SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Senior Information Guide

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY 

Senior 

Information 

Guide 

2007-2009

4 Acknowledgments 

5 How to Use This Guide 

6 General Information & Support 

Information and Assistance and Case Management 

9 Personal Needs Survey 

10 Emergency Services 

24- hour Crisis intervention, Victims of violence, 

Immediate needs 

13 Civic, Community and Consumer 

Voter registration, elected offi cials, senior organizations, 

libraries, consumer complaints & 

information 

18 Day Care & Respite Care for 

Frail Adults 

Adult Day Care and respite care options 

20 Death Related Services 

Benefi ts, hospice, death certifi cate, organ 

donation and support groups 

23 Disaster Preparedness 

25 Education 

27 Elder Abuse Prevention and Reporting 

Basic Steps to Protect Yourself 

31 Employment 

33 Equipment and Special Need 

Services 

Adaptive aids, emergency response systems, home 

health equipment, vision and hearing 

Table of Contents 

38 Financial Matters 

Benefi t programs, fi nancial planning, bill paying, 

taxes, paying for health care, prescription drugs 

49 Food and Nutrition Services 

Grocery shopping assistance, home delivered 

meals, hot meals, nutrition information, resources 

53 Health Services 

Clinics, hospitals, inpatient/outpatient services, 

inpatient transitional care, rehabilitation, physician 

referral, skilled nursing, urgent care centers, 

special health programs 

59 Housing Options & Levels of Care 

Independent, Assisted Living, fi nancing and subsidies, 

Home Repair, Tenant/Landlord, Utilities 

65 In Home Care Solutions 

Home health services, IV/enteral therapy, homemaker, 

companion, and personal care 

71 Legal Affairs 

Availability, Conservatorship, Durable powers, 

Medi-Cal planning, probate and estate planning 

77 Mental Health, Counseling and 

Support Groups 

83 Recreation & Volunteer Opportunities 

86 Senior Centers 

87 Transportation Services 

91 Index 

2007-2009 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SENIOR INFORMATION GUIDE 3

Acknowledgments 

THE CENTRAL COAST COMMISSION FOR SENIOR 

CITIZENS-AREA AGENCY ON AGING (AAA), the sponsor 

of the San Luis Obispo County Senior Information Guide, 

is a non-profi t organization responsible for allocating 

federal and state dollars to local agencies to insure that 

supportive, nutrition and health promotion services to 

older adults and caregivers in San Luis Obispo County 

are available. 

The AAA is committed to the development of a comprehensive 

and coordinated continuum of care that will: 

1. Secure and maintain maximum independence and 

dignity in a home environment for older persons 

capable of self care with appropriate supportive 

services 

2. Remove individual and social barriers to economic 

and personal independence for older persons 

3. Develop a continuum of care for the vulnerable 

elderly. 

The AAA also sponsors projects to address needs identifi 

ed in the community. The San Luis Obispo County 

Senior Information Guide is one such project. 

We would like to thank the following organizations and 

businesses for their generous contributions. This Directory 

would not be possible without their support: 

Able Body Homecare 

ActiveCare 

Adult Abuse Prevention Council 

Alzheimer’s Association 

Amdal 

Area Agency on Aging 

Arroyo Grande Community Hospital 

Aunt Carol's Place 

Bates Care Management 

BestCare Central Coast Home Health Agency 

Central Coast Senior Placement Services 

Client Care Consultants 

Coast Caregiver Resource Center 

Comfort Keepers 

Family Home Care 

French Hospital Medical Center 

4 2007-2009 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SENIOR INFORMATION GUIDE 

Gentiva Home Health 

Gentiva Independent Living 

HICAP 

Home Caregivers 

Long Term Care Ombudsman 

Marian Homecare 

Marian Hospice 

Maxim Health 

Mobility Therapy 

Pristine Home Services 

ResponseLINK 

Jan Stemper-Brown 

Senior Connection 

Senior Living Consultants 

The Villages of San Luis Obispo 

Wright & Sanders 

In addition to the community's fi nancial generosity many 

individuals prepared the text of the Directory. This task 

can be quite laborious and I would like to extend a special 

thanks to the following people for taking the time to 

help make the information as accurate as possible: 

Meredith Bates, Bates Care Management 

Cindy Blake, SLO Regional Rideshare 

Phyllis Borgardt, Mobility Therapy 

Jennifer Fanning, City of Atascadeo 

Patricia Gammel, Area Agency on Aging 

Carolyn Heister, Area Agency on Aging 

Elias Nimeh, Senior Nutrition Program 

Angie King, Senior Legal Services, SLOLAC 

Alice Loh, CSL Assemblywoman 

Wanda McFarlane, Caring Callers 

Paula McMahon, Comfort Keepers 

Bill Pate, HICAP 

Lois Pierce, Area Agency on Aging 

Carol Schmidt, Senior Peer Counseling 

Karen Stenson, LTC Ombudsman Program 

The San Luis Obispo County Senior Information Guide 

is a community project with many people sharing their 

expertise and resources to help professionals, family 

members and older adults acquaint themselves with the 

resources available within our community. Your generosity 

is greatly appreciated. 

joyce ellen lippman 

Executive Director, Area Agency on Aging

The fi rst step in fi nding help for yourself or a loved 

one is simply fi guring out where and how to start. 

Opening the Senior Information Guide is a great choice! 

The guide is comprehensive and will provide valuable information 

on the range of services available in San Luis 

Obispo County. For a more personal approach, contact 

one of the information and assistance programs in this 

Guide. Case management programs can further assist by 

providing a more individualized and in-depth approach 

to problem identifi cation and problem-solving. 

The Guide is organized with general information in the 

fi rst part of each section. Descriptions of services and 

explanations of benefi ts have also been included to better 

acquaint you with the social service network. The 

remainder of each section is a listing of local agencies 

that provide those services (Directory). 

Residents in San Luis Obispo County have a variety of 

community services available. It is not always easy to 

determine what services you or a loved one may need. 

Equally diffi cult may be the task of locating the appropriate 

agency. 

When a problem exists and you cannot easily resolve 

the problem alone, it helps to talk with someone who 

is experienced in identifying specifi c problem(s). No 

single source provides the complete scope of services. 

You may need to secure different services from different 

agencies. If you call an agency and you do not feel you 

have gotten the information or assistance you need, call 

another agency. Get as much information as possible. 

There are several agencies in San Luis Obispo County 

that provide Information and Assistance. See General 

Information and Support section for a listing of organizations 

that Provide Information and Assistance. 

You need time and energy to research what services may 

meet your needs. The most diffi cult time to try to assess a 

need and investigate community resources is during a crisis. 

The Guide is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with 

the community resources that may help to prevent a crisis. 

Important Things to Consider: 

· Determining your need. 

· The Guide can help you consider a variety of options to 

meet your needs. If you call an agency you think may 

be able to help and they cannot, ask them for suggestions. 

· Eligibility Requirements. Each agency has different 

eligibility requirements. The most common are age and 

income. If you are assisting someone, it is important 

to fi nd out from the agency exactly what income and 

asset information is required and what kind of documentation 

must be provided. 

· Waiting Lists. If there is a waiting list, get on it. 

· Finally, cost will determine if you can afford the service. 

Some agencies have a set cost, no matter what 

your income; others determine cost based on income 

and use a ‘sliding scale’ fee; some services are free, 

and still others ask only for a donation. 

In Conclusion 

How To Use This Guide 

Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of 

the information included within these pages. However, 

services and information change due to many factors. 

Should you become aware of a discrepancy, please let us 

know. Inclusion of a listing or display ad does not 

imply an endorsement. 

This edition includes email and website addresses. When 

both are listed, email is listed fi rst. 

Your suggestions for improving the Guide, or any information 

revealing new and/or not listed information 

as well as your opinions, are welcome. Your comments 

would be greatly appreciated. Send your comments to: 

Senior Information Guide 


528 South Broadway 

Santa Maria, CA 93454 


General Information and Support 

Information and Assistance 

Information and Assistance (I&A) services provide information 

and direction to individuals about the variety of 

health and human services available. 

Information and Assistance (I&A) programs can also 

provide help in obtaining needed services for older individuals 

and those acting on behalf of an older individual. 

The Information and Assistance (I&A) provider should 

advise all inquirers of the full range of assistance that is 

available. 

Information and Assistance (I&A) services 

include: 

· Information consists of up-to-date resources and services 

available to older individuals in the community. 

· Assistance in the form of helping individuals to determine 

needs and referring to available resources and 

services. Assistance may also include help with referrals, 

and exploring little-known resources. 

· Follow-up to ensure that necessary services are received. 

Information and Assistance (I&A) may also include community 

education and outreach. 

Bates Care Management 


Case Management Services 

‘Case management’ describes a helping process between 

a person in need of assistance and a professional case 

manager - usually a social worker or nurse by training. 

Case managers work with older persons, their families 

and support systems to encourage independence. Case 

management is also known as care management or geriatric 

care management. 

Case management involves: 

· Assessing a person’s strengths and limitations, and exploring 

health, social, psychological and environmental 

needs. 

· Care Planning identifi es problem areas and potential 

solutions. 

· Service Coordination provides referral and implements 

appropriate services. 

· Monitoring ensures that the services and care plan 

are working and identifi es new problems as they arise.

Directory 

Information and Assistance 


Senior Connection 



541-0384 

800-510-2020 

seniors@kcbx.net 

www.centralcoastseniors.org 

Provides comprehensive Information 

and Assistance, follow-up 

and advocacy in both English 

and Spanish throughout San Luis 

Obispo County. Maintains information 

library for distribution and 

offers community education to 

groups and community events. 

Coast Caregiver Resource 

Center 

PO Box 6573 

Los Osos, CA 93412-6573 

800-443-1236 

ccrc@silcom.com 

www.coastcrc.org 

Provides comprehensive I&A and 

ongoing follow-up to families of 

brain-impaired persons. 

Health Insurance Counseling 

and Advocacy Program (HI- 

CAP) 



928-5663 

800-434-0222 



Provides I&A regarding medical 

billing problems, options for 

health insurance coverage and 

appeals information for Medicare/ 

Medi-Cal/Private insurance claims 

problems and prescription drug 

coverage through Medicare. 

Hotline of San Luis Obispo 

County 

PO Box 5456 

San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 

549-8989 

800-549-8989 

Provide community-wide I&A, 

crisis intervention, and support 

as well as senior information, 

referral and follow-up offered on 

a 24-hour telephone basis by staff 

and trained volunteers. 

Independent Living Resource 

Center 

1150 Laurel Lane #154 

San Luis Obipo, CA 93401 

593-0667 (V/TDD) 

www.ilrc-trco.org 

Linkages Care Management 

Program 

Life Steps Foundation, Inc. 

3450 Broad Street, Ste. 104 


547-9680 

800-491-2246 

Provides I&A regarding the range 

of services in SLO County and 

Santa Barbara County for functionally 

impaired adults and frail 

elders. 


3232 S. Higuera, #101B 


785-0132 

800-231-4024 (24-hour state-wide 

emergency service) 

Fax 785-0134 


Provides I&A regarding nursing 

facilities and residential care 

facilities including what is available, 

and how to choose a facility. 

Also receives and investigates 

complaints. 

Tri-Counties Regional Center 



543-2833 

Provides I&A to people with developmental 

disabilities and neurological 

handicaps. 

Long-Distance Information & Assistance 

Resources 

California I&A Programs 

California Department of Aging 

800-510-2020 

A call from anywhere in the state 

will be directed to the local Area 

Agency on Aging senior information 

and assistance program. 

National I&A Programs 

Eldercare Locator 

800-677-1116 

A collaborative project from the US 

Administration on Aging, National 

Association of Area Agencies and 

the National Association of State 

Units on Aging, the Elder Care 




Locator provides I&A on senior 

services for callers anywhere in the 

US, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin 

Islands. 

Case Management 

Bates Care Management, Inc. 

PO Box 1195 

Morro Bay, CA 93443 

771-9124 

mbates@batescare.com 

www.batescare.com 

Assisting families and friends to 

understand, plan and manage care 

for the elderly or disabled. Fee 

based. 

Cheryl Kippen Care Management 

802 Bambi Court 

Arroyo Grande, Ca 93420 

709-2254 

C.kippen@sbcglobal.net 

Provides care management for 

older adults. 

LivHOME 


P.O. Box 3149 

Atascadero, CA 93423 

466-4435 

clientcare@charter.net 

Provides care assessment, care 

planning & collaboration, advocacy 

as well as extensive one on one 

services. Fee based service. 

Linkages Care Management 

Program 

Life Steps Foundation, Inc. 



