Saratoga Adult Care Center funding
The Saratoga Adult Care Center serves seniors with physical and cognitive limitations living in Saratoga, Los Gatos, and San Jose, offering social activities, lunch, and assistance with daily tasks, including self-care and hygiene. The adult day care model is a cost-effective alternative to home-based or institutional care. Supervisor Simitian coordinated a funding package with the city of Saratoga that kept the center open and providing services on a needs-based sliding scale.
County supports West Valley services
On a motion from County Supervisor Simitian, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved as part of the County’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan for use of federal funds to continue support for projects and programs aimed at adults, older adults, and families who have lower incomes in the West Valley.
Supervisors assess need for older adult caregiving
As the County’s population continues to age, a referral from County Supervisor Simitian directed administration to conduct a study to assess the current state of older adult caregiving needs and capacity in Santa Clara County. The study will identify who needs caregiving and what services are needed; who is currently providing caregiving services; and what gaps and barriers are preventing people from both accessing those services and providing them.
Los Gatos-Saratoga Adult Recreation Center wins support for senior upgrades
As part of the County’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, the Board of Supervisors approved a grant for the Town of Los Gatos to help upgrade senior-serving facilities. The funds will be used for ADA-related improvements to the Los Gatos-Saratoga Adult Recreation Center. The center houses the 55 Plus Program that provides a suite of services to older adults such as continuing education opportunities, health services and nutrition referrals, counseling, and volunteer and socialization opportunities.
“Mature Workers” return to workforce webinar
In late January of 2022, Supervisor Simitian, along with NOVAworks and Peninsula Family Service, hosted a webinar entitled “Mature Workers: Vital to Today's Diverse Labor Force”. The event showcased how mature workers, those over the age of 50, have relevant experience and abilities they can bring to today's workforce. Peninsula Family Service and NOVAworks were on the panel and discussed how their programs can help mature workers get ready for reentry into the workforce. An alumnus of their programs was also on the panel to discuss how the program benefitted them.
Nurse Navigator at Avenidas
Supervisor Simitian championed funding for a Nurse Navigator position to connect low income seniors with adult day health services at the Avenidas Rose Kleiner Center in Mountain View. The nurse provides case management and serves as a liaison to local health plans and the wider medical community.
Avenidas kitchen
As part of a major renovation and expansion of Avenidas Senior Center in Palo Alto, Supervisor Simitian successfully advocated for matching funds to upgrade the center's inadequate kitchen, improving opportunities to keep seniors socially engaged through activities such as cooking classes or enjoying a nutritious meal with friends.
Avenidas Rainbow Collective
Supervisor Simitian partnered with Avenidas to develop the Avenidas Rainbow Collective, a program designed to engage LGBTQ seniors with socialization opportunities while providing access to case management, caregiver support, and transportation. The Board of Supervisors, led by Supervisor Simitian's efforts, approved an additional $75,000 to extend the program.
RYDE: On-Demand transportation for seniors in West Valley
Too many seniors in Saratoga, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Campbell, and Monte Sereno were stuck in their homes and couldn’t make their way to see family, friends, or get to a doctor’s appointment. To help solve that problem Supervisor Simitian proposed RYDE (Reach Your Destination Easily) offering residents in those five West Valley communities an affordable ride using needs-based sliding scale pricing. Through a joint agreement between the County, VTA, and the five participating cities. Local non-profits host the program, keeping costs low by using both volunteers and commercial driving services.
Senior meals
Supervisor Simitian led the board in approving an agreement with The Health Trust, to implement an enhanced Meals on Wheels program for homebound and isolated seniors. In addition to food delivery, “Friends from Meals on Wheels” services includes home visits, telephone calls, individualized exercise classes, and chore help.