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Department of Aging and Adult Services

MISSION

Empowering seniors and adults through partnerships by working jointly with all senior and adult clients, service providers, and the community to improve and maintain quality living for all seniors and adults.

The Deparment of Aging and Adult Services is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the County of San Bernardino and is responsible for administering all funds under Title III of the Older Americans Act. Services are provided both directly and by contracting with other agencies. The Department also administers the countywide Adult Protective Services Program and the In Home Supportive Services program through eight Adult Services offices.

DASS is also the lead agency for developing a Community Based System of Care (CBSC) and is charged with the responsibility of initiating formal agreements with other county, state, and federal agencies which will lead to the development of an integrated intake process thus enabling the elderly and dependent adults easy access to all levels of care.

IN HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

The goal of the IHSS Program is to maintain individuals in their own homes with services aimed at health, safety, and an acceptable level of cleanliness. Services perfomred by the homemaker are to augment what the clients are able to do for themselves and may include essential housekeeping tasks, meal preparation and clean-up, non-medical personal care such as bathing, ambulation, grocery shopping, laundry, protective supervision, and, under a physicina's supervision, paramedical services. Field offices are located conveniently through out the county. For the one nearest you, call the DAAS Administration office at (909) 891-3900.

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

The Adult Protective Services program provides the full range of service and activities necessary to prevent or remedy situations in which vulnerable adults are endangered because of explotation, neglect or incapacity, or in which adults are endangered or abused by the treatment of others. It serves clients who are identified as being subject to social or legal disability and/or subject to explotation jeopardizing their present or future health, well being, opportunity for normal development, or capacity for independence. Access to services is now available 24-hours 7-days a week through our toll free number 1-877-565-2020.

SENIOR INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

The program provides information and assistance to help a senior citizen solve any problem he or she may have. Clients are provided referrals to other agencies and assistance and advocacy in making contact with organizations and agencies for needed services and programs. Follow up and evaluation are provided to insure the client is receiving the needed services. Field offices are located conveniently throughout the county. For the one nearest you, call our toll free number at 1-800-510-2020, or our main office at: 1-909-891-3900. .

SENIOR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The Senior Employment Program operates a Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and an informal job referral services.

The program places eligible participants (age 55 or older and low income) in minimum wage training positions. The program's goal is to place the participant into unsubsidized employment.

SENIOR HOME AND HEALTH CARE

Senior Home and Health Care is a Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) designed to provide social/health care case management to prevent or delay long-term insitutional care of the frail elderly. It is limited to servicing Medi-Cal eligible persons "without a share of costs" who are 65 years of age or older and who are certified or certifiable for placement in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or intermediate care facility (ICF). The program is designed to provide cost effective, community based care as an alternative to long-term institutional care.

LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

The program makes use of the fully trained, certified volunteers working with all out of home care facilities. The Ombudsman visit nursing homes and board and care facilities regularly to insure residents know about their services. The program also provides complaint resolution for residents in nursing homes who may be experiencing abuse and/or neglect. Additionally, the Ombudsman help with problems regarding quality of care, food, finance, meaningful activities, visitors of choice, resident's rights, and other concerns.

They may also work with licensing agencies responsible for these facilities, assist facility administrators and staff in solving problems with families and difficult residents, provide community education to groups, and witness durable power of attorney for health care residents.

CONTRACTED SERVICES

NUTRITION SERVICES

The Nutition program includes the procurement, preparation, transportation, and service of balanced meals, nutrition education and counseling to older persons at congregate nutrition sites and to homebound individuals.

Congregate meals are served to senior citizens, 60 years of age or older, and their spouses, at 40 nutrition sites around the county.

LEGAL SERVICES

Legal services are provided to seniors county wide through a contract with Inland Counties Legal Service. Legal services are provided in the areas of public benefits, senior housing (including evictions, foreclosures), consumer problems, family law, elder abuse, wills, conservatorships, and probate (limited estates).

COMMISSIONS, COUNCILS, AND TEAMS

SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION

The Senior Affairs Commission, established by the Board of Supervisors on July 2, 1973, consists of 20 members who are residents of San Bernardino County. The Commission, referred to as SAC, is charged with the responsibility of advising DAAS regarding the needs of elderly within San Bernrdino County.

The Commission also advocates on behalf of older persons, disseminates information of interest to older persons, participates in the development of the Planning and Service Area Plan, and holds public hearings to gather information from older persons regarding needs.

REGIONAL COUNCILS ON AGING

The Regional Councils on Aging are compsed of senior volunteers who are elected by the senior citizens residing within the region they represent. They play an important role in the Adult Advocacy Network by advocating for Senior Citizens. They support legislation which provides services to help seniors to remain independent and productive.

The Councils advise DAAS staff regarding current service needs in each of the regions in order to achieve and maintain a high quality of life for seniors. The Councils review funding applications and make recommendations to DAAS for the services to be provided with available funds. They also assist DAAS in evaluating and determining the quality, quantity, and effectiveness of funded services. The Councils meet regularly to inform emebers on current activities and important issues.

SENIOR CITIZENS FOUNDATION

The Foundation, formed in 1988, is comprised of senior citizens and community leaders whose goal was the establishment of a permanent endowment, the interest is used to augument service funds for the benefit of senior citizens. The establishment of the Foundation is a prime example of what business and senior partnerships can accomplish.

LONG TERM CARE COUNCIL

The San Bernardino County Long Term Care Council was established by the County Board of Supervisors in September 1984. The purpose of the Council is to assist DAAS in the planning and coordination of long term care services for adults. The Council reviews and considers a variety of approaches to providing long term care services and makes recommendations for program funding to community long term care agencies. The Long Term Care Council is a working body whose activities are planned to inform the community, and to improve the quality of life for elderly citizens and dependent adults.