Mercury News website here

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Contact information:

Information & Awareness

(408) 350-3200, option 1

community@mysourcewise.com

We welcome the re-use, republication, and distribution of Sourcewise content. Please credit us with the following information: Used with the permission of mysourcewise.com

2022.11.29-Giving-a-Lift-to-Those-in-Need-Press-Release

Attend Sourcewise Community Education Presentations to Learn More About 2023 Medicare Updates 

Santa Clara, October 12, 2022: Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs every year from October 15 to December 7. The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) will launch its virtual presentation series called “Medicare’s 2022 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2023”, both via Zoom and in person. HICAP provides one-on-one confidential, free, and unbiased counseling during the open enrollment period for individuals to change or modify Medicare insurance plans.

“The AEP is a chance for Medicare recipients to make sure they have access to their needed physicians, therapist, facilities, and medications for the upcoming year. They must evaluate what they pay for and what they gain or give up in return. Recipients may want the broader physician/provider choice of Original Medicare and a more affordable drug plan. Others may prefer Managed Medicare through an Advantage Plan and the extra benefits not found in Original Medicare. Monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays often change but rarely decrease. HICAP Counselors can help Medicare recipients navigate their Medicare arrangement to best suit their changing needs,” states Marcelo Espiritu, Director of HICAP.

During AEP, Medicare recipients should be aware of:

• Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs and formulary changes for 2023
• Medicare Advantage Plan costs and benefits for 2023
• Enrollment timing and rights to change plans, including the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment from January through March each year

“HICAP Counselors assist individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds. We [HICAP Counselors] also help individuals in the language they are comfortable speaking, either with one of our bilingual HICAP Counselors or with an interpreter over the phone”, Marcelo shares.

Visit the Sourcewise Online Event Calendar and register to attend one of the webinars. 

All year round, you can receive personalized Medicare counseling and community education services. HICAP Counselors help individuals, their families, and caregivers transition into Medicare and solve other health insurance issues that may occur throughout the year.

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Contact information:

Information & Awareness

(408) 350-3200, option 1

community@mysourcewise.com

We welcome the re-use, republication, and distribution of Sourcewise content. Please credit us with the following information: Used with the permission of mysourcewise.com

2022.10.12_Annual-Enrollment-Period-Press-Release

Sourcewise Google Home Smart Speaker Program Receives Prestigious Aging Achievement Award from USAging

Santa Clara, July 28, 2022: Sourcewise announces that its Google Home Smart Speaker (GHSS) Program recently received a 2022 Aging Achievement Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members. The GHSS, a pilot program, that provided a smart speaker along with technical training and assistance to seniors facing social isolation and loneliness in Santa Clara County, was among 43 local aging programs to receive honors during USAging’s 47th Annual Conference and Tradeshow, July 10-13 in Austin, TX. The awards program is supported by iN2L, provider of the leading engagement and social connection platform for seniors, offering a foundation for activities that facilitate social interaction, cognitive and physical exercise, education, reminiscing, areas of interest, and memory support engagement.

The 2022 USAging Aging Achievement Award program recognizes Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs that have developed and implemented cutting-edge concepts, innovative ideas and successful strategies to support older adults and their caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.

“Through the Aging Achievement Awards, we salute our members’ outstanding accomplishments and hold up their programs in the hopes that doing so will seed replication and additional innovation by their peers around the country,” said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of USAging. “We applaud our members for their tireless efforts to creatively develop vital services and supports for older adults, as well as their caregivers and people with disabilities in communities nationwide.”

The GHSS pilot program was developed as a result of the pandemic and its impact on seniors. Many older adults were unable to see their loved ones and lacked access to technology, resulting in social isolation and loneliness. Sourcewise worked quickly to distribute over 1,300 GHSS to seniors 60+, half were distributed through non-profit community partners. Sourcewise worked quickly to launch its first digital inclusion program and partnered with CTN (Community Tech Network) to provide training. In less than a year, 610 devices were distributed to seniors. To ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion, the diverse and bilingual team provided services to Spanish and Mandarin-speaking populations and focused outreach to underserved communities.