547-9680 

800-491-2246 

Provides case management to 

functionally impaired adults (18 

years of age and older) and frail 

elders in SLO County. No income 

eligibility or fee for services. Donations 

accepted. 


LivHome 

3165 Broad St.# 110 


781-3723 

866-373-1466 

www.livhome.com 

Provides professional care 

management, one time assessment, 

consultation, placement and 

moving assistance, RN medication 

management, crisis intervention, 

memory screening and daily 

money management, on a fee for 

service basis. 

Give your loved ones the care 

they need in the home they love. 

Most seniors want to live in their own homes for as 

long as they can. LivHOME makes it possible with: 

• hourly and live-in care 

• professional oversite 

That’s why LivHOME is the nation’s 

#1 professionally-led at-home care company. 

For a no-charge phone consultation, 

call 805-781-3723 or 866-373-1466 


3165 Broad Street, Suite 110, SLO

Take a moment to answer the following questions. This information will give 

you a starting point from which to identify services that may be of most help 

to you. When contacting providers, share the needs that you have identifi ed 

below: 

1. Check those activities with which you require some assistance. 

SECTION A 

and in and out of machines, folding or sorting 

❑ Dressing – including putting on shoes, buttoning, 

zipping, putting on stockings or brace 

❑ Bathing – including getting in and out of a tub or 

shower, washing hair, lower legs or feet 

❑ Grooming – including brushing hair and teeth, 

shaving or fi ngernail and toenail care 

❑ Eating – including holding silverware and cups, 

swallowing and chewing, or cutting up food 

❑ Toileting – including getting up from a chair or in 

and out of bed 

❑ Walking – including getting from inside to outside 

and back or using steps 

SECTION B 

❑ Meal Preparation – including at least twice daily 

preparing raw food, using stove or microwave, or 

cleaning up 

❑ Light Housework – including dusting and picking 

up, washing off countertops, or sweeping 

❑ Heavy Housework – including vacuuming, washing 

fl oors, stripping or making bds, or cleaning the 

bathroom 

❑ Shopping – including making a list, bending, 

reaching and lifting groceries, or putting items 

away 

❑ Laundry – including getting laundry to and from 

Personal Needs Survey 

❑ Managing medications – including refi lling 

prescriptions and taking at correct times and in 

correct amounts 

❑ Transportation – including day and night time 

driving or arranging for other transportation 

❑ Using the telephone – including fi nding phone 

numbers, holding receiver, seeing buttons, or 

hearing responses 

SECTION C 

2. If you require assistance with any of the activities 

listed above, is it because of your diffi culty: 

Physical problem ❑ Yes ❑ No 

Emotional problems ❑ Yes ❑ No 

Memory problems ❑ Yes ❑ No 

3. Have you fallen 

in the last 6 months? ❑ Yes ❑ No 

4. Have you been hospitalized 

in the last 3 years ❑ Yes ❑ No 

5. Do you live alone? ❑ Yes ❑ No 

6. Are you concerned about 

your ability to live at home 

safely now or in the future? ❑ Yes ❑ No 

7. Are you interested in services, 

or information to support your 

continued independent living? ❑ Yes ❑ No 

If you answered YES to 1 or more, you may be in need of assistance. 

Please see sections on: General Information and Support (for Case Management); Day Care & Respite Care for 

Frail Adults; Equipment and Special Needs Services; Housing Options and Levels of Care; or In Home Care Solutions. 


Emergency Services 

24-Hour Crisis 

Intervention 

DIAL 9-1-1 (V/TDD) for immediate 

emergency response by police, fi re, 

paramedics and sheriff or highway 

patrol personnel. 


County 

800-549-8989 

549-8989 

Fax 544-6296 

hotline@slohotline.org 

www.slohotline.org 

Crisis intervention for suicide, 

abuse and mental health. Information 

and referral, support and 

crisis hotline. 

Directory 

This Directory is divided into the 

following sections: 

I. Hospital Emergency Rooms 

II. Agencies Addressing Physical 

Dangers 

III. Shelter Services 

IV. County Department of Social 

Services 

V. Immediate Needs 

VI. Food Resources 

VII. Locating Persons Who are Missing 

or Wandering 

I. Hospital Emergency Rooms 

Call 9-1-1 for response by ambulance 

Twin Cities Community Hospital 

1100 Las Tablas Rd. 

Templeton 

434-4550 

www.twincitieshospital.com 

Sierra Vista Regional Medical 

Center 

1010 Murray Ave. 

San Luis Obispo 

546-7650 

www.sierravistaregional.com 

French Hospital 

1911 Johnson Ave. 


542-6377 

www.frenchmedicalcenter.org 

Arroyo Grande Community 

Hospital 

345 S. Halcyon Rd. 

Arroyo Grande 

473-7626 

www.arroyograndehospital.org 

II. Agencies Addressing 

Physical Dangers 

Adult Protective Services 

(APS) 

County of San Luis Obispo 

Department of Social Services 

781-1790 or 

800-834-3002 

800-838-1381 (after hours) 

Fax 788-2834 

www.slocounty.ca.gov/dss/adult/htm 

The Adult Protective Services 

program protects dependent 

adults and seniors. It investigates 

allegations of abuse, intervenes 

when necessary, and provides 

community education. For emergencies 

call local law enforcement 

and Adult Protective Services. 

Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman 

785-0132 Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm 

800-231-4024 (24 hour crisis line) 

Fax 785-0134 

ltcomb17@kcbx net 

www.ombudsmanslo.org 

LTC Ombudsmen investigate reports 

of abuse or neglect of seniors or 

dependent adults in nursing or 

residential care facilities, as well 

as complaints about quality of care. 

For emergencies call local law enforcement 

and the Ombudsman. 

Sexual Assault and Prevention 

Recovery Center 

545-8888 

800-656-4673 

Fax 545-5841 

contact@sarpcenter.org 

www.sarpcenter.org 


24-hour, 7-day-a-week response. 

Confi dential hotline staffed by 

trained volunteers to help victims 

of sexual assault and harassment. 

Works in conjunction with law 

enforcement and Sexual Assault 

Response Team (SART). Individual 

counseling and support groups, 

prevention and education programs. 

III. Shelter Services 

Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter 

750 Orcutt Road 


781-3993 

Fax 781-3996 

www.eocslo.org 

Provides meals; showers; mail, 

phone and message services; 

information and referrals; specialized 

health screenings, and 

access to case management. The 

Shelter operates exclusively during 

the evening hours, with clients 

vacating the premises by 7:30 am 

Shelter clients receive a free hot 

evening meal. 

Shelter Services for Women and 

Children 

North County 

Women’s Shelter & Resource 

Center 

461-1338 Days 

After hours call Hotline 

549-8989 

www.northcountywomensshelter.org 


Women’s Shelter Program 

781-6401 Offi ce 

After hours: call Hotline 

549-8989 

781-6400 Crisis Line 

Both programs offer emergency 

shelter, food, clothing and counseling 

for women who are victims 

of domestic violence, sexual assault 

and other trauma, and their 

children (boys to age 12 only).

IV. County Department of 

Social Services 




3433 S. Higuera 

781-1600 

Fax 781-1686 

Atascadero 

9415 El Camino Real 

461-6000 

Fax 461-6036 

Paso Robles 

530 12th St 

237-3110 

Fax 237-3115 

Grover Beach 

1086 Grand Ave. 

474-2000 

Fax 474-2025 

Nipomo 

681 W. Teft St. Ste 1 

931-1800 

Fax 931-1804 

www.slocounty.ca.gov/dss 

Call 800-834-3002 during regular 

business hours for information on 

general assistance, homeless assistance, 

emergency food stamps, 

Medi-Cal, and County Medical 

Services Program (CMSP). During 

non-business hours call Hotline 

for immediate emergencies. 

V. Immediate Needs 

The agencies below help meet immediate 

needs for food, clothing, 

shelter and utility payments. For 

non-emergency assistance, see 

other sections. 

Salvation Army 

www.salvationarmy.org 

San Luis Obispo & Avila Beach 

9:30 am-1pm 

544-2401 

Atascadero & Templeton 

T, W, Th Noon-3 pm 

466-7201 

Cambria 

927-4044 

Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, 

Pismo Beach, Shell Beach & Oceano 

1197 Highland Way, Grover Beach 

Tu, W, Th 9 am-2 pm 

481-0278 

Morro Bay, Cayucos & Los Osos/ 

Baywood Park 

540 Quintana, Morro Bay 

M-F 1-4 pm 

772-7062 

Paso Robles, Creston and San Miguel 

711 Paso Robles St., Paso Robles 

T-F 10am-2pm 

238-9591 

Nipomo 

726 W. Teft St. 

M-Th 10 am–1 pm 

929-2388 

Provides food, clothing and utility 

payment assistance. If you are 

unable to reach your local branch, 

call Hotline 549-8989 (24 hours). 

Prado Day Center 

43 Prado Rd. 


786-0617 

Fax 546-8349 


Provides a hot meal at noon, 

showers, washing machines available 

and play area for children. 

Applicants screened daily at the 

Center from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 

7 days a week. 

Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter 

750 Orcutt Road 


781-3993 


Provides meals; showers; mail, 

phone and message services; 

information and referrals; specialized 

health screenings, and 

access to case management. The 

Shelter operates exclusively during 

the evening hours, with clients 

vacating the premises by 7:30 am 

Shelter clients receive a free hot 

evening meal. 


South County Homeless 

Outreach 

1616 Manhattan 

Grover Beach, CA 93433 

473-8210 


North County Homeless 

Outreach 



466-5795 


With outreach hours at Loaves 

and Fishes sites in both Atascadero 

and Paso Robles, case 

management works within the 

collaborative known as the Safe 

System of Care, as well as with 

other providers in North County. 

Case managers focus on fi nding 

permanent housing for the homeless 

and on providing them with 

information, referrals and emergency 

transportation. 

ECHO 

El Camino Homeless Organization 

1st Baptist Church 

6370 Atascadero Ave 


462-FOOD (3663) 

info@echoshelter.net 

www.echoshelter.org 

Provides free meals daily and 

overnight shelter to homeless 

individuals. 

VI. Food Resources 

People’s Kitchen 


43 Prado Rd. 


786-0617 

People’s Kitchen 

South County 

489-0982 

Coast Baptist Church 

Community Bldg 

192 S. 9th St 

Grover Beach 

Free noon meal for anyone in 

need. 



Assembly of God Church 

946 Rockaway 

Grover Beach 

489-3297 

Free noon meal for anyone in 

need. 

Vial of Life 

Loaves & Fishes 

Limited emergency food. 

Atascadero (5411 El Camino Real) 

461-1504, M-F 1-3 pm 

Paso Robles (2650 Spring St) 

238-4742, M-F 2-4 pm and Tu, Th 

5:30-7:30 pm 


VII. Locating Persons Who are 

Missing or Wandering 

Safe Return 

The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors 

a nationwide, community-based 

program called Safe Return. The 

program helps identify, locate and 

return individuals who are memoryimpaired 

and become lost through 

wandering. An ID bracelet and 

registration in a national database 

offers a 24-hour toll-free number to 

contact when an individual is lost 

or found. Contact the Alzheimer’s 

Association at 547-3830. 

Project Lifesaver 

Project Lifesaver is a wristband 

transmitter that is worn by the person 

with a proclivity to wander or 

become lost. Project Lifesaver relies 

on pulse-carrier wave radio-frequency 

technology, complemented 

by a search-and-rescue team that 

has received special training. 

Sponsored by the County Sheriff’s 

Department, Sheriff’s Advisory 

Council, Sheriff’s Citizens Volunteer 

Patrol and San Luis Obispo Lions 

Club. For more information contact 

Adult Day Services at 434-2081,

Civic 

An important tip to fi nding the appropriate 

government offi ce is to refer to the 

front section of the local telephone directory. 

It provides information on Federal, 

State, County and City Government 

Services. 

Voter Registration 

San Luis Obispo County Clerk 

Recorder 

Election Division 

1055 Monterey St., D120 


781-5228 

Fax 781-1111 

5955 Capistrano #B 


461-6041 

Fax 461-6044 

www.slocounty.ca.gov/clerk 

Registration forms are also available 

at the Post Offi ce and Public 

Libraries. 

