Adult Protective Services (APS)

Provides activities, resources, and support by social services staff, to prevent or remedy danger to dependent adults and seniors who are unable to protect their own interests. Services are provided only upon permission of the client.

Types of abuse include:

Physical, financial, mental suffering, fear, neglect by caretakers, self-neglect, abandonment, mental incompetence, lack of necessary food, clothing, shelter; inability to take advantage of benefits due to them.

APS Staff work with law enforcement, Mental Health, and many other agencies and resources throughout this County.

Family Caregiver Support Program

Today, more and more people are facing the responsibility of caring for aging parents, adult relatives, or close friends.  It is a common misconception that most of the elderly who need care are in nursing homes.  More than 7 million spouses, adult children, other relatives, and friends are currently providing unpaid help to disabled older adults. 

If you’re one of them, you know that caring for an older loved one can be very rewarding.  It can also be very stressful; sometimes resulting in emotional burn out, physical exhaustion and financial burden.

WE CAN HELP.

The Family Caregiver Program can assist eligible caregivers in the following ways:  Case Management Services, Caregiver Training, Respite Care, Information on Access to Resources, Minor Home Repair, Legal Services, Heavy Cleaning, and other supportive services.

Home Delivered Meals - (AKA Meals-On-Wheels)

Provides a 1/3 daily allowance of nutritional-need meal Monday-Friday in the client's home. All menus are reviewed by 2 nutritionists to ensure compliance with Federal Guidelines. Meals are designed to be low fat, low salt, and low sugar.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

In-Home Supportive Services provides assistance to those individuals who are unable to remain safely in their own homes without assistance.

Services offered through the In-Home Supportive Services program are: domestic services, meal preparation, and non-medical personal services. (The amount of help a person receives depends upon the social worker's evaluation with the aid of a Doctor's report).

Linkages

Provides case management for clients who are functionally impaired. A bio-psycho-social assessment is performed, at which time the barriers to remaining in a community setting are identified. Following a staffing with program staff, a comprehensive plan of care is developed in conjunction with the client/family/ significant other(s). Emphasis is to link clients with the existing services, and organize informal support networks though some small purchases of services.  Contact is made by phone at least monthly with at least quarterly face to face home visits. Plans of care are updated at these times to reflect the client's current situation and needs. Annual reassessments facilitate appraisal of continuing and changing needs.

Medication Management

Provides medication screening and education for individuals and caregivers to prevent incorrect medication and adverse drug interactions.  Services include In-Home Pharmacy Consultation, repacking of medications, pre-filled bubble packs, electronic alarm and voice reminders, and automated medication dispensers.

Ombudsman

Advocates for the quality of life and care for residents in Skilled Nursing Facilities, Residential Care Facilities (Board and Care), Assisted Living, and Adult Day Health Care Centers. Utilizing the service of volunteers, the program regularly monitors facilities, mediates conflict between facilities and family /resident, and investigates complaints ranging from lost personal items to elder abuse. Ombudsmen also serve as witnesses to the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care for residents in Skilled Nursing settings.

Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Recruits and matches 55+ individuals with volunteer positions throughout San Joaquin County. Currently volunteers serve in a wide variety of areas, from law enforcement Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors (STARS) to tutoring.

Senior Employment

A participant centered program, designed to provide and promote useful work experience opportunities for economically disadvantaged persons. Services provided facilitate the transition of job ready participants into unsubsidized employment in the public and private sectors of business and industry. Participants experience individualized skill assessment; brush-up course for basic skills training; job participation; job search.

Special Respite

With the authorization of Case Management Staff, provides respite for caregivers of functionally impaired adults. Services are purchased from an outside agency, and may be provided in Adult Social Day Care, out of home placement, or by an in-home provider. Purchases are limited to a maximum of $450 per fiscal year. While no formal case management or assessment is provided, the Case Manager discusses the overall situation with the caregiver. As a result, additional referrals and recommendations are frequently made.

Senior Information and Assistance

Provides seniors with current information on opportunities and services available within the community. Telephone assessment is completed to identify the problems and capabilities of the senior. Subsequently, they are linked with services as available to meet their needs. Follow-up telephone calls are utilized to ensure that the needed services have been received.

Provides screening and intake applications for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), Linkages, Family Caregiver Support Program, and Special Respite – and – Information and Referral to Aging Contract Services, and other community organizations and outside agencies.

Coordinates and compiles information for, and distributes, the SJC Aging and Community Services Resource Directory of Services.