Program Summary Council on Aging

Council on Aging!~ More than Food for Thought

Marianne’s presentation expanded on the four key service areas within the Council on Aging (COA): Social, Financial, Legal and Nutritional support for residents 60 and over.

Sonoma County COA also contracts with neighbouring Marin County to provide parallel services. Interestingly Marin, as an “Urban” area qualifies for a higher reimbursement rate than “Rural” Sonoma. This translates in the Meals on Wheels program to about $1.50 more per meal reimbursement. The agency’s “Noble Spoon” initiative will be appearing soon in Safeway and Oliver’s Markets locally, featuring high quality prepared then frozen meals to help fund COA Nutritional services. Think John Ash genre in terms of quality!

Significant resources are allocated toward reducing Elder Abuse. Elder Advocates from the Senior Justice Center refer over 300 calls per month to Adult Protective Services. 70% of elder abusers are family members or caregivers. Welfare visits also help seniors determine eligibility for a variety of services, even much needed, and overlooked income sources. Helping to enhance social connectedness, The Respite Day Programs offer needed rest for caregivers as well as new relationships for seniors.

In the area of Financial Services, Trustee and Conservatorship advisement as well as basic money management skill and support is available.

Legal issues assisted with include Estate Planning/Wills, Credit/Debt advocacy and Durable Power of Atty for Health Care.

Nutritional Services prepare and serve nearly 1200 meals per day, either via Meals on Wheels or at Senior Nutritional Centers. Low salt and sodium diets are offered. A bit of nutritional economics were given: One steer provides the meat for a day’s meals. A Nutritional Services staff person raises livestock for the program: Curly, Moe and Larry are cattle currently getting ready to serve, err, be served, and Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato are swine in line for the menu.

Marianne’s recommendation to prepare ourselves for healthy aging is straightforward: Stay Active, Stay Connected. How does financial security affect health? Statistically, for each $12.5K annual income one has, up to $150K, one additional year is added to one’s life expectancy.

Unmet needs? Marianne points to transportation and affordable, safe housing.

Since 1965, when created through the Older Americans Act, Councils on Aging have been enhancing senior's lives. For more on this vital community resource see http://councilonaging.com/