Municipalities 

City of Arroyo Grande 

P.O. Box 550 

Arroyo Grande, CA 93421 

473-5404 

Fax 473-0386 

www.arroyogrande.org 

City of Atascadero 



461-5000 

Fax 461-7612 

www.atascadero.org 

City of Grover Beach 

154 S 8th 


473-4567 

Fax 489-9657 

www.grover.org 

City of Morro Bay 

595 Harbor 


772-6205 

Fax 772-7329 

www.morrobay.ca.us 

City of Pismo Beach 

760 Mattie Rd 

Pismo Beach, CA 93449 

773-4657 

Fax 773-7006 

www.pismobeach.org 

City of Paso Robles 

1000 Spring St. 

Paso Robles, CA 93446 

237-3888 

Fax 237-4032 

www.prcity.org 

City of San Luis Obispo 

990 Palm 


781-7114 

Fax 781-7109 

www.slocity.org 

County Government 

Elected Representatives 

Board of Supervisors 

1055 Monterey, D-430 

San Luis Obispo, CA 93408-2040 

781-5450 

Fax 781-1350 

www.co.slo.ca.us 

First District: Harry Ovitt 

hovitt@co.slo.ca.us 

Second District: Bruce Gibson 

bgibson@co.slo.ca.us 

Third District: Jerry Lenthall 

jlenthall@co.slo.ca.us 

Fourth District: Khatchik Achadjian 

kachadjian@co.slo.ca.us 

Fifth District: Jim Patterson 

jpatterson@co.slo.ca.us 

County Assessor’s Offi ce 

1055 Monterey, D-360 


781-5643 

State Government 

Governor of California 

Arnold Schwarzenegger 

State Capitol 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

916-445-2841 

Fax 916-445-4633 

www.govmail.ca.gov 

Abel Maldonado 

State Senator 15th District 

State Capitol, Rm #4082 

Civic/Community/Consumer 


916-651-4015 

Fax 916-445-8081 

senator.maldonado@sen.ca.gov 

1356 Marsh St. 


549-3784 

Fax 549-3779 

Sam Blakeslee, Ph.D. 

State Assembly 33rd District 

State Capitol, Rm #4117 


916-319-2033 

Fax 916-319-2133 

assemblymember.blakeslee@assembly.ca.gov 

1104 Palm St. 


549-3381 

Fax 549-3400 

Federal Government 

United States Senate 

Senator Barbara Boxer 

Hart Senate Offi ce Building, Ste 112 

Washington, D.C. 20510 

202-224-3553 

boxer.senate.gov/email.html 

312 Spring St. Ste. 1748 

Los Angeles, CA 90012 

213-894-5000 

Fax 213-894-5012 

Senator Dianne Feinstein 

Hart Senate Offi ce Building, Ste 331 


202-224-3841 

Fax 202-228-3954 

feinstein.senate.gov/email.html 

1130 O St, #2446 

Fresno, CA 93721 

559-485-7430 

House of Representatives 

Congresswoman Lois Capps 

23rd Congressional District 

1110 Longworth HOB 


202-225-3601 

Fax 202-225-5632 

lois.capps@mail.house.gov 



1411 Marsh St, Ste. 205 


546-8348 

Fax 546-8368 

Congressman Kevin McCarthy 

22nd Congressional District 

1523 Longworth HOB 

Washington, DC 20515-0521 

202-225-2915 

Fax 202-225-2908 

bill.thomas@mail.house.gov 

5805 Capistrano Ave., Ste C 


461-1034 

549-0390 

Fax 461-1323 

President George W. Bush 

1600 Pennsylvania Ave.NW 

Washington, DC 20500 

202-456-1414 

president@whitehouse.gov 

League of Women Voters 

PO Box 4210 


543-2220 

Info@slo.ca.lwvnet.org 

www.slo.ca.lwvnet.org 

The League is a non-partisan organization 

which promotes political responsibility 

and informed participation in 

government. 

Community 

Senior Organizations 

There are numerous organizations 

and groups which focus on the needs 

and interests of seniors. Some are for 

retired workers of a particular profession, 

some are involved in social or 

political advocacy and yet others offer 

special benefi ts for their members. 

Check the list below for organizations 

that may be of interest to you. 

AARP (American Association 

of Retired Persons) 

AARP State Offi ce - Volunteer Program 

AARP California Offi ce 

200 S. Los Robles Ave. 

Pasadena, CA 91101-2422 

866-448-3615 

Fax 626-583-8500 

www.aarp.org 

AARP California Offi ce 

1415 L Street, Ste 960 


866-448-3614 

Fax 916-446-2223 

Arroyo Grande Chapter 

P.O. Box 176 


Call Rosemary Torres 481-5554 

Meetings held Fourth Wednesday 

of each month at 1 pm at Womens 

Club, 211 Vernon Ave. 

AARP provides educational and 

social activities for members as well 

as offering group insurance. Advocates 

for legislation that is benefi cial 

to seniors on both state and national 

levels. Membership open to anyone 

over the age of 50. 

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 

Central Coast Commission for Senior 

Citizens 



541-0384 

800-510-2020 



Designated Area Agency on Aging to 

serve and represent senior citizens in 

San Luis Obispo County. The AAA has 

the responsibility of distributing Older 

Americans Act and Older Californians 

Act monies to support community 

based long term care services for 

seniors. Also provides information 

and assistance services. The Advisory 

Council provides information and advocacy 

on senior issues and sponsors 

the election of local delegates to the 

California Senior Legislature. 

California Commission on Aging 

1300 National Dr. #173 


916-419-7591 

Fax 916-419-7596 

sfi tzpatrick@ccoa.ca.gov 

www.calaging.org 

Twenty fi ve member Advisory Council 

to the state Department of Aging that 


advocates at the state level on behalf 

of older Californians. 

California Retired Teachers 

Assoc. 

754-2145 (South County) 

238-7468 (North County) 

800-523-2782 

www.calrta.org 

Advocates to enhance the welfare 

of and increase benefi ts to retired 

teachers in California. 

California Senior Legislature 

(CSL) 

1020 N Street, Room 513 


916-552-8056 

Fax 916- 552-8013 

www.4csl.org 

The Senior Legislature meets annually 

in Sacramento to develop and promote 

legislation which responds to the needs 

and concerns of older Californians. 

Election of delegates held every four 

years by the Area Agency on Aging. 

Current CSL Delegates 

Senior Assemblywoman 

Alice Loh 


543-9055 

Senior Senator 

Marsha Epstein 

Nipomo 

929-6301 

Retired State Employees 

6515 Lime Rd 


Military Offi cer Association of 

America 

CA Central Coast Chapter 

481-7500 

226-8140 

Senior Citizens Advisory Commission 

City of Arroyo Grande/Recreation 

P.O. Box 550 


473-5474 

Advises the Arroyo Grande City Council 

and addresses special needs and 

problems of senior citizens. It meets on 

an as needed basis.

Commission on Aging 

San Luis Obispo County 

Veterans Memorial Building 

801 Grand Ave. 


235-5779 Kathleen Bellefontaine 

781-1787 Social Services 

Promotes advocacy and acts as 

an advocacy body to the County 

Board of Supervisors on the need 

of all seniors. 

Libraries 

800 W. Branch 

Arroyo Grande, Ca 93420 

473-7161 

6850 Morro Rd. 


461-6161 

13080 Soda Lake Rd. 

California Valley, CA 93453 

475-2603 

900 Main St. 

Cambria, CA 93428 

927-4336 

248 S. Ocean Ave. 

Cayucos, CA 93430 

995-3312 

6290 Adams 

Creston, CA 93432 

237-3010 

867 Ramona Ave. 


481-4131 

2075 Palisades Ave. 

Los Osos, Ca 93402 

528-1862 

625 Harbor 


772-6394 

918 W. Teft 

Nipomo, CA 93444 

929-3994 

1551 17th 

Oceano, CA 93445 

474-7478 

1000 Spring 


237-3870 

995 Palm St. 

P O Box 8107 


781-5991 

254 13th St. 

San Miguel, CA 93451 

467-3224 

9630 Murphy Ave. 

Santa Margarita, CA 93453 

438-5622 

240 E. Centre 

Shandon, CA 93461 

237-3009 

230 Leeward Ave. 

Shell Beach, CA 93449 

773-2263 

Consumer 

Consumer Complaints & 

Information 

Many local agencies will speak on 

your behalf, support or defend a 

case, or provide you with information 

about your rights. The agencies 

listed below will help you to access 

consumer protection, political action, 

and other types of assistance. 

Senior Legal Services Project 

P.O. Box 14642 


543-5140 

Creative Mediation 

265 South St., #A 


549-0442 

www.creativemediation.org 

Mediators are neutral third parties 

who will meet with you to help 

you discuss issues and come to 

agreements. Household, business, 

neighbor, workplace, and smallclaims 

disputes are among a few of 

the issues for which mediation may 

be appropriate. 

Economic Crime Unit 

District Attorney’s Offi ce 

Co. Government Center Rm 235 


781-5856 

It provides small claims and consumer 

counseling to all residents 

at no cost. 





781-1790 

800-838-1381 (after hours) 

Fax 788-2512 

Multi disciplinary resource team is 

responsive to concerns about elder 

abuse and exploitation. Provides 

information, case conferencing and 

community education. 

Housing 

Mobile Homes 

Golden State Mobile Home 

Owners League 

c/o Charlene Hall 

P.O. Box 446 


481-3430 

This organization lobbies statewide 

for appropriate legislation 

at the state level. In addition, it 

works with local government to 

develop and implement standards 

on such issues as rent control. 

Mobile Home Ombudsman 

Division of Codes and Standards 

Dept. of Housing & Community Development 

P.O. Box 31 

Sacramento, CA 95812-0031 

916-323-9801 

800-952-5275 

Complaints to the California 

Housing & Community 

Development 

Registration & Titling: 

800-952-8356 

Complaints about dealers, sales 

agents, warranties, and residency 

laws 

Products and Services 

Better Business Bureau of the 

Tri-Counties 

P O Box 129 

213 Santa Barbara St. 

Santa Barbara, CA 93102 

963-8657 

www.santabarbara.bbb.org 



Provides reliability reports and 

processes complaints against Tri 

County businesses. 

Department of Motor Vehicles 

(DMV) 

Investigation Section 

1732 Palma Dr, #202 

Ventura, CA 93003 

654-4711 

www.dmv.ca.gov 

Handles complaints against auto 

dealers, car contracts, auto advertising 

and warranties. 

United States Consumer Product 

Safety Commission 

600 Harrison 

San Francisco, CA 94111 

800-638-2772 

www.cpsc.gov 

Investigates complaints of product 

safety, defects and hazards, 

as well as product safety-related 

injuries. 

Professional Services 

State Dept. of Consumer 

Affairs 

400 R St. 


800-952-5210 

www.dca.ca.gov 

This state department investigates 

consumer complaints, and has 

numerous boards specializing in 

various areas that are responsible 

for the investigations. These 

boards are: 

Dental Board of California 

1432 Howe Av. #58 


916-263-2300 

Cemetery & Funeral Bureau 

1625 N Market St. South 208 


916-874-7870 

800-952-5210 

Contractors State License 

Board 

P.O. Box 26000 


800-321-2752 

www.calb.ca.gov 

Upon request, the CSLB provides 

information about a licensed 

contractor’s license and bond 

status, as well as pending and prior 

legal action.Offer two arbitration 

programs: A mandatory program for 

disputes involving alleged damages 

of $5,000 or less and a voluntary 

program for disputes involving damage 

allegations of between $5,000 

and $50,000. 

Medical Board of California 

1430 Howe Av., #54 


800-633-2322 

Complaints about physicians, 

surgeons, dispensing opticians 

and PA’s 

Offi ce of Privacy Protection 

866-785-9663 

privacy@dca.ca.gov 

Board of Optometry 

2420 Del Pasio Rd. #255 


916-557-7170 

800-575-2666 

Board of Pharmacy 

1625 N Market St. North 219 

Sacramento, A 95834 

916-574-7900 

Fax 916-574-8617 

Board of Registered Nursing 

1625 N Market St. North 217 


916-322-3350 

Bureau of Automotive Repairs 

Consumer Information Center 

800-952-5210 

TTD 800-326-2297 

State Department of Financial 

Institutions 

300 S. Spring St., #15513 


213-897-2085 

800-622-0620 

916-322-5966 

www.dfi .ca.gov 

Consumer complaints and inquiries 

about state chartered fi nancial 

institutions. 


Insurance 

State Insurance Consumer 

Hotline 

800-927-4357 

This consumer hotline will answer 

life, health, home and auto 

(property-casualty) insurance 

questions; will refer consumer 

complaints to appropriate sources 

and will send consumer brochures 

upon request. 

For complaints that you may have 

about a supplementary health insurance 

policy, a company’s sales 

tactics or other insurance related 

concerns. 

Department of Corporations 

HMO Help Center 

800-400-0815 

Many other state departments 

have complaint units. Call your 

local legislator for information 

about the appropriate state 

department to contact for your 

particular need. 


and Advocacy Program 

( HICAP) 



928-5663 

800-434-0222 



Assists with fi ling claims and 

appeals for Medicare recipients 

regarding Medicare, supplemental, 

managed care (HMO) and long 

term care insurance. 

