Dear Friends,
Whether you're a caregiver or a family member, we all have elders we hold dear. Supporting and promoting the well-being of our seniors is a fundamental value in our communities and a central part of our mission statement. Statistics show that 12% of Alameda County’s population was 65+ in 2016, roughly 199,000 seniors. But, as reported by the Senior Services Coalition of Alameda County, this demographic is expected to increase by 50%, reaching 368,000 by 2030.
Therefore, as Chair of the Health Committee, I am committed to carefully reviewing California’s Master Plan for Aging’s critical policy initiatives to meet the health and well-being our seniors, healthcare providers, and caretakers deserve.
Coupled with an equally challenging issue are fraud and scams targeting our seniors against their assets and investments. In 2023 alone, residents over the age of 60+ in the United States were scammed out of $3.4 billion, an 11% rise from 2022. This elder abuse and fraud is diligently being addressed by utilizing the available programs offered by California’s Department of Justice and through partnerships with county and local agencies. By leveraging the State’s resources, authorities are enhancing their ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute those who exploit vulnerable seniors.
In today’s e-alert, find carefully crafted resources and programs for various types of needs such as senior centers, healthcare, workforce programs, reporting elder abuse, and much more. As we adapt, please contact my District Office if you are interested in obtaining one of our “Senior Brochures,” or in need of assistance as my team is readily available to help advocate for the safety and well-being of all.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
- Section 1: Senior Centers
- Section 2: Caregiver and Senior Work Programs
- Section 3: Senior Meals and Access to Groceries
- Section 4: Medical Care and Health Resources
- Section 5: Housing, Financial, Social, and Legal Resources
- Section 6: Transportation and Paratransit Resources for Seniors
- Section 7: Senior Fraud Prevention and Resources
Assemblymember Mia Bonta & staff are committed to keeping AD-18 residents fully engaged and informed. Please send this newsletter to a friend and subscribe!
Stay connected with our office at (510) 286-1670, Email Me, or follow us on social media.
Section 1: Senior Centers
Section 1A: Pace Oakland
PACE is a program that supports 55+ seniors with health problems in our community. Through the many PACE centers, PACE provides a personalized care plan for those who need it.
To enroll, call (844) 319-1150.
Section 1B: Family Education and Resource Center
The Family Education and Resource Center provides support for families/caregivers of people with mental illness.
You can call the Family Education and Resource Center at (888) 896-3372.
Read their brochure.
Section 1C: Emeryville Senior Center
Since 1977, the Emeryville Senior Center has been a hub of activity for the community. The Senior Center offers a variety of services and activities for older adults ages 50 and over.
You can call the Emeryville Senior Center at (510) 596-4308.
Section 1D: Mastick Senior Center Alameda
The Mastick Senior Center allows Alameda residents to provide a variety of programs and services in the areas of health, education, and recreation to meet the needs of adults aged 50 and older.
You can call Mastick Senior Center at (510) 747-7500.
Section 1E: Lavender Seniors of the East Bay
The Lavender Seniors of the East Bay provides LGBTQ support, aging senior care, human services, social events, group support, education, and self-help.
You can call Lavender Seniors of the East Bay at (510) 882-2286.
Section 1F: Alameda County Senior Information and Assistance Line
The Senior Information Line answers questions about aging services in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
You can call the Senior Information and Assistance Line at (510) 577-3530.
Section 1G: Hong Fook Center on Harrison Street
The Hong Fook Community-Based Adult Services Centers are located near Oakland’s Chinatown. They help seniors and adults with disabilities regain their ability to live independently and ease the need for family care by providing health services and therapeutic activities in a safe and supportive environment.
To call for more information, call (510) 839-9673.
Section 1H: City of Oakland MSSP
The City of Oakland Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) helps frail seniors stay safe and independent in their own homes.
You can call MSSP at (510) 238-3762 or (510) 238-3121.
Section 2: Caregiver and Senior Work Programs
Section 2A: City of Oakland ASSETS Senior Workforce Program
The ASSETS Program helps low-income adults age 55 and older find work. Older adults often experience barriers to getting and keeping a job.
You can call ASSETS at (510) 238-3535.
To learn about eligibility and submit your application, email Jessi Cutter, Program Director.
Section 2B: Emeryville Senior Center Assistance and Referral Help
The "Friends of the Emeryville Senior Center" offers one-time emergency grants to seniors in need and has a counselor on-site for work referrals. The Senior Center also offers Health Insurance Counseling through HICAP, energy assistance programs, low-income fishing license applications, legal referrals, advanced health care directive forms, and housing and resource guides.
You can call Emeryville Senior Center at (510) 596-3730.
Section 2C: CalGrows Program Training Courses
Through the Department of Aging’s Direct Care Workforce Training, CalGrows offers free training courses to all California caregivers. After 15 hours of courses, caregivers may be eligible for incentives to get paid for their time.
You can call CalGrows at (888) 991-7234 or email help@calgrows.org.
Section 3: Senior Meals and Access to Groceries
Section 3A: Mercy Brown Bag for Seniors in Alameda County
For almost 40 years, Elder Care Alliance’s Mercy Retirement & Care Center has supported volunteers in lovingly filling and distributing bags of fresh produce, healthy grains, canned goods, lean proteins, and more.
You can call the Mercy Brown Bag Program at (510) 269-9640.
