Health and nutrition go hand in hand. As we age, our diet, exercise, socialization, and mental health needs change. There are local resources that can fill the gaps, support those who need help, and keep older adults up to date. Health resources include: Contra Costa Health Services, Insurance Counseling, multi-purpose services, and loneliness prevention.
Health
Contra Costa Health Service for Older Adults
Provided by Contra Costa County. This web site provides access to a number of different health related sites and services of interest to older adults. https://cchealth.org/seniors/
Cost: Free. Available only to Residents of Contra Costa County.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
HICAP provides free and unbiased help with selecting Medicare plans. HICAP may also be able to help find programs to lower Medicare costs.
Call: 925.655.1393
Contra Costa County HICAP https://cchicap.org
(This will be the temporary launch spot for the ACOA brochure on Health.)
Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
Choice in Aging – The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) is a Medi-Cal program that provides intensive care management and services to people 65+ who meet the criteria to be placed in a skilled nursing facility, but who would prefer to remain in their own homes. The program helps prevent or delay institutionalization by providing a complete assessment of the client’s physical, mental and social status to determine services that are necessary, and then coordinating with the participant, their doctor and caregivers on a personalized care plan that supports living safely at home. https://choiceinaging.org/about-our-programs/ https://hipaa.jotform.com/ChoiceinAging/MSSP-Referral-Form-Contra-Costa
No cost Contra Costa/Napa/Solano resident Medi-Cal/Medi-Care eligible
Mt. Diablo Center Adult Day Health Care
Choice in Aging – ADHC programs include individualized therapeutic, social and health services provided by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, therapists and other professionals who are experts in geriatric care. These services help frail or vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities to maintain their health and social contacts, access nursing, occupational, speech therapy, get exercise, prevent falls and slow the deterioration of cognitive functioning by providing a sense of joy and belonging. With their loved ones being safely care for at the center for part of the day, it also provides essential respite for caregivers. https://choiceinaging.org/about-our-programs/#day-programs Multiple insurances accepted, private pay, scholarships available Contra Costa County resident Open to all Contra Costa residents but serve primarily Central, South, and West Contra Costa
The Bedford Center Adult Day Health Care
Choice in Aging – ADHC programs include individualized therapeutic, social and health services provided by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, therapists and other professionals who are experts in geriatric care. These services help frail or vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities to maintain their health and social contacts, access nursing, occupational, speech therapy, get exercise, prevent falls and slow the deterioration of cognitive functioning by providing a sense of joy and belonging. With their loved ones being safely care for at the center for part of the day, it also provides essential respite for caregivers. https://choiceinaging.org/about-our-programs/#day-programs
Multiple insurances accepted, private pay, scholarships available Contra Costa County resident. Open to all Contra Costa residents but serve primarily East Contra Costa
Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (Pleasant Hill/Antioch)
Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC) are award-winning programs geared to those with mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well as their caregivers. Our multidisciplinary care teams include nurses, social workers, therapists and psychological services providers who are trained to address the unique needs of those experiencing cognitive disorders. https://choiceinaging.org/about-our-programs/#alzheimers
Multiple insurances accepted, private pay, scholarships available Contra Costa County resident
Caregiver Support Caregiver Support and Education
In addition to providing respite care, we are proud to present free monthly support groups for caregivers and their families. The meetings help caregivers navigate a life-changing diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, develop coping skills, learn about legal and financial issues, get professional advice and learn about stress reduction, working with doctors, identifying resources, and more. The groups strive to answer tough questions with a focus on learning, sharing, planning, and invariably, laughing.
Website https://choiceinaging.org/about-our-programs/#caregiver-support
Flyer https://choiceinaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Alzheimers-Support-Group-Flyer-MDC.pdf
Brochure https://choiceinaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Caregiver-Support-Group-Bedford.pdf
No cost Contra Costa County residents
PACE ( Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly)
Center for Elders’ Independence CEI is a provider of health care and social services designed exclusively for older adults who need extra support to live at home. www.elders.org
Cost: Free and fee-based. Available only to Residents of Contra Costa County who are over 55, have multiple health conditions, and qualify for Medi-Cal.