Lumetra 

1 Sansome St #600 

San Francisco, CA 94104-4448 

800-841-1602 

Advocates for the rights of Medicare 

patients, works to improve 

the quality of their health care, 

and provides free health information 

and referrals.

Public Assistance/Public Benefi ts 

National Federation of the 

Blind of California 

5530 Corbin Ave #313 

Tarzana, CA 91356 

818-342-6524 

877-558-6524 

Fax 818-334-7930 

nfbcal@sbcglobal.net 

Provides assistance with appeals 

in obtaining Social Security, disability, 

rehabilitation services, 

and other benefi ts. 

To apply for public assistance and 

public benefi ts programs, see FI- 

NANCIAL SERVICES. 

Residential Care Facilities 

Assisted Living Facilities 


Community Care Licensing 

360 Hope Ave. #C-105, MS 29-09 


682-7647 

Fax 682-8361 

Fax 563-5549 

www.ccld.ca.gov 

This state agency is responsible 

for licensing and inspecting residential 

care facilities. Complaints 

about these facilities can be made 

to this agency. 

Skilled Nursing Facilities 

Nursing Homes 

Department of Public Health 

Licensing & Certifi cation Division 

1889 N. Rice Ave.,Ste. 200 

Oxnard, CA 93030 

604-2926 

800-547-8267 

Fax 604-2997 

www.dhs.ca.gov/lnc 

This state agency is responsible 

for licensing and inspecting skilled 

nursing facilities. Complaints 

about these facilities can be made 

to this agency. 


3232 S. Higuera, #101B 


785-0132 

800-231-4024 (24 hour crisisline) 

Fax 785-0134 

ltcomb17@kcbx.net 

This agency is responsible for 

investigating complaints about 

residential care and skilled nursing 

facilities. In addition, allegations 

of elder abuse in residential 

care and skilled nursing facilities 

are reported to and investigated 

by this agency. 

Social and Political 

A number of senior groups advocate 

for legislation affecting seniors or 

provide other forms of social and 

political advocacy. 

Na. Committee to Preserve 

Social Security and Medicare 

10 G Street #801 


800-966-1935 

www.ncpssm.org 

Gray Panthers 

733 15th St., #437 


800-280-5362 

www.graypanthers.org 

Area Agency on Aging Advisory 

Council 



925-9554 

800-510-2020 



Federal and National 

Organizations 

Each of these organizations has information 

regarding older persons. 

First Gov for Seniors 

www.seniors.gov 

First Gov for Seniors is a project 

created by the Na. Partnership to 

Reinvent Government to provide 

portal services within the federal 

sphere. 


Administration on Aging (AoA) 

Offi ce of External Affairs 

330 Independence Ave., SW Washington, 

D.C. 20201 

202-619-0724 

www.aoa.gov 

AARP (American Association 

of Retired Persons) 

601 E Street, NW 


202-434-2277 

888-687-2277 

www.aarp.org 

National Council on Aging 

(NCOA) 

300 D Street, SW #801 


202-479-1200 

www.ncoa.org 

National Council on Patient 

Information and Education 

4915 Saint Slmo Ave Ste 505 

Bethesda, MD 20814 

301-656-8565 

Fax 301-656-4464 

ncpie@ncpie.info 

www.talkaboutrx.org 

National Institute on Aging 

NIA Information Center 

P.O. Box 8057 

Gaithersberg, MD 20898 

800-222-2225 

www.nia.nih.gov 

Federal Trade Commission 

www.ftc.gov 

The Federal Trade Commission works 

for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, 

deceptive and unfair business practices 

in the marketplace and to provide 

information to help consumers spot, 

stop, and avoid them To fi le a complaint 

or to get free information on consumer 

issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free 

877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357); TTY 

866-653-4261. 


Day Care and Respite Care for Frail Adults 

Adult Day Care 

Adult day care provides solutions to problems facing 

both the isolated frail adult and their caregiver. 

Adult day care provides socialization and activities in a 

safe secure environment. It offers adults who are physically, 

mentally or functionally-impaired an opportunity 

to participate in a day program designed to maintain or 

improve their functioning in order to avoid placement in 

a nursing home. 

Caregivers benefi t by having respite from what has been 

termed the “36 Hour Day” of caring for a frail adult. This 

respite time may allow them to continue employment, 

time to run errands, or simply time to care for themselves. 

What types of Adult Day Care are there? 

There are two types of adult day care in San Luis Obispo 

County. They both offer care fi ve days a week, Monday 

through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm, provide or arrange 

for transportation, and make available snacks and a hot 

noon-time meal. Persons may select a schedule that best 

meets their needs, from one to fi ve days a week. Adult 

day care services include care management, exercise, 

education, health monitoring, information and referral 

and planned recreational activities. They are licensed by 

the Department of Social Services. 

· Adult Day Care offers a social program including 

activities, personal care and supervision or assistance 

with daily living activities. 

· Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers offer a 

program specially designed to serve persons with dementia, 

such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, as 

well as personal care, supervision or assistance with 

daily living activities, family counseling and support 

groups, and educational and resource materials for 

the community. 

Fees 

Private insurance or Medi-Cal may cover some or all 

of the costs. The centers offer either a sliding fee scale 

based upon income or whatever the family is able to pay 

toward the cost of care. The Alzheimer’s Association, 

Area Agency on Aging, and Coast Caregiver Resource 

Center provide funding to the centers to help subsidize 

the cost of care. There may be a separate cost for transportation 

or lunch. Contact the center near you for more 

detailed information about their services and fees. 


Respite Care 

Respite care is available through several means. One 

way to achieve respite care is through an adult day care 

center listed in this section. Additionally, respite care 

can be secured through in-home providers listed in the 

In-Home Care Solutions section, Residential Care facilities 

listing in the Housing Options section. Respite care 

for those caring for a terminally-ill person may also be 

available from hospice programs (see the Death Related 

Services section.) Senior centers may also be a resource 

and are listed in the Senior Center section. 

The Alzheimer’s Association has an activity program for 

persons in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease or related 

dementia to benefi t the newly-diagnosed individual 

and provide the caregiver with respite. 

Coast Caregiver Resource Center serves caregivers 

caring for a brain-impaired adult, such as victims of a 

stroke, a head injury, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Family 

Consultants meet with caregivers to help them identify 

their needs and assist them with ongoing emotional support 

in planning for the future, utilizing local resources 

including fi nancial assistance for respite care, attorney 

consultations, planning for placement, support groups 

and counseling. 

Purchase of Service, operated by the LifeSteps Foundation 

Linkages Program, has limited funds available to 

purchase respite services for an unpaid caregiver such 

as a spouse, relative or friend who has the primary 

responsibility for the care of a frail elderly or functionally 

impaired adult on a substantially continuous basis. 

Respite purchase of service is limited to $450 per year. 

LifeSteps Foundation Linkages Program also operates a 

respite care program for unpaid family caregivers. Both 

the caregiver and the care receivers must meet eligibility 

set by the Older Americans Act.

Directory 

Adult Day Care Centers 

EOC Adult Day Services 

690 Peterson Ranch Rd 

Templeton, CA 93465 

434-2081 

Adult Day Care and Alzheimer’s’ 

Day Care Resource Center 

1345 Ella St. 


434-2081 for information 

Program designed for people with 

Alzheimer’s type dementia, opening 

in late 2007. 

Day Care and Respite Care for Frail Adults 

Cambria CARES 

2700 Eton Rd 


927-4290 

Adult Day Care Center 

Senior Moments 

2727 Thoroughbred Place 


440-4069 

Adult Day Care Center 

Respite Care 


3480 S. Higuera Ste. 120 


547-3830 

pmunson@centralcoastalz.org 

www.centralcoastalz.org 

Early stage Alzheimer’s/dementia 

activity program and respite 

grants. 

Coast Caregiver 

Resource Center 

SUPPORTS 

The Family. 

A caregiver needs love, patience, muscles, 

a sense of humor and endurance. Before 

yours wear thin, call Coast Caregiver 

Resource Center (CCRC). We serve SLO family 

caregivers of those affected by stroke, head 

injury, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and 

other chronic brain disorders. 

For information, care planning, counseling, legal & financial 

consult, respite care, call (805) 962-3600 or (800) 443-1236. 


Center 

Los Osos 

534-9234 

800-443-1236 

Financial assistance for respite 

care 

Linkages Program - LifeSteps 

Foundation 

3450 Broad St, Ste. 104 


547-9680 

Financial assistance for unpaid 

family caregivers. 

Coast Caregiver Resource Center 

20 Years 

1987-2007 


Death-Related Services 

When faced with the loss of a loved one making decisions 

can be overwhelming. Education and preparation 

are important. And of course having Advance Directives 

for Health Care prior to an illness will protect your 

wishes should you need it. While making such decisions 

is diffi cult at any time, planning in advance for the death 

of a loved one can relieve you of that responsibility at 

the time of death, when you may be emotionally vulnerable. 

Take time now to discuss these matters and fi nd 

out what your loved ones want. 

Hospice Services 

Hospice care is a compassionate, cost-effective method 

of caring for those with life-limiting illnesses. It is a 

medically-directed, interdisciplinary team-managed 

program of services that focuses on the patient/family 

as the care unit. The goal of hospice is to improve the 

quality of the patient’s life by controlling pain, managing 

symptoms and providing to both the patient and their 

family support-enabling comfort and dignity at the end 

of life. 

A licensed hospice provides services funded by Medicare, 

Medi-Cal and most private insurance policies. 

Hospice patients have a life expectancy of six months or 

less. Benefi ts include: 24-hour on-call nursing service; 

intermittent nursing visits; management of pain and 

symptoms; personal care (i.e. bathing, shampooing), 

physical and other therapies; medical supplies and 

equipment; trained volunteers’ spiritual and emotional 

support; respite care; bereavement support; medications 

related to terminal diagnosis; and medical social service. 

There are two licensed Medicare, Medi-Cal certifi ed 

hospice programs in San Luis Obispo County. They 

are Hospice Partners of the Central Coast and Marian 

HomeCare Hospice. 

Additionally, in San Luis Obispo County a volunteer, nonlicensed 

hospice program exists. Hospice of San Luis 

Obispo County provides emotional and practical support 

for those with serious of life-threatening illnesses and 

their families; bereavement counseling for adults and 

children, workshops, and quality of life programs for 

residents; of San Luis Obispo County. 

Below is a list of important information that will assist 

you in gathering required information, documents and 

whom to notify when dealing with death and dying. 

Information required for a death certifi cate: 

1. Full legal name 

2. Any AKA (Also Known As) 

3. Date of birth 

4. Sex 


5. Place of birth 

6. Social Security Number 

7. Marital status 

8. Education (high school graduate, associate’s, 

bachelor’s, master’s) 

9. Hispanic/Latino, Spanish 

10. Race 

11. Occupation (do not put retired) 

12. Kind of business or industry 

13. Years in occupation 

14. Residence (street address, city state, zip) 

15. Years in county 

16. Informant’s name (contact person: spouse, child, 

sister, etc.) 

17. Informant’s address 

18. Full name of spouse (maiden name if wife) 

19. Father’s full name and state or country of birth 

20. Mother’s full name and state or country of birth 

21. Phone number of next of kin (for funeral director) 

Legal Documents needed: 

1. Will, if needed. 

2. Birth certifi cate 

3. Marriage license 

4. Insurance policies 

5. Durable Power of Attorney 

6. Deeds to property 

7. Auto ownership 

8. Income tax returns 

9. Veterans discharge papers 

People to Notify Soon (not necessarily in this 

order): 

1. Clergyman 

2. Employer 

3. Attorney 

4. Doctor or doctors 

5. Insurance agent 

6. Clubs, unions, organizations 

7. Funeral director 

8. Cemetery director 

9. Creditors 

10. Credit card companies 

11. Family members 

12. Sheriff/Coroner

Cemeteries and Funerals 

The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses, regulates 

and investigates complaints against California funeral 

establishments, funeral directors, embalmers, apprentice 

embalmers, cemetery brokers, cemetery salespersons, 

cremated remain disposers, crematories and 

nearly 200 fraternal and private cemeteries in the state. 

If you need help with a cemetery or funeral issue or 

would like a copy of the Consumer Guide to Funeral & 

Cemetery Purchases, log onto the Bureau’s website are 

www.cfb.ca.gov or call the Department of Consumer 

Affair’s Consumer Information Center at 800-952-5210. 

Funeral Homes/Cremation Services 

The Funeral Rule requires a funeral home/cremation 

service to provide a price list upon discussing prices in 

person. A funeral home/cremation service must disclose 

prices on the telephone and offer a price list or review. 

