A family caregiver is an unpaid relative, partner, friend, or neighbor who provides physical, emotional, or financial assistance to someone with a chronic illness, disability, or age-related condition. In Santa Clara County, family caregivers can access different respite options in order to have access to in-home care agencies or short-term facility stays to alleviate caregiving stress and prevent caregiver burnout 

Informal family caregivers may qualify for assistance through Sourcewise’s Family Caregiver Support Program, which connects caregivers to respite services, case management, support groups, and community resources. The Caregivers Network by Sourcewise offers short-term care grants up to $1,000 for eligible informal caregivers, with no insurance or income restrictions. 

Care recipients receiving Medi-Cal through Anthem can qualify for Sourcewise Community Supports – Respite. Care recipients must be dependent on care that is regularly provided by an informal caregiver, whether that is a relative, friend, or neighbor. Respite can be provided either in the home or out of the home at an adult day center at no cost to the family.  

Whether paid for out-of-pocket or by Medi-Cal, adult day programs often function as valuable outlets for both older adults and their caregivers. These programs offer social activities, meals, recreation, and supervision during daytime hours, helping older adults stay engaged while their caregivers work or take a much-needed break. 

Lastly, care recipients receiving Medi-Cal can qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Available through the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, this Medi-Cal program helps pay for home care providers to relieve family members or allows the family caregiver to receive financial compensation. 

For more information on family caregiver respite resources, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

Sourcewise is proud to announce the launch of our new Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), helping to expand access to vital public benefits and support services for individuals and families throughout Santa Clara County. 

The Benefits Enrollment Center is designed to help older adults and caregivers navigate the often-complex benefits application process and connect with programs that can improve their quality of life. 

Our experienced staff can provide personalized assistance by helping clients: 

• Determine eligibility for available benefits 
• Complete and submit applications 
• Gather required documentation 
• Navigate renewals and reporting requirements 
• Access additional community resources and support services 

By offering one-on-one guidance, Sourcewise helps reduce barriers that often prevent individuals from receiving the benefits and services for which they may qualify. 

In addition to providing enrollment assistance for programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh, the Benefits Enrollment Center connects residents with a variety of community programs that address basic needs and promote long-term stability and well-being. 

The launch of the Benefits Enrollment Center reflects Sourcewise’s ongoing commitment to empowering our community through accessible services, trusted guidance, and meaningful support. 

Wondering what benefits you qualify for? Reach out by calling (408) 350-3200, option 1 or emailing community@mysourcewise.com to get connected with a specialist. 

Every August, National Wellness Month reminds us that health isn’t just about the body, but the mind too.  The mind helps hold everything together, from your habits to your decisions. 

Take a moment to slow down, prioritize sleep, move around a little more, drink water, and evaluate your mental health. Small choices make as much of an impact as the big ones. 

Whether it’s going for a walk or simply taking a moment for yourself, your wellness should be a priority every day. 

This month isn’t about perfection; it’s about checking in. Take one small step today, and your future self will thank you. 

For more information, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

We’re excited to announce that beginning with the Summer 2026 edition, our newsletter has been refreshed to reflect our updated branding and to highlight our new mission, vision, and values. As part of that, we have introduced QR codes into our newsletter to increase awareness about important resources available online. To access them, simply open the camera app on your phone, scan the QR code, and tap the link when it appears on your screen. 

Whether you are a long-time reader or a first-time reader, we invite you to:  

Join us in our mission to advocate, plan, and deliver equitable services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers using a person-centered approach to enhance independence and quality of life. 

Share our vision for a Santa Clara County that has a comprehensive and integrated service system that respects individual dignity and fosters thriving communities. 

Champion the values that make us Sourcewise 

We:

• Focus on person-centered practices and processes
• Believe that individuals are integral assets to our communities 
• Respect individual rights, responsibilities, and diversity 
• Are committed to providing just and equitable services and supports 
• Believe that collaborative partnerships with stakeholders are essential 
• Cultivate innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit 
• Are thoughtful stewards of all resources 
• Are transparent 
• Respect the talent and contributions of our diverse workforce 

We’re excited to welcome this new chapter for Sourcewise as we continue helping older adults, caregivers, and families thrive throughout Santa Clara County.

Phone calls aren’t the only method that scammers use to take advantage of others. Text messages and emails are methods they use to passively scam victims as well.  

Below are some helpful tips to avoid spam texts and emails: 

• Don’t click on any links. When clicking a link, you could unknowingly give the scammer access to your device and any information in it.  
• If you are going to click a link, ensure that you’re expecting one to come or it’s coming from a reliable source. Some examples include newsletters you’ve signed up for or links to book a doctor’s appointment. 
• Unsubscribe from unwanted emails and their sender. If you’ve attended an event, for example, and purchased something through a credit or debit card there, they will have access to the email on file. You will then receive their promotional emails which can be unsubscribed from. You can block them if they keep coming as well. 
• Block email addresses that you’re not familiar with, block emails that show signs of scams. Like an email stating that you’ve won something for example.  
• Upon receiving a spam text, your phone should give you an option to delete it and report as spam. 
• See if your phone has any options to highlight calls, emails, or text messages as potential spam. Which could make it easier for you in identifying them. 

