Agency on aging offers two new programs for seniors
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging recently launched two new programs to assist seniors.

Agency programs are free to Ventura County seniors 60 or older. Unlike the Elder Help Program, most have no income eligibility requirement.

Agency officials limited services to seniors in need since Elder Help receives only $40,000 a year in federal funds

A social service agency, such as Catholic Charities or Lutheran Social Services, must assess a senior's need for housekeeping and personal care services or transportation before referring them to the program.

"There are so many people that need this kind of service, and we don't want to waste it on people who don't need it," agency Director Victoria Jump said. She said some seniors sign up for a service simply because it's free.

The transportation is doortodoor to medical appointments and will be provided to eligible seniors who have no other means of public or private transportation.

In addition, next month the agency will spearhead a countywide fall prevention effort.

Ventura County needs a prevention program because it's home to the state's largest population of seniors 85 and over- the age group most susceptible to falls, said agency spokesperson Susan White. Falls are a major cause of death among seniors.

Complications may arise from surgery done to repair a broken hip, for example. Those complications, in turn, may lead to more serious and lifethreatening problems.

"It's a huge problem," White said. "People just start falling when they get old."

The agency recently received a three-year grant of $25,000 to form a coalition of communitybased organizations, service providers and individuals interested in preventing falls among seniors.

In January when the coalition meets next, it will use information from a survey of agencies that interact with or serve seniors to determine where gaps in programs and/or services exist.

The coalition, whose goal is to become a clearinghouse of information and the leading authority on fall prevention, will produce a resource directory of services available to elderly residents, such as grab bar or ramp installation, nutrition guidance, medical management, in-home assistance and the like.

White said the directory may be completed by summer.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging also offers Medicare prescription coverage counseling and a number of other free support services for seniors 60 and older, most with no income eligibility requirement.

For more information on agency programs or to join the coalition, call (805) 477-7300