“Sourcewise’s Digital Inclusion program fills a critical gap by supporting socially isolated seniors with a device, training, and support to stay connected to their loved ones and the larger community. More needs to be done to end the digital divide among older adults. I am proud of the Advisory Council’s advocacy work, led by Richard Adler, coupled with our Digital Inclusion team’s hard work on the ground to support seniors. We are excited to continue this work through new projects such as the CHAT iPad program in partnership with the California Department of Aging,” said Aneliza Del Pinal, CEO, Sourcewise.

The 2022 USAging Aging Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including Advocacy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Elder Abuse Prevention, Healthy Aging, Home and Community-Based Services, Nutrition, Social Engagement, and Workforce Development.

All winners are showcased in the USAging Aging Achievement Awards Showcase.

About Sourcewise

Since 1973, Sourcewise is a nonprofit organization and the Area Agency on Aging for Santa Clara County. Our mission is to provide adults and their caregivers the tools and services they need to effectively navigate their health and life options. In 2020, the organization served 100,235 individuals across 10 programs and services helping the aging population, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities thrive. For more information and to get involved, visit mysourcewise.com.

About USAging

USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence, and dignity in their homes and communities. USAging is dedicated to supporting the success of our members through advancing public policy, sparking innovation, strengthening the capacity of our members, raising their visibility, and working to drive excellence in the fields of aging and home and community-based services. For more information about USAging, AAAs or Title VI programs, visit usaging.org.

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Contact information:

Information & Awareness

(408) 350-3200, option 1

community@mysourcewise.com

We welcome the re-use, republication, and distribution of Sourcewise content. Please credit us with the following information: Used with the permission of mysourcewise.com

2022.07.28_Sourcewise-Google-Home-Smart-Speaker-Program-Receives-Prestigious-Aging-Achievement-Award-from-USAging

Volunteers Handwrite Cards for Homebound Seniors

Santa Clara, December 20, 2021: Dozens of volunteers from corporations, community groups, and local schools dedicated their time and talents to handwrite holiday cards for homebound seniors in Santa Clara County. Sourcewise received a record amount of handmade and traditional holiday cards—more than 1900+.

“These holiday cards really do bring joy and a smile to homebound seniors in our community. We are so grateful to volunteers of all ages for thinking of our elders, especially during these uncertain times,” said Aneliza Del Pinal, CEO, Sourcewise.

The Sourcewise Meals on Wheels program serves over 1,300 homebound seniors who receive 14 weekly nutritious meals who may not be able to cook for themselves due to a disability or may not have a loved one nearby to grocery shop or cook for them. The cards will be distributed to homebound seniors in the program starting Monday, December 20, 2021.

“Our team of 13 employees enjoyed making cards for homebound seniors in our community. Volunteer projects like this align with what matters to employees and reflect who we are as a company,” said Sanjay Tandon, Senior Director, Central Operations at Applied Materials.

The nonprofit organization thanks the volunteers from the following organizations who provided more than 230 hours of service. The volunteer hours will also be matched with a donation by the California Department of Aging, which will directly support the Meals on Wheels program.

Organizations include:

• 15 Black Girls Volleyball Team, Mountain View Volleyball Club
• Applied Materials
• Balance Staffing
• Bellarmine High School
• Boys Team Charity of Saratoga
• Buscher Middle School
• Christa McAuliffe Elementary School
• Dolores Huerta Middle School
• Eastside Union High School District
• Graham Middle School
• Keenan and Associates
• Shearman & Sterling
• Swenson Builders
• Santa Clara High School
• Saratoga High School
• Westmont High School
• Wilson High School

Since 1973, the nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide adults and their caregivers the tools and services they need to effectively navigate their health and life options. In 2020, the organization served 100,235 individuals. Since the start of the pandemic, the organization has served over 2 million meals through its emergency and food programs such as Meals on Wheels, Governor’s Great Plates program, and the San Jose Together Meals on Wheels program.

Sourcewise invites individuals interested in supporting its mission along with 10 programs and services helping the aging population, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities living in Santa Clara County by donating a cash contribution or volunteering. Ways volunteers can help local seniors: include being an ambassador providing wellness calls, assembling PPE, and other critical supplies, and as a State Certified Health Insurance Counselor. For more information and to get involved, visit mysourcewise.com.