Friendly Visitors – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Volunteers are screened and matched to isolated, home-bound seniors in need of social contact. Visitors may assist with letter-writing, limited personal shopping, library services and outings. Volunteers are also trained to conduct safety assessments and make referrals for various appropriate services.
Friendship Line
The Institute on Aging provides a 24-hour toll free Friendship Line for individuals older adults aged 60 years and older, as well as adults living with disabilities. The Friendship Line offers crisis intervention in addition to a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls.
Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line 800.971.0016
Neighbor to Neighbor Campaign
The state of California created a statewide hotline in coordination with local nonprofit 211 systems, so that Californians have a one-stop shop to answer their questions and get assistance during this crisis. Californian volunteers have also launched their Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign, which calls on neighbors to support the most vulnerable residents in California.
Neighbor to Neighbor Check Ins 833.544.2374
Senior Peer Counseling, Latino Peer Counseling
Senior Peer Counseling is dedicated to providing individual counseling to offer emotional support through life’s problems and challenges. Free and confidential help with loneliness, depression, stress/anxiety, grief and loss, changes in health status, family problems, financial problems, and downsizing. Available to people 55+ who live in Contra Costa County.
Senior Peer Counseling http://cchealth.org/volunteer/senior-counselor.php | Phone: 925.521.5653
Nutrition
CalFresh Healthy Living (SNAP-ED)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides ongoing wellness classes at two low-income senior centers and teaches nutrition classes at several county locations through the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region.
Home Delivered Meals
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region – Free home delivered meals for adults 60 and older who are unable to get out to get their own food or who struggle to prepare their own food. Different food types are available – Breakfast, traditional American fare, and Latin-American-inspired Cuisine. https://www.mowdiabloregion.org
https://www.mowdiabloregion.org/home-delivered-meals Cost: Free. Open to All Contra Costa residents
Home Delivered Groceries
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region – Home Delivered Groceries for low-income seniors (55+). Groceries are delivered twice a month to seniors who are unable to go to a Food Bank distribution site https://www.mowdiabloregion.org
https://www.mowdiabloregion.org/grocery-bags Cost: Free. Open to All Contra Costa residents; must be under 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit
Meals
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region – Cafes are hosted at various locations throughout Contra Costa. Seniors 60 years and older can come share lunch, socialize with peers, and engage in activities. https://www.mowdiabloregion.org https://www.mowdiabloregion.org/cafes Cost: Free. Open to All Contra Costa residents
Cafe Costa – The Senior Nutrition Program provides nutritious daily meals at eighteen Café Costa sites throughout Contra Costa County for adults 60 years of age and older. This Congregate Meals Program operates in East, West and Central Contra Costa County.
Café Costa
J-Sei – J-Sei’s friendly offers Japanese Home Delivered Meals to eligible older adults who are 60 years of age and above. Meals are also delivered to adults who are recovering from an injury or illness and have a short-term need for meal delivery service.
J-Sei Senior Nutrition https://j-sei.org/seniorservices/nutrition
Contra Costa County Food Resources – To view additional food resources in Contra Costa County, click and download the PDF using the line: Contra Costa County Food Resources
Volunteer and Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers are always welcome at nonprofit organizations. Use the following links to see how you can help:
- Choice in Aging
- Empowered Aging
- Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Represent Elders
Your voice is needed! You can really help the older adults in your community by serving on Contra Costa County’s Advisory Council on Aging, either as a city representative or member-at-large. You can also serve on the ACOA Health Workgroup or Nutrition Workgroup.
Got a resource to share? Use this form to send us information for a resource (website, poster, etc. from a local non-profit or government agency).
Disclaimer: This website is meant to be a useful starting point and is not an endorsement for the services listed. The site is not affiliated with ACOA, EHSD, or any other organization.