To be a conscious consumer, shop around and ask questions 

about the services you require. A professional 

funeral director should be courteous, polite and informative 

so you have enough information to make your 

decisions. 

Death Certifi cates 

The funeral director (whether a mortuary or cremation 

services) will obtain the signature and causes of death 

from the physician on the original death certifi cate for 

you. They will send in the application/order form for the 

number you will need for your estate, trust, etc. Social 

Security does not require a certifi ed death certifi cate. 

Copies of death certifi cates can be obtained for a fee. 

Organ Donation 

Some people express a desire to “will’’ their body to science 

or to donate vital organs after death. 

The Gift of Life program is for tissue and organ donors. 

The Department of Motor Vehicles supplies donor stickers 

which may be affi xed to the back of your driver’s 

license or identifi cation card. See the front of your telephone 

directory under “State Government Offi ces’’ for 

DMV locations. Except for corneas and pituitary glands, 

donations are accepted only from people under age 70. 

Social Security Administration 

Death benefi ts, widow’s/widower’s and survivor’s benefi 

ts may be available from your Social Security offi ce. 

The telephone numbers are 800-772-1213 or 544-5251 

Veterans 

Benefi ts such as life insurance, burial expense reimbursement, 

burial fl ag, burial in national cemeteries, 

headstones/markers and certain widow’s/widower’s benefi 

ts may be available. Call the Veterans Services offi ce 

at 781-5766. 



Bereavement groups for anyone experiencing the loss 

of someone special, particularly within the last year, 

are held by hospice organizations. One-to-one counseling 

may also be available for those who require more 

intensive support. 

Questions 

Consumers Should Ask 

The following is a list of important questions 

that consumers and caregivers should ask their 

health care providers about each medicine: 

· Why is this medicine prescribed? 

· How does the medicine work in my body? 

· How can I expect to feel once I start taking 

this medicine? 

· How will I know the medicine is working? 

Is there a typical period after which my 

symptoms should improve? 

· How long will I have to take this medicine? 

Will I need a refi ll when I fi nish this prescription? 

· Will this medicine interact with other 

medicines–prescription and nonprescription–that 

I am taking now? 

· Should I take this medicine with food? 

Are there any foods or beverages I should 

avoid? 

· Are there any activities I should avoid while 

taking this medicine? 

· What possible problems might I experience 

with the medicine? How can I prevent these 

problems from occurring? At what point 

should I report problems with the medicine? 

· What should I do if I miss a dose of this 

medicine, or take too much? 

· What is the cost for the medicine prescribed? 

Is there a less expensive alternative 

prescription? 



Directory 

Cemetery and Funeral Bureau 

Department of Consumer Affairs 

1625 N Market St. South 208 


916-874-7870 

800-952-5210 

Licenses and regulates the 

California funeral and cemetery 

industries. Also investigates 

complaints against funeral homes, 

crematories, state-licensed cemeteries 

and individual licensees. 

Federal Trade Commission 

Consumer Response Center 


877-FTC-HELP 

TDD 202-326-2502 

www.ftc.gov 

North American Cemetery 

Regulatory Assoc. 

Iowa Securities Bureau 

Regulated Industries Unit 

340 Maple St 

Des Moines, IA 50319-0066 

515-281-4441 

Fax 515-281-3059 

International Cemetery, Cremation 

& Funeral Association 

107 Carpenter Dr. Suite 100 

Sterling, VA 20164 

800-645-7700 

www.icfa.org 

Licensed Hospice Services 

Hospice Partners of the 

Central Coast 

277 South St. Ste. R 


782-8608 

800-801-8019 

Fax 782-8723 

Marian HomeCare & Hospice 

504 E Plaza Dr 


800-549-9609 

739-3830 

Volunteer Hospice Services 

Hospice of San Luis Obispo 

County, Inc. 

1304 Pacifi c St 



544-2266 

434-1164 

hospiceslo@hospiceslo.org 

Hospicelink 

3 Unity Square 

Machiasport, ME 04655 

800-331-1620 

www.hospiceworld.org 

A nationwide toll-free number 

that provides general information 

about hospice services throughout 

the country. A program of the 

Hospice Education Institute. 

SLO County Public Health Vital 

Records 

2191 Johnson Ave 


781-5514 

To secure a copy of a death 

certifi cate, be sure to include the 

full name of the deceased and the 

date of death. The date of birth 

is also helpful, if known. Fee is 

charged. 

Marian MC Hospice

Basic Tips in Emergency Preparedness 

For Seniors & People with Disabilities 

The following is a condensed version of the more comprehensive 

Earthquake Tips for People with Disabilities 

Package developed by the Independent Living Resource 

Center of San Francisco. 

In the event of a serious disaster everyone should be 

self-suffi cient for at least three days without help or 

emergency services, with streets closed and with no 

stores open. There may be no electricity, gas, water or 

telephone service. Remember your home is the best 

place to stay – if it is not too badly damaged to be safe. 

The Most Important Things to Have: 

1. Bottled water (3 gallons per person in small, easyopen 

bottles). Replace stored water with fresh water 

every six months. 

2. Several fl ashlights (By the bed and around the 

house; electricity may be out). 

3. One week supply of medicines (rotated regularly) 

and instructions for use – dosage, frequency, doctor’s 

name and phone; post this information on your 

refrigerator under the heading emergency instructions). 

A Vial of Life kit with this information card is 

available from your local senior center or the Area 

Agency on Aging. 

4. First Aid Kit 

5. Shoes under the bed (to protect feet from broken 

glass–windows, lamps, etc.) 

6. Fire extinguisher (Know how to use it) 

7. Smoke alarm (Check the battery once a year; for 

people who are hearing impaired consider a fl ashing 

light alarm). 

8. Battery-operated radio or tv (To listen for information 

about the disaster) 

9. Whistle or loud bell (To attract attention). 

10. Wrench for gas turn-off (Use only if you or someone 

else smells gas). 

11. Garbage bags (For personal waste). 

Other Important things you may need: 

1. Non perishable, ready to eat food (Candied food and 

juices, dried fruit, crackers, etc.) Be aware of special 

dietary needs. 

2. Manual can opener (Electricity may not be available) 

3. Extra eyeglasses, hearing aid, mobility aids, etc. 

(For equipment damage) 

4. Extra blankets (With electricity out you may not 

have heat) 

Disaster Preparedness 

5. Tiolet paper, paper towels, paper plates, personal 

hygiene supplies. 

6. Pet food and extra water for pets or service animal. 

Other good-to-have supplies: 

1. Rubber or heavy gloves, broom, etc. (To clean up 

broken glass) 

2. Duct tape, masking tape 

3. Money (Banks may be closed) 

Things to do with your home: 

1. Eliminate hazards in your home. Securely anchor 

medical equipment, appliances, bookcases, hanging 

plants, etc. Place heavy objects on low shelves. Fasten 

water heater to the wall. Identify a desk, table or 

other safe place that you can quickly get under for 

protection during an earthquake. 

2. Know the location of your electrical box and gas and 

water shut-off valves. 

3. Install child-proof latches to keep cupboard doors 

closed. 

4. Keep family or personal records in a watertight, 

fi reproof container. 

Special Planning Tips: 

1. Develop a ‘buddy’ system with family, friends, neighbors 

or co-workers. Plan how you will help each 

other in an emergency. 

2. Prepare an ‘emergency go kit’ that you could grab 

and take with you if there is a need to evacuate. 

Include necessary medications, basic toiletries and 

special sanitary aids, and whom to contact in emergencies. 

Include a copy of the Vial of Life Medical 

Information card. 

3. Make a plan with your personal care attendance. 

If you use an attendant from an agency, see if the 

agency has special provisions for emergencies. 

4. Determine at least two usable exits from each room 

and from your building. 

5. Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative 

for family and others to call if separated. Identify a 

location where you can reunite with family/friends. 

Provide a local trusted friend with a spare set of 

household keys. 

Special Issues for Seniors 

to Consider in Preparing 

for Disasters 

Evaluate your capabilities, limitations and needs, as well 

as your surroundings, to determine what type of help 

your personal support network may need to provide in 

an emergency. 


Disaster Preparedness 

· Will you be able to independently shut off the necessary 

utilities (gas, water, electricity)? 

· Can you operate a fi re extinguisher? 

· Write instructions for the following (keep a copy with 

you and share with your personal support network) 

· How to turn off utilities 

· How to operate and safely move any essential equipment 

you have 

· How to safely transport you if you need to be carried 

· How to provide personal assistance services 

· How you will evacuate, and where you will go 

Directory 


American Red Cross 

225 Prado Rd. Ste. A 


543-0696 

Fax 544-1921 

sloarcchr@charter.net 

Provides food, shelter, clothing 

and household essentials to 

victims of natural and man made 

disasters. 

Offi ce of Emergency Services 


County Government Center, Rm 370 


781-5011 

Maintains a list of individuals who 

may need special assistance during 

a disaster. Register if you need 

additional assistance during an 

emergency 

Website Resources 

www.ready.gov 

Website that provices information 

with specifi cs for older Americans 

to: 

1. Get a kit 

2. Make a plan 

3 Be informed 

www.redcross.org 

Section on Disaster Preparedness 

for Seniors by Seniors. Includes a 

website www.prepare.org and a 

22-week supply purchase plan.

A variety of educational opportunities exist for 

seniors. Classes range from regular college courses to 

special physical fi tness, English as a Second Language 

and Planning for Retirement. There are a number of different 

ways you can take these courses. Some programs 

offer special discounts for seniors. 

Elderhostel 

The Elderhostel Program is offered to seniors who want 

to travel and further their education. It is a network of 

over 2,300 colleges, universities, independent schools 

and other institutions which offer special low-cost shortterm 

residential academic programs for those 55 years 

of age and older. The schools are throughout the world. 

Fees vary. 

Adult Literacy 

Adult Literacy Programs provide trained volunteer 

tutors who will teach adults to read, write and speak 

English on a one-to-one basis. The non-profi t Literacy 

Councils help adults become better readers and writers 

of English by providing literacy services to native speakers 

and English as a Second Language (ESL) services 

to non-native speakers. They also teach some computational 

and other life skills. Contact either the San Luis 

Obispo Literacy Council or the Central Coast Literacy 

Council (Santa Maria). 

Community Education Programs 

Community Education Programs offer many courses of 

interest to seniors. Classes are free or have minimal 

fees and the selection of courses is quite extensive. 

Many offer courses specifi cally for seniors. Write or 

phone the program closest to you for more information 

by contacting either Cuesta College or Allan Hancock 

College. 

Emeritus Classes 

Emeritus Classes are short-term noncredit classes and 

ongoing programs focusing on physical well being, continued 

intellectual growth, socializing and career training 

for mature adults (persons aged 50 and older). 

Information about the community program classes at 

Cuesta College is available from their online newsletter. 

Check www.communityprogams.net. 

Education 

Extended Education 

Through Extended Education, Cal Poly offers professional 

and vocational courses to members of the community 

during the fall, spring and summer quarters. 

Osher LifeLong Learning Institute offers short-term 

classes, fi eld trips and special events. Fees vary from 

$40 per term to an annual fee of $110 or $1,500 for a 

lifetime membership. Membership is open to anyone 

aged 50 years or older. Information is available at Cal 

Poly extended education offi ce. 

Adult Public High Schools 

Several school districts in San Luis Obispo County provide 

courses to adults at convenient locations throughout 

the community. Primarily vocational and avocational 

with some academics, these inexpensive courses are 

scheduled during evening hours on a quarterly basis. Ask 

about a possible senior discount on course fees. 

Cooperative Extension 

The Cooperative Extension/Farm & Home Advisor provides 

informal education through delivery of information 

in areas of agriculture, natural resources, home economics, 

marine sciences and youth development. 

Computer and Internet Classes 

Several resources are available for computer and Internet 

classes, including local senior centers and Cuesta 

College. There are also numerous private tutors and 

institutes teaching these classes. 

Caregiver Training 

Alzheimer’s Association, Central Coast Chapter provides 

specialized training for caregivers. The ‘What’s 

Now?’ courses are designed for caregivers and include a 

two-hour class and appropriate coaching sessions. Additionally, 

one on one training is available in the family 

caregivers home or at the Alzheimer's Association offi ce. 


