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Making a Difference

There are numerous organizations which support seniors and their families tirelessly, and are making a difference.  Our goal is to continually add to the list of resources that we’ve found helpful to others.  We hope you do too, as you navigate your family needs For Life’s Next Phase. Should you know of an organization not listed please contact us so it can be included.

Nutrition for the Elderly – Meals on Wheels

“The mission of Meals on Wheels is to maintain health and wellness safety nets for aging residents in our community. The services we provide are structured to assist seniors to live at home in safety, comfort, and with dignity for as long as possible.” Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals to persons over 60 who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves. Meals are delivered each weekday Monday through Friday by volunteers.

  • Visit here, www.mowsos.org for more information on the senior outreach services within Contra Costa County.

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Your Way – A Guide to Help You Stay in Charge of Decisions About Your Medical Care

A Non-profit education and counseling center for older adults and families.

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Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley

“Our mission is to provide service and assistance to seniors that will foster independence, promote safety and well-being, preserve dignity and improve quality of life.”

Programs were started in 1981, and since then has grown to include numerous others.

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Envision a World Without Alzheimer’s

Find educational information about Alzheimer basics, diagnosis, treatments, and much more.

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Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program

Free Medicare counseling is available to help with:

  • Medicare Benefits
  • Medicare Supplements
  • HMOs
  • Nursing Home Insurance

In Contra Costa County you can call these numbers for counseling locations:

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    An Elderly Wish Foundation

    “It is our mission to enrich the final days of the terminally ill elderly by making a life-long wish come true.”

    The Elderly Wish Foundation was founded in 1998 because there were many organizations that supported the dreams and accomplishments of various ages, but the least validated were the elderly. Since that time they have helped many “Make final wishes come true”.

  • For more information on how you can donate or become a recipient of a “final wish”you can visit www.elderlywish.org

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    Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging

    The foundation provides services to aging persons who are at risk because they are alone, isolated, pressured by financial problems, or are confused.

    Their mission “is to provide that support as your professional relative, enabling you to live with optimal independence and freedom.  Whatever they might be, DVFA has the solutions to keep you or the one you love living in comfort.”

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    The Voice of Private Duty Homecare

    Anyone who has looked into private home care for a loved one knows that the choices can be tough.  The National Private Duty Association may be a resource to assist with the process by helping you find trusted and reliable home care in your area.

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Communicate Your Way

The Deaf & Disabled Telecommunications Program has information to make communicating easier.

They offer a phone with these features:

  • Make your Callers Voice Louder
  • Dial Using Large or Talking Buttons
  • Call With Memory Dialing Picture Buttons
  • Read Conversation in Text
  • There are other services offered as well.
  • Please note – these are fee paid services.
  • Visit: www.ddtp.org

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    The National Council on Aging (NCOA)

    Improving the lives of Older Americans by providing information from income support, employment programs, foreclosure mitigation, debt management, legal aid, reverse mortgages, and other services they might be eligible for.

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    Empowering Seniors to Prevent Health Care Fraud

    Having a reputation for being watchdogs to prevent fraud, SMP is always looking for more volunteers. Take a look at recent scam alerts, and how you can report a potential fraud.

  • Visit: www.smpresource.com

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    User friendly search engine designed for “older eyes”

    Think large fonts and large search box, making it easier to view on-line

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COPD International

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), also known as Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD). This site has been organized and staffed by individuals with COPD, caregivers and other individuals interested in COPD. It’s primary purpose is to provide a resource for all through interactive support and education.

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National Stroke Association

Know the symptoms of a stroke and find a stroke center and other resources near you.

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American Cancer Association

Learn about cancer and staying healthy.  Also, find support and treatment centers near you.

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National Parkinson’s Foundation

Parkinson’s disease is one of a larger group of neurological conditions called motor system disorders.  Arm yourself with the most comprehensive information available.

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Safeway Grocery Stores

Did you know you can save time and money by having your groceries delivered to you?  Order online, set up your delivery time, and they’ll bring everything right to your door.  An especially great service for those who are home bound.

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Asbestos, Mesothelioma, and Other Cancers

A recent statistic showed that 85% of all mesothelioma cancer cases occur in senior citizens.   Here’s a link to get more information on asbestos, mesothelioma, and other cancers that are caused by asbestos exposure (lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc.)

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Caregiving Support

Caregiving Fact: A full two-thirds of working caregivers providing assistance to a family member or friend aged 65+ decreased their work hours or took unpaid leave in order to meet their caregiving duties.  If you are in this situation , get help locating government, nonprofit, and private caregiver support.

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The MetLife Mature Market Institute

This site has a plethora of information pertaining to aging -related legal matters, health care planning and making financial decisions.

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Compassionate Allowances

Social Security has added 38 new allowed compassionate conditions (for a total of 88).  Seniors with any of these conditions will qualify to have their disability claim expedited, many within days.  To see the full list and if you qualify -

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