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Contact information:

Information & Awareness

(408) 350-3200, option 1

community@mysourcewise.com

We welcome the re-use, republication, and distribution of Sourcewise content. Please credit us with the following information: Used with the permission of mysourcewise.com

2021.12.20.Volunteers-handwrite-holiday-cards-for-homebound-seniors

Attend Community Education Presentations to Learn More about 2022 Medicare Updates

Santa Clara, October 1, 2021: Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs every year from October 15 to December 7. The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) will launch their virtual presentation series called “Medicare’s 2021 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2022”, both via Zoom and in person. HICAP provides one-on-one confidential, free, and unbiased counseling for the open enrollment period for individuals to change or modify Medicare insurance plans.

“The AEP is a chance for Medicare recipients to make sure they have access to their needed physicians, therapist, facilities, and medications for the upcoming year. They must evaluate what they pay for and what they gain or give up in return. Recipients may want the broader physician/provider choice of Original Medicare and a more affordable drug plan. Others may prefer Managed Medicare through an Advantage Plan and the extra benefits not found in Original Medicare. Monthly premiums, deductibles and copays often change but rarely decrease. HICAP Counselors can help Medicare recipients navigate their Medicare arrangement to best suit their changing needs,” explains Marcelo Espiritu, Director of HICAP.

During AEP, Medicare recipients should be aware of:

• Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs and formulary changes for 2022
• Medicare Advantage Plan costs and benefits for 2022
• Enrollment timing and rights to change plans, including the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment from January through March each year

“HICAP Counselors assist people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. We [HICAP Counselors] also help people in the language they are comfortable speaking, either with one of our bilingual HICAP Counselors or with an interpreter over the phone” Marcelo continues to share.

Visit the Sourcewise Online Event Calendar and register to attend one of the webinars.

All year-round, you can receive personalized Medicare counseling and community education services. HICAP Counselors help individuals, their families, and caregivers transition into Medicare and solve other health insurance issues that may occur throughout the year.

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Contact information:

Information & Awareness

(408) 350-3200, option 1

community@mysourcewise.com

We welcome the re-use, republication, and distribution of Sourcewise content. Please credit us with the following information: Used with the permission of mysourcewise.com. 

2021.10.01.AEP-Press-Release

Sourcewise Celebrates Communities of Strength in May

Santa Clara, May 11: From May 01 through May 31, Older Americans Month is recognized nationally to celebrate the resilience and strength that older adults have experienced throughout their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties in our local communities. In 2021, the California Department of Aging estimates that there are more than 417,912 adults 60 years and older who live in Santa Clara County.This year, the Administration for Community Living Older American Month theme is Communities of Strength. This past year, older adults have faced unexpected challenges and experienced exacerbated rates of isolation, depression, and lack of access to essential community support systems due to sheltering in place. It is more important now than ever to raise awareness and celebrates the resiliency of our seniors during Older Americans Month to highlight the vital role our aging adults represent in our communities for all ages.   

During the month of May, Sourcewise will highlight the importance and strength of older adults in our community on our social media platforms to celebrate older adults in Santa Clara County. Throughout the entire month, Sourcewise is sponsoring the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinated Council Walks or “SASCC Walks!” virtual walk-a-thon to build awareness around the importance of social and recreational activities for seniors while sheltering in place and celebrating Older Americans Month. A new topic, like this one, will be highlighted each week to inspire and celebrate. Follow Sourcewise on Facebook or LinkedIn to learn about older adults in our community and special ways to engage with us during the month of May.  

Older Americans Month is a special time to acknowledge older adults and the hardships they have overcame or are experiencing. As the designated Area Agency on Aging for Santa Clara County, Sourcewise focuses on advocating for and assisting older adults and their loved ones through all stages of aging. Our Community Resource Specialists are available by phone Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding national holidays. Contact our Community Resource Specialists at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

About Sourcewise: Our mission is to provide adults and their caregivers the tools and services they need to effectively navigate their health and life options. Through a comprehensive network of resources, Sourcewise strives to educate, support, and advocate for all adults, their families, and their caregivers within Santa Clara County. We empower our community by providing access to information, allowing for personal choices, and continued independence. Our commitment to offering community resource solutions is grounded in our rich history of serving the communities of Santa Clara County since 1973. Sourcewise is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.  

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Contact info: Elizabeth Brown 

Director, Information & Awareness 

(408) 557-4701 

ebrown@mysourcewise.com 

We welcome the re-use, republication, and distribution of Sourcewise content. Please credit us with the following information: Used with the permission of mysourcewise.com. 

2021.05.11_Older-Americans-Month-Press-Release