Education 

Directory 

Adult Public High Schools 

Lucia Mar Adult Education 

227 Bridge St. 


474-3900 

Home Cagregivers Service 

Professionally Managed 

LIVE-IN & HOURLY CARE 

There’s No Place Like Home… 

MEMBER 

TRI-COUNTIES 

Your 

STAY-AT-HOME 

Alternative 

• 4 to 24 Hour 

In-Home Care 

• Personal Care 

• Transportation 

• Meal Preparation 

• Affordable Rates 

Providing Peace of Mind 

to Families Throughout 

the Central Coast 

805-781-8156 

888-439-8800 

www.homecare-giver.com 

Atascadero Unifi ed School 

District Adult Education 

6495 Lewis Av. 


462-4386 

Liberty High 

810 Niblick Rd. 

Paso Robles,CA 93446 

237-3332 

San Luis Coastal Adult School 

1500 Lizzie St. 


549-1222 

Cal Poly State University 

Extended Education 


756-2053 

www.continuing-ed.cal.poly.edu 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute 


756-2053 

osher@calpoly.edu 

www.osher.calpoly.edu 

Cooperative Extensions/Farm 

& Home Advisor 

2156 Sierra Way, Ste. C 


781-5940 

Cuesta College 

Community Programs 

Highway 1/PO Box 8106 


546-3132 

Fax 546-3107 

546-3121 Emeritus College 

communityprograms@cuesta.edu 

www.communityprograms.net 

North County Campus 

2800 Buena Vista 


591-6200 

South County Centers 

Arroyo Grande High School 

Arroyo Grande, CA 

546-3955 

Nipomo High School 

Nipomo, CA 

546-3955 


Allan Hancock College 

Community Education, Bldg T 

800 South College Drive 


922-6966 x3209 

www.hancockcollege.edu 

Literacy Councils 

San Luis Obispo Literacy 

Council 

1264 Higuera, #102 


541-4219 

800-549-4219 

Fax 781-6630 

literacy@charter.net 

www.sloliteracy.org 

Central Coast Literacy Council 

Learning Resource Center 

521 E. Chapel St., #B. 


922-9200 

Fax 922-8600 

cclcread@verizon.net 

Elderhostel Program 

11 Avenue de Lafayette 

Boston, MA 02110-1746 

617-426-7788 

877-426-8056 

www.elderhostel.org 


3480 S. Higuera St.#120 


547-3830 

Fax 784-9400 


www.centralcoastalz.org

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention and Reporting 

Abuse and/or neglect may be intentional or due to a 

caregiver’s lack of knowledge or capacity to care for the 

older person. Abuse also can be refl ective of a stressed 

family or long-standing diffi cult parent-child relationship. 

Abuse can be found anywhere–in the home, in 

residential or convalescent facilities, or in other areas of 

the community. 

Abuse of an Elder or a Dependent Adult means physical 

abuse, neglect, fi nancial abuse, isolation, abduction, 

abandonment, or other treatment with resulting physical 

harm or pain or mental suffering, or the deprivation by a 

care custodian of goods and services which are necessary 

to avoid physical harm or mental suffering. 

Physical abuse means all of the following as defi ned: assault 

and battery, assault with a deadly weapon or force 

likely to produce great bodily injury; sexual assault, as 

well as unreasonable physical restraint, or prolonged 

or continual deprivation of food or water; and use of a 

physical or chemical restraint, medication, or isolation 

without authorization, or for a purpose other than for 

which it was ordered, including, but not limited to, for 

staff convenience, for punishment, for a period beyond 

that for which it was ordered. 

Financial abuse means a situation in which any person 

who has the care or custody of, or who stands in a 

position of trust to an elder or a dependent adult, takes, 

secretes or appropriates their money or property, to any 

wrongful use, or with the intent to defraud. 

Neglect means the negligent failure of any person having 

the care or custody of an elder or a dependent adult to 

exercise that degree of care which a reasonable person 

in a like position would exercise. Neglect is also the negligent 

failure of the person themselves to exercise that 

degree of care that a reasonable person in a like position 

would exercise. 

Neglect includes, but is not limited to, 

all of the following : 

· Failure to assist in personal hygiene, or in the provision 

of food, clothing and shelter. 

· Failure to provide the medical care for the physical 

and mental health needs. No person shall be deemed 

neglected or abused for the sole reason that he or 

she voluntarily relies on treatment by spiritual means 

through prayer alone in lieu of medical treatment. 

· Failure to protect from health and safety hazards. 

· Failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration. 

· Failure of a person to provide the needs specifi ed 

above for themselves due to ignorance, illiteracy, 

incompetence, substance abuse or poor health. 

Investigating Elder and 

Dependent Adult Abuse 

Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates allegations 

of abuse to older adults (65 and older) and dependent 

adults (18-64) who live in their own homes. A dependent 

adult is one who because of physical or mental limitations 

cannot protect his/her own interests, or who is 

a patient in an acute care hospital and the suspected 

abuse occurred while hospitalized. Elders and dependent 

adults are protected under a special penal code. 

Care custodians, Health Practitioners, Adult Protective 

Services staff, Law Enforcement Offi cers, In-Home Support 

Services, Mental Health Practitioners, Clergy, Independent 

Living Centers, Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource 

Centers, Public Guardians and Court Investigators are 

mandated reporters of all forms of abuse. 

Guidelines for Investigations 

APS social workers visit the subject in their home and 

determine whether abuse is occurring or has occurred in 

the past. With the subject’s agreement, APSºsocial workers 

take steps to alleviate the abuse and initiate supportive 

services if needed. All referrals for APS services 

are confi dential. 

If in the investigation criminal action is suspected, 

mandated reporters must cross report to law enforcement. 

APS social workers cannot remove an adult from his/her 

home or force him/her to accept services if the adult is 

unwilling. Adults (18 and over) retain full civil and legal 

rights to self determination until a judge rules otherwise. 

Anyone not under conservatorship of person can refuse 

out-of-home placement, medical care and other services. 

Only if the client is willing can we provide services to 

avoid or remedy abuse, exploitation or neglect. 

If a conservatorship is needed to ensure a person’s 

physical safety or to protect assets, it must be proven 

in court that the person is unable to meet his/her own 

needs for food, clothing or shelter, or to resist undue 

infl uence. If a person understands the consequences of 

a decision, for example, refusing medical care, and still 

chooses to make that decision, s/he is protected under 

the law and cannot be forced to act against his/her will. 

Reporting Elder or 

Dependent Adult Abuse 

If you suspect that an elder or dependent adult is being 

abused, contact the Adult Protective Services unit of the 

County Department of Social Services. 

If the suspected abuse occurs in a skilled nursing facility 

(convalescent hospital or nursing home) or in a community-care 

facility (residential-care home or board-andcare), 

contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman Service 

of San Luis Obispo County. 



IN AN EMERGENCY, Call 9-1-1 

Other resources 

Public Guardian acts as the Court-appointed Probate 

Conservator for county residents who are substantially 

unable to manage their fi nancial resources, resist fraud 

or undue infl uence, or unable to properly provide for 

their personal needs for physical health, food clothing or 

shelter. 

San Luis Obispo Elder Abuse Advocacy & Outreach Project 

provides specialized services for elders and dependent 

adults to help victims and families cope with the 

effects of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and to help crime 

victims understand and participate in the justice system. 

Probate Court conducts hearings to determine whether 

the appointment of a conservator may be appropriate 

when a person is no longer able to care for themselves 

or manage their assets. If a conservatorship is established, 

the Court provides ongoing investigative services 

and oversight. A conservatorship of the estate requires 

accounting to the Court to ensure that the conservatee’s 

funds are managed appropriately. 

How you can prevent elder abuse: 

Do’s ... 

· Stay sociable as you age; maintain and increase your 

network of friends and acquaintances. 

· Keep in contact with old friends and neighbors if you 

move in with a relative or change to a new address. 

· Develop a “buddy” system with a friend outside the home. 

Plan for at least a weekly contact and share openly with this 

person. 

· Ask friends to visit you at home; even a brief visit can 

allow observations of your well-being. 

· Accept new opportunities for activities. They can bring 

new friends. 

· Participate in community activities as long as you are 

able. 

· Volunteer or become a member or offi cer of an organization. 

Participate regularly. 


· Have your own telephone; post and open your own 

mail. If your mail is being intercepted, discuss the 

problem with postal authorities. 

· Stay organized. Keep your belongings neat and orderly. 

Make sure others are aware that you know where 

everything is kept. 

· Take care of your personal needs. Keep regular medical, 

dental, barber, hairdresser, and other personal 

appointments. 

· Arrange to have your Social Security or pension check 

deposited directly to a bank account. 

· Get legal advice about arrangements you can make 

now for possible future disability, including powers-ofattorney, 

guardianships, or conservatorships. 

· Keep records, accounts, and property available for 

examination by someone you trust, as well as the person 

you or the court has designated to manage your 

affairs. 

· Review your will periodically. 

· Only give up control of your property or assets only 

when you decide you cannot manage them. 

· Ask for help when you need it. Discuss your plans with 

your attorney, physician, or family members. 

Don’ts... 

· Don’t live with a person who has a background of violent 

behavior or alcohol or drug abuse. 

· Don’t leave your home unattended. Notify police if you 

are going to be away for a long period. Don’t leave 

messages on the door while you are away. 

· Don’t leave cash, jewelry, or prized possessions lying 

about. 

· Don’t accept personal care in return for transfer 

or assignments of your property or assets unless a 

lawyer, advocate, or another trusted person acts as a 

witness to the transaction. 

· Don’t sign a document unless someone you trust has 

reviewed it. 

· Don’t allow anyone else to keep details of your fi nances 

or property management from you.

Directory 




P.O. Box 8119 


781-1790 Monday through Friday 8 

am to 5 pm 

800-838-1381 After hours or on 

weekends 

Fax 788-2834 

Elder Abuse Advocacy and 

Outreach Project 

Victim/Witness Assistance Center 

District Attorney’s Offi ce 

781-5821 

800-934-4636 x5821 

466-1262 x5821 North County 

Fax 781-5828 

www.sloda.com 


Services of SLO County 

785-0132 

800-231-4024 (24 hour emergency 

services) 

785-0134 Fax 

ltcomb17@KCBX.net 

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 

pm 

Probate Court 

781-5424 

Public Guardian 

781-5845 

SLO Elder Abuse Advocacy 


781-5821 


Long Term Care Ombusdman 

ELDER ABUSE 

IS SHAMEFUL. 

SO IS NOT 

REPORTING IT. 

If you suspect elder abuse call 


781-1790 


785-0132 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Basic Steps 

TO PROTECT YOURSELF 

Obtain a free copy of your credit report. 

www.annualcreditreport.com 

1-877-322-8228 

Remove your name from direct mail lists. 

Send your name and address to: 

DMA Mail Preference Service 

www.dmaconsumers.org 

P.O. Box 9008 

Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008 

Remove your name from telemarketing lists. 

Send your name, address and telephone number to: 

DMA Telephone Preference Service 

P.O. Box 9014 

Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014 

Remove your name from telemarketing lists by signing 

up for the National Do Not Call Registry. 

Register online at www.donotcall.gov, or call toll-free 1-888-382-1222 

(TTY 1-866-290-4236) from the number you wish to register. 

If you prefer not to receive pre-approved offers of credit 

You can opt out of such offers by calling 1-888-5 OPT OUT (1-888-567-8688). 

Or contact: 

Equifax Experian 

Name Removal Department Consumers Services 

www.equifax.com www.experian.com 

1-888-567-8688 1-800-407-1088 

901 West Bond Street 

TransUnion Lincoln, NY 68521 

Name Removal Division 

www.transunion.com 

1-888-567-8688 

P.O. Box 97328 

Jackson, MS 39288-7328 

For unwanted e-mail or internet ads, 

log onto www.e-mps.org 

30 2007-2009 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SENIOR INFORMATION GUIDE

Older adults are sometimes confronted with the 

need to change jobs, re-enter the workforce because 

of a change of status, or seek part-time employment to 

supplement a fi xed income. 

Social Security Earnings Test 

You can work while you receive Social Security retirement 

benefi ts. While you are working, your earnings will 

reduce your benefi t amount only until you reach full retirement 

age. Full retirement age has been 65 for many 

years. However, beginning with people born in 1938 or 

later, that age will gradually increase until it reaches 

67 for people born after 1959. No matter what your full 

retirement age is, you may start receiving benefi ts as 

early as age 62. 

For the latest information and more details call the 

Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit 

the Social Security web site at www.ssa.gov. You should 

also call to report when you begin or stop working and 

when your earnings are more than your estimate. 

One Stop Career Center 

One Stop Career Centers have been established in San 

Luis Obispo County to create a coordinated effort to 

address the employment and training resources for both 

the job seeker and the employer. Two centers have been 

developed in the Cities of San Luis Obispo and Paso 

Robles. 

Services at the One Stop Career Centers are comprehensive. 

Access to these services depends on eligibility 

for specifi c programs. Also, it is possible for a person to 

meet with representatives of most agencies involved in 

employment services, job training and job placement at 

the One Stop Career Centers. 

