NEWS
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.
Valentine’s Day Card Project for Long-Term Care Residents
Please join us in our Valentine’s Day card project to make an impact on isolated seniors in long-term care facilities. With your help, we can achieve our goal to create and deliver 4,000 Valentine's Day cards!
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.
No Age Limits – A College Student’s Perspective
In our youth-oriented society, Aging as Art serves as a unique and meaningful way to give a voice to older adults who fall into the shadows or may feel overlooked. This exhibit sheds a light on the diverse aging experiences of seniors; it asks the audience to take a moment to appreciate the elders in our community, consider their experiences, and value their perspectives.
Gratitude is Contagious – A Holiday Food Box
Food insecurity and hunger are a harsh reality for many struggling seniors in Orange County. While many people are able to celebrate and enjoy all that they have to be thankful for during the holidays, it's also an important time to remember to give to those in need.
COASC Announces 2019 “Aging As Art” Photography Contest
The Aging As Art Photography Contest is now open. Submit your photos for a chance to win our Grand Prize of $500. Winners will be displayed at Bowers Museum and the Newport Beach Library during the summer of 2019.
Bringing Joy to Others
The impact of the SmileMakers Project is heartwarming for everyone involved. We receive precious handwritten thank you letters filled with joy from these seniors for their sole holiday remembrance.