To report suspected scams or fraud, call the Federal Trade Commission at   
(877)-382-4357, from 9 AM-5 PM ET. Or visit  reportfraud.ftc.gov

If you are interested in learning more about protecting yourself against Identity theft-related scams, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408)-350-3200, option 1.     

Medicare fraud is more common than many people realize and it can impact your health, your identity, and your finances. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is here to help you prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud. 

What is the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)? 

The Senior Medicare Patrol is a national program that empowers Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to fight fraud, errors, and abuse in the healthcare system. 

SMP works alongside trusted programs like Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) to provide: 

• Education on how to protect your Medicare benefits  
• Assistance reviewing medical bills and statements  
• Help reporting suspected fraud  

SMP services are free, unbiased, and confidential. 

Why Medicare Fraud Matters 

Medicare fraud doesn’t just cost money, it can affect your personal health information and care. 

• Billions of dollars are lost to healthcare fraud each year  
• Stolen Medicare numbers can be used to bill for services you never received  
• Incorrect medical records can impact future treatment decisions  

Protecting your Medicare information helps protect your health and your identity. 

Common Types of Medicare Fraud 

Be aware of these common scams: 

• Billing for services not provided  
• Charging for unnecessary tests or equipment  
• Using your Medicare number without permission  
• Fake offers for “free” medical equipment or services  
• Scammers posing as Medicare or healthcare providers  

If something feels off, it’s worth taking a closer look. 

How to Protect Yourself 

You can take simple steps to reduce your risk: 

• Protect your Medicare number 
  Treat it like a credit card, only share it with trusted providers  
• Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) 
  Check for services, dates, or charges you don’t recognize  
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls 
  Medicare will not call you to ask for personal information  
• Avoid offers that sound “too good to be true” 
  Especially “free” services that require your Medicare number  
• Shred sensitive documents 
  Dispose of old medical bills, insurance papers, and prescriptions securely  

How to Detect Fraud 

Watch for warning signs such as: 

• Bills for services you did not receive  
• Calls about medical equipment you never requested  
• Being told you reached a “benefit limit” you don’t understand  
• Errors in your medical records  
• Catching fraud early can prevent bigger problems later. 

How to Report Medicare Fraud 

If you suspect fraud, don’t wait, help is available. 

• Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)  
• Reach out to your local HICAP program  
• Keep records of suspicious bills, calls, or messages  

You are not expected to investigate, just report what you notice. 

Protect, Detect, Report 

SMP encourages three simple steps: 

• Protect your personal information  
• Detect errors or suspicious charges  
• Report concerns as soon as possible  

These actions help protect not only you, but your entire community. 

We’re Here to Help 

Medicare can be complex, and fraud can be difficult to recognize, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. SMP and HICAP are here to support you every step of the way. 

If you have questions about your Medicare coverage or want help reviewing your statements, reach out for assistance. Free, unbiased help is available. 

Need Help? 

HICAP provides FREE, unbiased Medicare counseling. 

📞 Appointment Hotline: 408-350-3288 
🌐 Website: mysourcewise.com 
📍 In-person and phone appointments available 

Sourcewise is happy to share that we will once again offer Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) market cards to eligible participants this summer. This program helps older adults buy healthy food while supporting local farmers in Santa Clara County. 

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a once‑a‑year benefit for low‑income seniors. The market cards can be used to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. These foods are available at approved farmers markets, roadside stands, and community farm programs. The program helps seniors eat healthier foods and enjoy fresh produce during the summer months. It also helps local farmers by bringing more customers to farmers markets and small food businesses. 

To distribute the SFMNP benefit cards, Sourcewise staff will visit several farmers markets throughout Santa Clara County to distribute the SFMNP market cards. Cards will be given out on a first‑come, first‑serve basis, while supplies last. Because the number of market cards is limited, participants are encouraged to arrive early. 

The dates, times, and locations for market card distribution are still in development. Once all details are confirmed, Sourcewise will share this information via our website and social media pages. These updates will include the farmers market addresses, distribution times, and any special instructions. Participants should check these sources often so they do not miss important announcements. 

To get an SFMNP market card, residents must self‑certify that they meet the program rules. Self‑certification means participants confirm they qualify without needing to show documents. To be eligible, participants must meet all of the following requirements: 

• They have not already received the 2026 SFMNP benefit 
• They are 60 years old or older 
• Their household income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level 

Sourcewise is proud to bring back this program for 2026, and we look forward to helping seniors enjoy fresh, healthy food while supporting local farmers this summer. 

For more information, contact a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1.