Core services available to all persons at the One Stop 

Career Centers include: orientation to the full range of 

available services in the One Stop Centers, determination 

of eligibility for programs, initial assessment of skill 

levels, aptitudes, and support service needs, job vacancy 

listings, information on skills needed to get various jobs, 

local occupations in demand with skill requirements and 

earnings, job search, placement assistance and career 

counseling, and fi ling claims for Unemployment Insurance. 

Creekside Career Center also has available low vision 

technology provided by the Central Coast Assistive Technology 

Center. 

Training and Placement 

The following programs are designed to help you connect 

to meaningful employment, and/or provide specialized 

job training. There may be admission qualifi cations. 

Employment 

Private Industry Council 

Administers Workforce Investment Act programs which 

provides retraining for eligible residents. Services include 

counseling, job search workshops, and on-the-job 

training agreements with the private sector. Self help 

and assisted services and resources for job seekers. 

Information on training, education, labor market, career 

development and entrepreneurism. 

Senior Community Service Employment 

Program 

The Senior Community Service Employment Program 

(SCSEP) is authorized by Title V of the Older Americans 

Act. This program is designed to provide temporary parttime 

on-the-job training for low-income persons over the 

age of 55 years. This on-the-job training is provided at 

either nonprofi t or government agencies. 

Rehabilitation Department 

State of California 

Serves persons with a physical or mental disability that 

constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment, 

who have a reasonable expectation of fi nding 

gainful employment after receiving vocational rehabilitation. 

Also provides services with learning disabilities and 

with substance abuse issues. Services include diagnosis, 

treatment, vocational counseling, training and placement. 

National Federation of the Blind–California 

offi ce 

Provides varied services including assistance in fi nding 

employment through JOB (Job Opportunities for the 

Blind) and legal help for victims of discrimination, and 

referrals for newly visually impaired. 

Employment Referral 

Employment Development Department (EDD) administers 

unemployment insurance, provides forms for State 

Disability Insurance (SDI) and paid family leave (PFL), 

and provides free job placement as well as special employment 

services for veterans. 

CalJOBS 

CalJOBS is an electronic job listing and referral system 

developed by the State Employment Development 

Department to make customer self-service possible. 

CalJOBS is a computer link between employers and job 

seekers and is the primary matching tool for Job Service. 

You can access CalJOBS at www.caljobs.ca.gov and customer 

service representatives are available to assist you 

at any one-stop center. 


Employment 

Employment Discrimination 

Labor Standards Enforcement/Industrial Relations 

enforces laws covering wages, hours and working 

conditions. They investigate problems concerning wage 

claims, minimum wage, overtime, hours and conditions 

and timely collection of fi nal wages, including all unused 

accrued vacation at the time of termination. 

Directory 

Employment Development Department 

(EDD) 

4111 Broad St Ste. A 


788-2696 

2800 Buena Vista Dr. 


238-4847 

www.edd.ca.gov 

Employment Discrimination 

Labor Standards Enforcement/ 

Industrial Relations 

411 E. Canon Perdido St., #3 


568-1222 

www.dir.ca.gov 

Fair Employment & Housing 

Dept. 

2570 N. First St., Ste 480 

San Jose, CA 95131 

408-325-0344 

www.dfeh.ca.gov 

One Stop Career Centers 

Creekside Career Center 



788-2600 

Fax 788-2632 

info@slocareers.com 

www.slocareers.com 

Estrella Career Center 

North County Campus 

Cuesta College, Bldg. 4000 

2800 Buena Vista Dr. 


237-3014 

Fax 238-5067 

info@slocareers.com 

www.slocareers.com 

Other Employment Resources 

National Federation of the 

Blind–California offi ce 

5530 Corbin Ave 

Tarzana, CA 91356 

818-558-652800-342-6524 

www.nfbcal.org 

Private Industry Council 

Creekside Career Center 



788-2600 

pic@jobhunt.org 

Rehabilitation Department 

3220 S. Higuera #102 


549-3361 

www.dor.ca.gov 

Work Training Program, Inc 

265 South St, Ste H 

782-8890 

Fax 547-9633 

www.wtpinc.org 


Fair Employment and Housing Department investigates 

allegations of discrimination on the basis of age, sex, 

color, national origin, marital status, creed, physical disability, 

medical condition, pregnancy, and religion when 

employment, housing, and public accommodations are 

affected. Age discrimination complaints must be fi led no 

later than two years from the date of “harm.’’ All other 

complaints must be fi led no later than one year from the 

date of “harm.’’ 

Senior Community Services 

Employment Program 

4111 Broad St., Ste. A 


788-2643 

Fax 549-9974 

ehannis@yahoo.com 

Unemployment Insurance Benefi 

ts Information 

800-300-5616 (English) 

800-326-8937 (Spanish) 

Online application 

eapply4ui.ed.ca.gov 

Mission Business Information 

Center - Women's Business 

Partners 

4111 Broad St., Suite A4 

San Luis Obispo, California 93401 

595-1357 

andrea@mcscorp.org 

www.MCSCorp.org

Adaptive Aids and Equipment, 

Purchase and Loan 

The explosion of new technology has literally revolutionized 

life for persons with disabilities. Ranging from the 

simplest of ‘low tech’ devices which respond to functional 

challenges to the most sophisticated ‘high tech’ 

solutions, technology is making it possible for people to 

transcend their disabilities and live independently and 

experience more enjoyment out of life. 

Assistive technology is any devise that improves quality 

of life and restores function in an individual’s life. 

Common examples of assistive technology are computers 

with adaptive software and hardware, communication 

devices, environmental control units and mobility aids 

(wheelchairs, walkers, etc.). 

Central Coast Assistive Technology Center, a program of 

Independent Living Resource Center, provides comprehensive 

resources to individuals with disabilities. The 

Center offers professional advice, assessment and referral 

services concerning assistive technology to individuals 

with disabilities, families and service providers. The 

Central Coast Assistive Technology Center is the source 

for technology and follow up to ensure the proper and effective 

use of the technology. The Central Coast Assistive 

Technology Center provides ‘team’ evaluations including 

input from therapists, engineers and technologists. 

California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) 

Distributes free telecommunications equipment and 

services for individuals certifi ed as having functional 

limitations of hearing, vision, mobility, speech and/or 

interpretation of information. 

800-806-1191 English 

800-949-5650 Spanish 

800-806-4474 TTY 

Universal Lifeline Telephone Service 

Your telephone company will enroll you and provide the 

telephone services. The program provides discounted 

residential (landline) telephone services to low income 

households. The discounts apply to fl at rate and measured 

local telephone services and service connection 

and service conversion. There are two ways to qualify: 

income based or program based. One can qualify for 

California Lifeline if enrolled in any of the following programs: 

Medi-Cal, SSI and federal public housing assistance 

or Section 8. You can qualify if the total household 

income is at or less than these maximum: 1-2 member 

household is $22,000. For information call 1-866-272- 

0349 or website www.californialifeline.com 

Emergency Response Systems 

Seniors living alone often are concerned about how they 

might let others know if they should need assistance or 

how to communicate important health information in 

Equipment and Special Need Services 

an emergency. Emergency response systems enable an 

individual to summon emergency assistance by means of 

a simple device worn around the neck or wrist. 

Vial of Life Program 

A Vial of Life program is available to advise emergency 

responders of health status and relevant medical information, 

such as prescription drugs taken. The Vial container 

has a magnet on the back which is placed on the 

front of the refrigerator. Emergency responders know to 

look for the Vial of Life on the front of the refrigerator. A 

medical information card is completed for each person 

and placed in the Vial container. Containers are available 

at local senior centers and through the Area Agency 

on Aging. 

Home Health Equipment 

Several companies provide medical supplies and equipment, 

i.e. oxygen, hospital beds, wheelchairs, walking 

aids, bathroom safety equipment, air mattresses, gauze 

dressing, ostomy, mastectomy products and diabetes 

supplies. Many will deliver to the home and will bill 

Medicare, Medi-Cal and insurance companies. 

Loan of Medical Equipment 

A number of agencies will loan equipment, such as 

wheelchairs, hospital beds and specialized equipment.. 

Home Safety Evaluation 

Many accidents within the home can be avoided. Call 

one of our local Home Health Agencies for more information. 

Hearing 

Since hearing loss may be related to a number of causes, 

you may want to begin with a visit to a licensed physician 

or a specialist in diseases of the ear for a thorough 

examination. An audiometric examination will be an 

important part of the procedure. In-depth audiological 

testing intended to evaluate the nature and degree of 

hearing loss may be reimbursable by Medicare. 

Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing 

examinations directly related to the prescribing, fi tting 

or changing of hearing aids. Medi-Cal may cover hearing 

testing by an audiologist and any medically-necessary 

hearing aids. Check with your nearest County Social 

Services offi ce. 

Defi nitions 

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physicians specialize in the 

care of these areas of the body. Otolaryngologist and otorhinolaryngologist 

are also technical terms for ENT physicians. 

Audiologists have advanced training in testing 

and evaluation of hearing. They can prescribe individual 

hearing aids. Some audiologists also fi ll prescriptions for 

hearing aids. Hearing aid company representatives often 



offer free hearing tests; however, they are usually not 

audiologists and may have a selection limited to their 

own products. 

According to State law, licensed hearing aid dispensers 

must provide a specifi ed warranty to customers covering 

the fi rst thirty days from the purchase dates. Hearing 

aid consumers should refer to their purchase contract 

to understand their rights. To obtain a complaint form or 

to ask further questions call the Hearing Aid Dispenser’s 

Examining Committee at 800-633-2322. 

Television Caption Decoding 

Many prime-time television programs are now produced 

with closed captions. This is written dialogue which can 

be read on the TV screen by those with serious hearing 

loss. The device can be purchased locally and attached 

to a TV set via a simple installation process. Televisions 

produced in recent years automatically include a closed 

caption option. 

Vision 

Medicare is very specifi c about what it will and will not 

cover in the area of eye care and vision correction. 

Routine testing directly related to the prescribing or 

fi tting of eyeglasses, or the purchase of frames or lenses 

is not covered by Medicare. Medicare will pay for one 

set of glasses following cataract surgery. Speak to an 

ophthalmologist or optometrist about conditions which 

are covered. Medi-Cal and some health maintenance 

organizations (HMO) will cover vision testing and any 

medically necessary glasses. Check with your nearest 

County Social Services offi ce or check with your HMO. 

Defi nitions 

Ophthalmologists–These are physicians (medical doctors) 

who also specialize in the diseases of the eye. In 

addition to vision exams, they can detect and treat other 

conditions of the eye. 

Optometrists-American Optometric Association—These 

specialists have advanced training in eye care but are 

not medical doctors. They provide comprehensive vision 

exams, including glaucoma testing, and fi ll prescriptions 

for eyeglasses and contact lenses. 

National Eye Care Project 

Offers medical and surgical care and provides referrals 

to specialists who have agreed to accept Medicare and 

insurance reimbursement as payment in full for professional 

services. Patients without insurance are treated 

free. The Project is designed for persons age 65 and 

older who are US citizens or legal residents and who do 

not have a personal eye physician. It is specifi cally for 

the early detection and treatment of eye diseases. It is 

also a resource for literature on eye diseases. Eyeglasses, 

prescriptions, hospital services and other medical 

services are not covered under the program. 


Braille Institute of America 

This educational organization serves San Luis Obispo 

County and offers classes for all ages of legally blind 

people in independent living skills, arts, crafts, music 

and general education. The institute provides a consultant 

to demonstrate low vision aids (magnifi ers) to individuals 

with a doctor’s referral. The aids are sold at cost. 

The Institute also provides the Talking Book service with 

county libraries. Tape cassettes of books and records of 

magazines, along with the machines to play them, are 

available. Machines are repaired on site. The Braille Institute 

provides counseling and mobility training. Mobile 

Solutions, a specialized van equipped to bring Braille 

Institute’s programs and services to people, is available 

at various locations around the County. 

For additional information about vision loss and the 

services provided by ophthalmologists, lowvision specialists, 

and vision-rehabilitation specialists, contact 

your state rehabilitation agency or local agency serving 

people who are blind or visually impaired. 

Low Vision Program Services 

Helps adults live more successfully and effi ciently with 

sudden or long- term vision loss. The services are oneon-one 

with individuals and a person with special training 

and experience in visual impairment issues. This 

includes training in the use of magnifi cation devices, 

instruction in the use of adaptive tools/devices and environmental 

modifi cations to help make the individual’s 

living situation more suitable and comfortable. 

