Institute On Aging

THE MISSION OF THE INSTITUTE ON AGING IS TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ADULTS AS THEY AGE BY ENABLING THEM TO MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH, WELL BEING, INDEPENDENCE AND PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY.

COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAMS - SEE DESCRIPTION ON SCHEDULE O COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAMS - INCLUDE LINKAGES, A CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM,PROVIDING ASSESSMENT AND COORDINATION OF SERVICES FOR DISABLED ADULTS AGE 18 OR OLDER WHO LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO AND NEED ASSISTANCE WITH SOME TASKS OF DAILY LIVING. SHORT-TERM HELP MIGHT INCLUDE INSTALLING GRAB BARS, SHOPPING ASSISTANCE, OR INTERVENING IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. FUNDED IN PART BY THE SAN FRANCISCO DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES, LINKAGES SEEKS TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO NEEDED SERVICES TO ENABLE A PERSON TO CONTINUE LIVING INDEPENDENTLY.THROUGH THE LINKAGES PROGRAM, A SOCIAL WORKER VISITS A CLIENT AT HOME AND WORKS WITH THE CLIENT TO DETERMINE WHAT SERVICES MIGHT BE HELPFUL. WITH THIS INFORMATION, A CARE PLAN IS DEVELOPED AND APPROPRIATE SERVICES ARE ARRANGED. THE SOCIAL WORKER CONTINUES TO STAY IN CLOSE TOUCH, WORKING WITH THE CLIENT TO ADJUST THE CARE PLAN AS NECESSARY.LINKAGES CAN ARRANGE A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES, INCLUDING:-TRANSPORTATION-HOME SAFETY MODIFICATIONS-MEDICAL CARE-HOUSEKEEPING-LEGAL ASSISTANCE-SENIOR COMPANION-HOME-DELIVERED MEALS-MONEY MANAGEMENT-DAY ACTIVITY PROGRAMS-COUNSELING-GOVERNMENT BENEFITS LINKAGES IS AVAILABLE TO ALL DISABLED SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS, 18 AND OLDER, WITH CARE MANAGEMENT NEEDS, IN ADDITION TO DIFFICULTY WITH ONE ACTIVITY OF DAILY LIVING (ADL) OR TWO INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (IADL). THERE IS NO INCOME REQUIREMENT FOR RECEIVING THIS SERVICE. THE AVERAGE CASE LOAD FOR THE LINKAGES PROGRAM IN 2020-21 WAS 152 CLIENTS; THE NUMBER OF UNDUPLICATED CLIENTS WAS 153.COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAMS ALSO INCLUDE THE COMMUNITY LIVING FUND (CLF), A PROGRAM THAT ASSISTS WITH THE TRANSITION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED INCOMES WHO HAVE SPENT YEARS LIVING IN HOSPITALS OR CARE FACILITIES AND WHO WISH TO RETURN TO LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY. CLF ALSO PROVIDES SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE AT IMMINENT RISK OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION. ALTHOUGH PATIENTS MAY WISH TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY, AND HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE THAT CHOICE, THE TRANSITION FROM INSTITUTIONALIZED CARE TO INDEPENDENT LIVING CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT. PATIENTS FACE ORDINARY LIFE TASKS SUCH AS MEAL PREPARATION, BILL PAYING AND ORGANIZING MEDICAL CARE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS. TO MAKE THIS TRANSITION SAFE AND POSSIBLE, CLF PROVIDES SERVICES FROM TRAINED PROFESSIONAL NURSES AND SOCIAL WORKERS. SOCIAL WORKERS AND NURSES PROVIDE SERVICE COORDINATION AND, WHEN NECESSARY, PURCHASE ITEMS AND/OR SERVICES NEEDED BY AN INDIVIDUAL TO ENABLE INDEPENDENT LIVING.

ALL-INCLUSIVE MEDICAL CARE (PACE) - SEE DESCRIPTION ON SCHEDULE O ALL-INCLUSIVE MEDICAL CARE (PACE) - IOA OFFERS ON LOK'S PROGRAM OF ALL INCLUSIVE CARE FOR ELDERLY (PACE) ADULTS OVER 55. THIS IS A CUSTOM CARE PLAN DESIGNED FOR EACH PERSON BASED ON THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS. INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:-PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, SPEECH, AND RECREATIONAL THERAPIES-HOME HEALTH CARE AND PERSONAL CARE-NUTRITION SERVICES AND HOME DELIVERED MEALS WHEN NEEDED-TRANSPORTATION AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORT-SOCIAL SERVICES-PRIMARY MEDICAL AND SPECIALTY CARE AS NEEDED (SUCH AS CARDIOLOGY, NEUROLOGY)-ROUTINE PREVENTATIVE CARE SUCH AS AUDIOLOGY, DENTISTRY, OPTOMETRY, AND PODIATRY-NURSING CARE AND MONITORING-ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS-ACUTE HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME CAREIOA'S PROFESSIONAL STAFF INCLUDE PHYSICIANS, DENTISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS. THIS FULLY INTEGRATED, ALL-INCLUSIVE PROGRAM ENABLES PEOPLE TO HAVE MANY SERVICES UNDER ONE UMBRELLA. IN ADDITION TO MEDICAL CARE, INDIVIDUALS ENGAGE IN VARIOUS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, EXERCISE AND RECEIVE NUTRITIOUS MEALS WHILE ONSITE.

