4170 Department of Aging
Program Descriptions

10 - NUTRITION

The Nutrition Program provides nutritionally-balanced meals, nutrition education, and nutrition counseling to individuals 60 years of age or older. In addition to promoting better health through improved nutrition, the program focuses on reducing the isolation of the elderly and providing a link to other social and supportive services such as transportation, information and assistance, employment, and education.

20 - SENIOR COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

The federal Senior Community Service Employment Program, Title V of the Older Americans Act, provides part-time subsidized training and employment in community service agencies for low-income persons 55 years of age and older. The program also promotes transition to unsubsidized employment.

30 - SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

This program provides supportive services in the community to adults 60 years of age or older, their family caregivers, grandparents caring for grandchildren, and residents of long-term care facilities. Services include information and assistance, legal assistance, transportation, respite in-home support, senior center activities, elder abuse prevention, and the Long Term Care Ombudsman. Older Americans Act Titles III and VII fund these services to enable individuals to access the support necessary for them to remain independent in their communities, continue in their caregiving role, and/or receive long-term care services appropriate to their needs.

40 - COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

This program includes the community-based Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP provides personalized counseling, community education, and outreach events for Medicare beneficiaries. HICAP is the primary local source for accurate and objective information and assistance with Medicare benefits, prescription drug plans, and health plans.

45 - MEDI-CAL PROGRAMS

This program includes oversight of the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) and Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CBAS is a community-based day health program that provides services to adults 18 years of age or over who are at risk of needing institutional care due to chronic medical, cognitive, or mental health conditions and/or disabilities. CDA certifies CBAS centers for participation in the Medi-Cal Program. Under a 1915(c) Medicaid home and community-based services waiver, MSSP provides health and social care management to prevent premature and unnecessary long-term care institutionalization of frail adults aged 65 or older who otherwise would be placed in a nursing facility.