NEWS
Become a HICAP Volunteer!
Are you passionate about helping others? Do you want to make a real impact in the lives of seniors navigating Medicare? Join HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) as a volunteer and become a trusted resource for those in need!
Lunar New Year in OC
The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and Orange County has a fantastic lineup of events to help you celebrate! There's something for everyone, from vibrant festivals to cultural parades and lantern displays. Here’s your guide to the top Lunar New Year activities happening in the community.
Valentine’s Day Card Drive for Long-Term Care Residents
Make a difference this Valentine’s Day! Join our Valentine’s Day Card Drive to bring joy and connection to isolated seniors in long-term care facilities. Together, we can reach our goal of creating and delivering 4,000 heartfelt Valentine’s cards—your support can help brighten their day and remind them they are loved!
Wildfire Recovery Resources for Southern California Residents
The recent wildfires have profoundly impacted our communities, and the Council on Aging – Southern California stands in solidarity with those affected. Our deepest condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones, homes, and cherished belongings. To support recovery efforts, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of resources to help Southern Californians rebuild their lives and find assistance during this challenging time.
6 Tips for Managing the Holiday Blues
While it’s important to acknowledge and address feelings associated with the holiday blues, proactive steps can also be taken to promote mental health during the holiday season.
2024 Impact Award Honoree Behr Cares
During 'An Evening of Comedy,' an Impact Award is presented to a company, organization, or individual for their exceptional community service. The 2024 Impact Award will honor Behr Paint Company for their corporate philanthropy program, Behr Cares, and steadfast support of our SmileMakers Program over the years.
Alternative Mental Health Care
The ReConnect EISOA program strives to incorporate the whole person approach to deliver integrative mental health services to older adults in Orange County. The program employs holistic strategies alongside traditional therapeutic and psychiatry interventions to improve the overall wellbeing of participants.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Ends March 31
Did you know that if you’re unhappy with your Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), you have options? Each year, there’s a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31.
New COVID-19 Medicare Related Enrollment Flexibility
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking further action to ensure beneficiaries have access to the critical healthcare coverage they need in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services During COVID-19
In this difficult time, the Council on Aging - Southern California’s Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are available to advocate for residents in several ways. Ombudsmen resolve complaints, protect rights, and promote access to services for residents before, during and after emergencies such as COVID-19. They are making regular check-in calls to facilities asking a variety of questions.
Telehealth and COVID-19
Telehealth — or telemedicine, as it’s also known —refers to the exchange of medical information from one site to another through electronic communication to improve a patient's health. It covers a broad range of services via video, telephone or email.
Cyber Criminals and COVID-19
Cybercrime has skyrocketed during the COVID19 pandemic, so use extra caution when opening and responding to calls or emails.
The Benefits of Pets During COVID-19
Orange County animal shelters and pet stores are closed but still finding ways to maintain their adoption programs along with asking the public to foster.
Does Medicare Cover COVID-19?
Medicare is responsible for developing and enforcing the essential health and safety requirements that health care providers must meet, including taking additional steps in response to the Coronavirus.
Coping with Coronavirus COVID-19
During the COVID-19 crisis, we are faced with disruption in our lives, including disappointments, uncertainty, financial worries, concern for our health and our loved ones. This can impact individuals of all ages, particularly isolated older adults.
Volunteering During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When considering volunteering opportunities, look for those that hold meaning for you. The “Better Together” motto emphasizes joining a group of like-minded individuals in support of a common goal, facilitating community health and well-being.
Orange County Meals on Wheels Providers
The impact of the COVID-19 virus has been unprecedented within our country and our economy. Our vulnerable older adults are among the most impacted. This has generated a multitude of challenges in the way Meals on Wheels Orange County and Agewell Senior Services deliver programs, especially as an unprecedented number of service requests pour in.
Creating Connections During Covid-19
While setting up a new virtual schedule to stay active and connected can be overwhelming, you are not alone. During this unprecedented time, we have created a portfolio of virtual activities that you can join from the comfort of your home at various times during the week.
Geriatric Care Management During a Crisis
If you are overwhelmed with decisions surrounding the health and safety of a loved one, consider advice from a Geriatric Registered Nurse (RN) Care Manager.
The Role of Ombudsmen for LTC Residents during COVID-19
In the wake of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the Ombudsman Program remains committed to the well-being of residents in long-term care facilities.
COVID-19: Anatomy of a Scam
Most commonly the COVID-19 scam anatomy includes what appear to be legitimate offers in this strange reality in which we currently find ourselves: promises of a cure or access to limited testing or other medical resources, up to date tracking tools to keep you informed of COVID-19’s progress, and special offers to defer payments on everything from taxes to utility bills.
Medicare and Coronavirus
Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), CMS is letting you know the steps they are taking to help Medicare beneficiaries cope with the pandemic.
COVID-19 Scam Prevention
Scammers are working overtime during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. Learn how to identify scams and protect yourself from fraud.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES
Following the CDC’s recent COVID-19 recommendations for older adults, Council on Aging - Southern California is suspending all upcoming in-person appointments, walk-in clinics, classes and events.
Preserving Dignity – A Giving Day for Older Adults in Need
Council on Aging – Southern California has partnered with the Orange County Community Foundation and four fellow nonprofits on July 17 to host the second annual Preserving Dignity, a Giving Day for OC’s older adults in need. Preserving Dignity is a 24-hour online fundraising effort that aims to raise $75,000.