HOME CARE - SEE DESCRIPTION ON SCHEDULE OHOME CARE - FOR ITS CLIENTS TO LIVE COMFORTABLY IN THEIR OWN HOMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH ILLNESS, INJURY, RECENT DISABILITY OR CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS, IOA OFFERS WORKABLE ALTERNATIVES TO PLACEMENT IN AN ASSISTED LIVING OR SKILLED NURSING FACILITY. LIFE CHALLENGES CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME AND ANY AGE. IOA ASSISTS ADULTS, YOUNG AND OLDER, WITH DIFFICULTIES THAT COME WITH TRAUMATIC INJURY AND UNEXPECTED DISABILITY. WE SPECIALIZE IN TRANSITIONING INDIVIDUALS FROM HOSPITAL SETTINGS INTO SHORT/LONG-TERM INTENSIVE CARE COORDINATION AT HOME. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NECESSARY HOME MODIFICATIONS AND ASSISTANCE WITH ACCESSING DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT. SERVICES INCLUDE:-PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVERS (INSURED, LICENSED AND BONDED)-CARE COORDINATION-COORDINATION OF BENEFITS-DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S CARE-MEDICATION MANAGEMENT-MEMORY ASSESSMENTS-COUNSELING AND THERAPY-TRANSPORTATION, ERRANDS AND ESCORTED TRAVELIN 2020-21, IOA PROVIDED OVER 257,000 HOURS OF DIRECT, IN-HOME SERVICES TO SENIORS.MONEY MATTERS - MANAGING FINANCES CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR OLDER ADULTS. IOA OFFERS EXPERT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES THAT BEGIN WITH A NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND A COORDINATED PLAN ADDRESSING THE INDIVIDUAL'S COMPLETE FINANCIAL PICTURE. STAFF INCLUDES COURT-CERTIFIED/STATE-REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL FIDUCIARIES AND BOOKKEEPERS - ALL WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE MANAGING THE COMPLEX NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS. FINANCIAL SERVICES INCLUDE:-ORGANIZING MAIL AND DOCUMENTS-BOOKKEEPING AND BILL PAYING-RECONCILIATION OF BANK STATEMENTS-MANAGING CASH USED FOR DAILY PURCHASES-ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAL/INSURANCE CLAIMS-TAX MATTERS-DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCE-TRUSTEESHIP-COURT APPOINTED CONSERVATOR-EXECUTOR OF WILLS-ADMINISTRATOR OF ESTATESIOA WORKS CLOSELY WITH CLIENTS' EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT TEAMS, SUCH AS ATTORNEYS, FINANCIAL ADVISORS, BANKS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS AND ALL SERVICES ARE BONDED AND INSURED. MONEY DOES MATTER AND OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT, EXPERT ADVICE, PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES AND A GREATER PEACE OF MIND.