Section 3B: Meals on Wheels Alameda County for Seniors
SOS Meals On Wheels’ primary function is to deliver nutritious, balanced meals and friendly safety checks to homebound seniors. Learn about Meals on Wheels for Alameda, Emeryville, and Oakland.
You can call Meals on Wheels Alameda County:
- For Oakland Residents, (510) 582-1263
- For Emeryville Residents, (510) 569-4309
- For Alameda Residents, (510) 865-6131
Section 3C: City of Alameda Food Bank for Alameda Residents
Founded in 1977, the Alameda Food Bank is a non-profit organization that assists the Alameda community by providing nourishing food in a compassionate and respectful manner, with the support of dedicated volunteers and local partners.
You can call the City of Alameda Food Bank at (510) 523-5850
Section 3D: Project Open Hand for Seniors
Project Open Hand supports vulnerable seniors who need food to support their medical treatment. It offers medically tailored meals, fresh groceries, mobile groceries, and nutrition counseling and education.
You can call directly at (510) 622-0221.
Section 4: Medical Care and Health Resources
Section 4A: Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay
ASEB specialializes in the care and support of those living with memory decline. Services include Adult Daycare, caregiver services, education, and community outreach.
You can call ASEB at (510) 644-8292.
Section 4B: California Medi-Cal Dental Insurance
The Medi-Cal Program currently offers dental services as one of the program's many benefits. Under the guidance of the California Department of Health Care Services, the Medi-Cal Dental Program aims to provide Medi-Cal members with access to high-quality dental care.
You can call the Medi-Cal Dental Program at (800) 322-6384.
Section 4C: Ability Now Bay Area
Ability Now Bay Area offers education, advocacy, programs, and services for adults with disabilities and their families. It promotes self-advocacy, independent living skills, and leisure skills, enhancing participants' ability to live more independent and fulfilled lives.
You can call for more information at (510) 531-3323.
Section 4D: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Alameda
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Alameda provides options for counseling, short-term service coordination, and transitional services for those with special needs.
You can call for personal assistance at (510) 257-5936.
Section 5: Housing, Financial, Social, and Legal Resources
Section 5A: Social Security Office
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.
Call the toll-free Social Security at (800) 772-1213.
Section 5B: Alameda County Utilities Assistance
The Alameda County Utilities Assistance is a federal program that helps eligible households pay their utilities, such as Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).
If you have questions, you may call the REACH Program at (800) 933-9677.
Section 5C: CalABLE Benefits
Opening a CalABLE account allows those living with disabilities to invest in the future and help preserve federal benefits like SSI.
You can contact CalABLE at (833) 225-2253.
Section 5D: California Telephone Access Program
California TCA provides communication access for Californians with hearing, vision, cognitive, mobility, and speech-related disabilities.
You can call California Telephone Access at (800) 806-1191.
Section 5E: St. Mary’s Center - Homeless Senior
The St. Mary’s Center’s In Senior Housing Services team of licensed clinical social workers, case managers, housing navigators, and intake specialists helps participants set goals and tackle obstacles.
You can call (510) 923-9600 extension 297 for more information.
Section 5F: Alameda Emergency Medical Services: Senior Injury Prevention Program
The Alameda Emergency Medical Services and Senior Injury Prevention Program is designed to reduce preventable injuries among the older population in Alameda County and raise awareness.
For more information on SIPP, please contact the Senior Injury Prevention Program Coordinator at carol.powers@acgov.org.
Section 5G: Legal Assistance for Seniors
The Legal Assistance for Seniors provides free legal representation, legal services and legal assistance, health insurance counseling (HICAP), eviction help, and community education to Alameda County residents aged 60 and over.
If you have questions, you may call at (510) 832-3040.
Section 6: Transportation and Paratransit Resources for Seniors
Section 6A: AC Transit Discount Fares for Seniors
Seniors, and riders with disabilities can receive discount fares and passes to ride AC Transit. Discount fares can be purchased using cash on board buses with valid ID, with Clipper by applying for a discount Clipper card, through AC Transit’s mobile payment platform, and at the AC Transit Customer Service Center.
Download the application form, visit a field office near you, or call the customer support line at (877) 878-8883.
Section 6B: BART Discount Fares for Elders
BART offers a variety of discounts set up in advance through Clipper. Eligible riders include low-income individuals, and older adults 65 and older.
Print and send a completed application form, go to a field office near you, or call the customer support line at (877) 878-8883.
Section 6C: Access Alameda
Traveling in Alameda County and throughout the Bay Area doesn’t have to be difficult. Access Alameda helps with Public Transportation, ADA Paratransit, Travel Training, Volunteer Travel and more.
You can reach Access Alameda at 2-1-1.
Section 7: Senior Fraud Prevention and Resources
Section 7A: California Insurance: Senior Gateway
One-stop website intended to provide seniors, their families, and caregivers with the information they need to connect to helpful services and resources, to find answers, and solve problems.
Section 7B: Attorney General’s Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse
Medi-Cal fraud is generally defined as billing the Medi-Cal program for services, drugs, or supplies that are unnecessary, not performed, or more costly than those actually performed.
To report fraud or abuse call (800) 722-0432.
Connect with and submit an Online Complaint Form.
Section 7C: California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) protects consumers and fosters trust by regulating companies and individuals offering financial products.
Section 7D: Adult Protective Services Alameda County Social Services
You can report abuses of Alameda country citizens over 60 years old to Adult Protective Services.
You can reach Adult Protective Services at (510) 577-3500.