By VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
The older population in San Diego County is expanding quickly, becoming increasingly diverse, and representing a larger portion of the community. With such expansion comes specific needs, plans, and guidelines initiated by the county in order to support healthy living and opportunity for elders.
The Aging Road Map seeks to provide a regional framework to accomplish just that. Established in 2019, the roadmap focuses on ten priority areas along the spectrum of care offered by the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Aging & Independence Services (AIS), and community collaborations.
The Aging Roadmap, found at https://www.livewellsd.org/i-want-to/learn-more/aging/aging-roadmap, is updated yearly using feedback from community members, surveys and those who work with or serve the aging population.
Here are some highlights of the work being done:
- In-Home Supportive Services: Provides help with personal care and household chores for older adults and adults and children living with disabilities expanded by 9 percent and is utilized by 42,000 older adults.
- The Tech2Connect program: Offers participants tablets with internet connection and training on how to use the technology. Helped more than 600 participants
- Increasing access to social opportunities for older adults: The Counties Aging & Independence Services (AIS) worked with County Parks and Recreation to host intergenerational activities like pickleball, cooking classes and holiday festivals for more than 1,350 people.
- No-Cost Transportation Program: Provided more than 20,500 free transportation trips for older adults
- Caregiver Support Program: Helps people who care for a family member or loved one. Provided 466 training workshops to teach family caregivers new skills.
- Adult Protective Services: Conducted 20,000 investigations into elder abuse and adults with disabilities
- Dignity at Home Fall Prevention Program: Gave out more than 320 fall prevention kits with home safety items.
To learn more about each of these programs or how to get your loved one assistance feel free to dial the county’s Aging and Independent Services Call Center: 1-800-339-4661