MULTIPURPOSE SENIOR SERVICES PROGRAM (MSSP) - IS A CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, SIMILAR TO LINKAGES, PROVIDING ASSESSMENT AND COORDINATION OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS WHO LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO, ARE 65 YEARS OR OLDER, AND HAVE MEDI-CAL COVERAGE. WHEN EVERYDAY TASKS SUCH AS COOKING DINNER, GETTING TO THE DOCTOR, OR MANAGING MONEY BECOME MORE DIFFICULT, MSSP IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE TO PROVIDE NEEDED SUPPORT, AND ENABLE PEOPLE TO CONTINUE LIVING IN THEIR OWN HOMES.THROUGH THE CARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES OF MSSP, A CARE MANAGER OR NURSE VISITS A CLIENT AT HOME TO DISCUSS HIS OR HER NEEDS AND THE SERVICES THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL. WITH THIS INFORMATION, A CARE PLAN IS DEVELOPED AND APPROPRIATE SERVICES ARE ARRANGED. THE CARE MANAGER CONTINUES TO STAY IN CLOSE TOUCH, WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE CLIENT TO ADJUST THE CARE PLAN AS NECESSARY.MSSP CAN PROVIDE OR ARRANGE FOR A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES, INCLUDING:-FULL ASSESSMENT AND CARE COORDINATION-PURCHASE OF NEEDED SERVICES AND MEDICAL DEVICES-TRANSPORTATION-MEDICAL CARE-HOMEMAKERS-HOME SAFETY MODIFICATIONS-LEGAL ASSISTANCE-SENIOR COMPANIONS-HOME-DELIVERED MEALS-MONEY MANAGEMENT-DAY ACTIVITY PROGRAMS-COUNSELING-GOVERNMENT BENEFITS-EMERGENCY HELP WITH PROBLEMS SUCH AS ABUSE OR EVICTION NOTICES SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH, RUSSIAN, SPANISH, CANTONESE, MANDARIN AND VIETNAMESE.MSSP IS AVAILABLE TO ALL SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS AGED 65 OR OLDER WHO ARE COVERED BY MEDI-CAL AND NEED ASSISTANCE WITH TWO OR MORE ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADL). MOST SERVICES ARE COVERED BY MEDI-CAL AND ARE FREE OF CHARGE TO THE INDIVIDUAL. MSSP IS FUNDED BY THE STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, ADMINISTERED THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING. DURING 2020-21, THE AVERAGE CASE LOAD FOR IOA'S MSSP PROGRAM WAS 436. OTHER PROGRAMS OF THE INSTITUTE ON AGING INCLUDE: ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION - OBJECTIVES OF IOA'S ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM ARE TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON ELDER ABUSE ISSUES, PROVIDE TRAINING AND EDUCATION TO SENIORS AND PROFESSIONALS, AND ADVOCATE FOR POLICIES AND SERVICES THAT INCREASE SAFETY FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS.COUNSELING AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT - EMOTIONAL SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL FOR ADULTS EXPERIENCING THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AGING. OLDER ADULTS OFTEN FACE A MULTITUDE OF CHANGES AND STRESSES, INCLUDING HEALTH CONCERNS, PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS, FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, AND LOSS OF LOVED ONES. SERVICES IN THIS AREA INCLUDE:-24/7 TELEPHONE CRISIS LINE-24/7 TELEPHONE SUPPORT LINE (FOR ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS, OFFERING A SOCIAL LINK)-MEMORY ASSESSMENTS-DEPRESSION SCREENINGS-HOME-BASED THERAPY-GRIEF SUPPORT SERVICESIOA'S EXPERTS SPECIALIZE IN PROVIDING COUNSELING AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES TAILORED TO FIT EACH PERSON'S UNIQUE NEEDS, DELIVERING CARING, CULTURALLY SENSITIVE SUPPORT WHERE IT IS MOST CONVENIENT-AT HOME, IN RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES OR IN OUR OFFICES. EDUCATION AND SUPPORT GROUPS - IOA OFFERS ONGOING TRAININGS FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT THE VARIED NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS. IOA PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD OF AGING, PRESENTING CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH AND CASE STUDIES RELATED TO MEETING THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS. WITH OUR CONSTANT PROGRAM EVALUATION PROCESS, IOA ADVANCES THE MOST CURRENT AND RELEVANT RESEARCH TO ENHANCE SENIOR CARE THROUGHOUT THE BAY AREA. IOA ARTS PROVIDES SPECIALIZED VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION, TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS. THIS IS A MULTI-GENERATIONAL PROGRAM DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH MANY SCHOOLS AND YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.HEALING THE MIND AND HEART ARE AS IMPORTANT AS HEALING THE BODY. MEETING WITH OTHERS IN A GROUP SETTING CAN HELP AN INDIVIDUAL THROUGH TIMES OF GREAT LOSS, TRAUMA, DISORIENTATION, AND CHANGE. UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL, SUPPORT GROUPS OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE EXPERIENCES IN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. IOA ALSO PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO AND MULTIPLE PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY'S ABILITY TO PROTECT SENIORS AND ADDRESS INCIDENTS OF ELDER ABUSE. OUR SUPPORT GROUPS INCLUDE:-DEPRESSION AND DEMENTIA-EARLY STAGE ALZHEIMER'S-LOSS AND BEREAVEMENT-LGBT DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS-ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION-SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY FOR VICTIMS OF ELDER ABUSEADULT DAY CENTERS - MEMORY LOSS AND CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS CAN CREATE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES TO OUTSIDE INTERACTION. IOA OFFERS TWO ADULT DAY CLUB SITES TO HELP SENIORS CONNECT WITH OTHERS AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF SOCIALIZATION AND PARTICIPATION. IOA DAY CLUBS OFFER FUN, ENGAGING PROGRAMS SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH MILD TO SEVERE MEMORY LOSS. MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENJOY A VARIETY OF STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES THAT PROVIDE MENTAL STIMULATION AND PROMOTE PHYSICAL HEALTH AND PERSONAL SUCCESSES IN A FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:-INDIVIDUALIZED CARE PLANS-CREATIVE ACTIVITIES ENCOURAGING INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSION-INTELLECTUAL STIMULATION-DAILY GROUP EXERCISES-HOME-STYLE MEALS MADE WITH FRESH INGREDIENTS, PLUS SNACKS-DROP-IN DAY CARE-FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES OFFERING ATTENDANCE FROM TWO TO FIVE DAYS PER WEEK-A LA CARTE SERVICES SUCH AS EXTENDED HOURS, ADDITIONAL PERSONAL CARE AND HOME SAFETY ASSESSMENTS-DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE FACILITYCLUBS PROVIDE A SAFE, COMPASSIONATE PLACE FOR ADULTS TO SPEND A FEW HOURS (OR DAYS) A WEEK OUTSIDE THE HOME. THE CLUBS ALSO OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOVED ONES TO CONTINUE THEIR DAILY ROUTINES, INCLUDING MAINTAINING A CAREER AND BALANCING CARE WITH PERSONAL TIME.