How To Recognize Vision 

Loss in Older People 

There are certain behaviors that indicate an 

individual may be experiencing vision loss. Be 

alert if a person has diffi culty in the following 

areas: 

Performing Daily Activities 

Reading and Writing 

Eating and Drinking 

Moving 

If you notice these behaviors, encourage the 

older person to have an eye examination by an 

ophthalmologist and a low vision evaluation by 

a low vision specialist, usually an optometrist 

with a specialization in low vision. Even if you 

don't notice these behaviors, it's important to 

encourage every older person to have regular, 

routine eye care.

Directory 

This Directory is divided into the 

following sections: 

I. State Department of Rehabilitation 

II. Central Coast Assistive Technology 

Center 

III. Adaptive Aids and Equipment, 

Local Resources 

IV. Adaptive Aids and Equipment, 

National Resources 

V. Hearing Resources 

VI. Vision Resources 

VII. Emergency Response Systems 

VIII. Home Safety 

I. State Department of 

Rehabilitation 

3232 S. Higuera #101 


549-3361 

544-7367 (TTY only) 

www.dor.ca.gov 

II. Central Coast Assistive 

Technology Center 

1150 Laurel Lane, #184 


549-7420 

TDD 549-7424 

Fax 549-7423 

www.ilrc-trico.org 

III. Adaptive Aids and Equipment, 

Local Resources 

American Cancer Society 

1428 Philips Lane #201 


543-1481 

238-9657 

800-227-2345 

Fax 543-1515 

www.cancer.org 


2031 De La Vina 


682-6222 

800-272-4553 

Provides free visual aides, consultations 

for magnifi cation and special 

lighting, as well as low-vision aids 

at cost (e.g. canes, watches, clocks, 

cookware and learning materials). 

Talking book service available. 

Cambria’s Anonymous 

Neighbors (CAN) 

927-5673 

Loans of hospital equipment such 

as walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, 

shower stools and bathroom 

equipment for convalescing clients 

in Cambria and San Simeon. 

Easter Seal Society 

543-4122 


County, Inc. 

544-2266 

434-1164 

Morro Bay Senior Center 

772-4421 

Multiple Sclerosis Society 

682-8783 

Muscular Dystrophy Association 

402 E. Carrillo Ave #C 


563-0456 

560-7651 

www.mdausa.org 

The following companies provide medical 

supplies and equipment, i.e. oxygen, 

hospital beds, wheelchairs, walking 

aids, bathroom safety equipment, air 

mattresses, gauze dressing, ostomy and 

diabetes supplies. Most will deliver to 

the home and will bill Medicare, Medi- 

Cal and insurance companies. 

ACI Medical 

104 E. Cerrito Dr 


929-5876 

Apria Health Care 

705 Fiero Lane #10-15 


783-7412 

Fax 543-2865 

Dana Nelson’s HealthPlus 

Pharmacy 

948 ‘A’ Foothill Blvd. 


543-5950 

Fax 543-3160 



Max Care 

2754 Concrete Court 


226-4400 

466-0286 

888-900-7878 

Fair Oaks Pharmacy 

1051 Grand Avenue 


489-4243 

Fitt Medical 

821 Pine St. Ste B 

Paso Robles, Ca. 93446 

239-4049 

LinCare 

2945 McMillan Ave. #144 

San Luis Obispo, CA 

543-2665 

800-999-6009 

Mobility Masters 

358 Quintana 

Morro Bay, Ca. 93442 

772-8210 

800-464-1973 

www.mobilitymasters.com 

Mobility Therapy 

191 S. Oak Park Blvd. #5 


489-9335 

888-215-4326 

Med World HME,Inc. 

2045 Preisker Lane #H 


739-1700 

Fax 739-1761 

Pacifi c Pulmonary Service 

(Med-Mart) 

12328 Los Osos Valley Rd. 


594-1332 

888-673-3702 

Templeton Hills Pharmacy 

(no oxygen available) 


Templeton, Ca 93465 

434-1801 

Wallace Home Medical 

1414 Park St. 


238-3935 

Fax 237-9088 



IV. Adaptive Aids and Equipment, 

National Resources 

Access to Recreation, Inc. 

8 Sandra Ct. 

Newbury Pak, CA 91320 

800-634-4351 

Publishes Access to Recreation: 

Adaptive Recreation Equipment 

for the Physically Challenged and 

distributes North Coast Medical’s 

retail After Therapy Catalog. Each 

catalog describes the selection 

of devices and gadgets. Both are 

available free of charge. 

Active and Able 

3357 Commercial Ave 

Northbrook,Ill 60062 

877-229-9993 

www.ActiveandAble.com 

Catalog and website provide a 

wide array of technologies and 

products to make lives easier and 

assist in maintaining independence. 

adaptAbility/S&S Worldwide 

PO Box 515 

Colchester, CT 06415-0515 

800-243-9232 

Publishes adaptAbility: Designs 

for Independent Living and will 

send you a copy free of charge. 

The catalog describes the selection 

of devices, gadgets and clothing 

the company offers. 

Enrichments, Inc. 

PO Box 5071 

Bolingbrook, IL 60440 

800-343-9742 

Enrichments, Inc. publishes Enrichments: 

Products to Enhance 

Your Life and will send you a 

copy free of charge. The catalog 

describes the selection of devices 

and gadgets the company offers. 

Independent Living Aids (ILA) 

27 East Mall 

Lainview N.Y. 12803 

800-537-2118 

ILA publishes Can-do Products 

for your Independent Life and 

distributes ABLEWARE. Both 

catalogs describe the selection of 

devices and gadgets the company 

offers. Copies are available free of 

charge. 

Maxi-Aids 

42 Executive Blvd. 

PO Box 3209 

Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735 

800-522-6294 

www.maxiaids.com 

Publishes Maxi-Aids: Aids and 

Appliances and will send you a 

copy free of charge. The catalog 

describes the selection of devices 

and gadgets the company offers. 

V. Hearing Resources 

HARC Mercantile, Ltd. 

1111N. Centre Ave. 

Portage, MI 49024 

800-445-9968 

www.harcmercantile.com 

Offers a comprehensive selection 

of devices for individuals with 

hearing problems. Catalog, Access 

Solutions for the Hearing Disabled, 

is available free of charge. 

Sonic Alert 

1050 E. Maple Rd. 

Troy, MI 48083 

248-577-5400 

www.sonicalert.com 

Offers visual alerting systems for 

the hearing impaired. Call for a 

free brochure. 

Hearing Center 

University of California Santa Barbara 


893-2684 

danhauer@speechucsb.edu 

This department offers a full 

range of diagnostic testing and 

rehabilitation services. They offer 

specialized tests and will prescribe 

hearing aids as needed. It 

is open to the general public. 

Veterans Administration 

Outpatient Clinic 

4440 Calle Real 


683-1491 


2615 East Clinton Av. 

Fresno, CA 93703 

888-826-2838 

The audiologist at the V.A. clinic 

offers evaluations and hearing 

aids when medically necessary for 

eligible veterans. 

Speech and Language 

Pathologists 

Lindamood-Bell Learning 

Processes 

416 Higuera St. 


541-3836 

1107 Vine St. 


541-3836 

Hearing Aid Dispenser’s 

Examining Committee 

Complaint Unit 


1426 Howe Ave., Ste. 54 


800-633-2322 

Helen Keller National 

Center for Deaf-Blind 

Youths and Adults 

141 Middle Neck Rd. 

Sands Point, NY 11050 

www.hknc.org 

Publishes Identifying Vision & 

Hearing Problems Among Older 

Persons: Strategies and Resources, 

a booklet designed to help 

an individual identify symptoms 

of hearing and vision loss and 

the steps necessary to properly 

diagnose the problem. The fi rst 

booklet is free. The Center also 

publishes a comprehensive list 

of organizations and companies 

who offer services and assistive 

devices for the hearing impaired. 

It is available free of charge. 

VI. Vision Resources 

Able Therapy Services 

1411 Marsh St #107 


782-9300 

Fax 782-9700 

abletherapy@sbcglobal.net

Outpatient program for the 

therapeutic management of visual 

impairments. Offering the visuallyimpaired 

community life-enhancing 

skills and resources. Services 

provided by Licensed Occupational 

Therapist and staff. 


2031 De La Vina St. 


682-6222 

462-1225 

800-272-4553 

Fax 569-2048 

www.brailleinstitute.org 

National Eye Care Project 

800-222-3937 

Lions Sight Conservation 

Foundation 

PO Box 6293 


925-8022 

Assistance with vision testing and 

glasses free of cost for low income 

families. Also collects old glasses, 

lenses and frames. 

American Council of the Blind 

(ACB) 

1155–15th NW, #1004 


202-467-5081 

800-424-8666 (Call between 2:30- 

5:30 pm M-F, EST for 800 number) 

Publishes free resource lists: 

Catalogs of Products for Blind 

and Visually-Impaired Persons, 

Low-Vision Aids and Large Print 

Materials, Resource Handbooks 

and Self Help Guides for Blind 

and Visually-Impaired and Newly- 

Blinded People, and Useful Publications 

for Older Individuals with 

Diminishing or Impaired Vision. 

American Foundation for the 

Blind (AFB) 

Product Center 

11 Pen Plaza #300 

New Your, NY 10001 

800-232-5463 

www.afb.org 

AFB offers consumer products for 

people with impaired vision. The 

catalog is available free of charge 

and can be requested in English, 

Braille, on a tape cassette and on 

computer disk. 

LS&S Group, Inc. 

PO Box 673 

Northbrook, IL 60065 

800-468-4789 

www.lssgroup.com 

Specializes in products for the 

visually- and hearing-impaired 

person and its catalog is free of 

charge. 

Lighthouse, Inc. 

111 E. 59th 

New Your, NY 10022 

800-829-0500 

www.lighthouse.org 

Specializes in aids and appliances 

for the blind, visually-impaired 

and physically-challenged and is 

available free of charge. 

VII. Emergency Response 

Systems 

Link to Life 

800-546-5254 

www.link-to-life.com 

LifeFone 

800-330-5909 

info@lifefone.com 

www.lifefone.com 


Of The Central Coast 

Life Line 

800-797-4203 

www.lifelinesys.com 

ResponseLINK of the Central 

Coast 

929-6062 

marklamoreux@responselink.com 

www.responselink.com 

Push button emergency help for 

the elderly and disabled. 

VIII. Home Safety 

BestCare Central Coast Home 

Health 

277 South St., Ste. W 


782-8600 

800-898-8060 

Fax 872-8612 

bcchha@arrival.net 

www.bestcarehomehealth.org 

Mobility Therapy Home Safety 

191 S. Oak Park Blvd., #5 

Grover Beach, Ca. 93433 

489-9335 

www.mobilitytherapy.com 

ResponseLINK 

Latest Technology 

Very Easy To Use 

Competitive Price 

Local Ownership 

National Backing 

PUSH BUTTON EMERGENCY HELP 

Safety & Independence For Seniors 

Peace Of Mind For Their Families 

IMMEDIATE LOCAL SERVICE 

Call Mark & Danielle 929-6062 


Financial Matters 


The Social Security Administration implements a number 

of programs that can offer fi nancial assistance: 

Social Security Retirement Benefi ts 

Retirement benefi ts are payable as early as age 62 for 

a worker who has Social Security credit for at least ten 

years of work. Benefi ts are permanently reduced for each 

month prior to full retirement age that benefi ts begin. The 

amount of a Social Security benefi t is based on earnings 

averaged over most of the working years in jobs covered 

by Social Security. Benefi t amount is also affected by the 

age at the time a person starts receiving benefi ts. 

To assist in fi nancial planning, a free benefi t estimate is 

available by calling Social Security and accessing Social 

Security online. Monthly benefi ts are also paid to eligible 

spouses, divorced spouses (if the marriage lasted at 

least 10 years), and dependent children of workers who 

have retired. 

Social Security Survivors Benefi ts 

Monthly benefi ts can be paid to survivors of deceased 

workers including a widow or widower, divorced widow 

or widower (if the marriage lasted at least 10 years), 

children under 18, and adult children who were disabled 

before age 22. An additional one-time death payment of 

$255 can be paid to an eligible widow, widower, or child. 

Social Security Disability Benefi ts 

Disability insurance benefi ts are payable to individuals 

who have worked in jobs or self-employment covered by 

Social Security. To be entitled to benefi ts a worker must 

have a disability which prevents that person from working, 

and which is expected to last at least 12 months or 

result in death. Benefi ts generally begin after 6 months 

of disability, but applications should be fi led as soon 

as possible. Monthly benefi ts are also paid to eligible 

spouses and children of the disabled individual. 

Medicare 

At age 65, or after two years of entitlement to disability 

benefi ts, most people are eligible for Medicare coverage. 

Medicare health insurance will help pay for medical 

expenses including doctor and hospital charges. 

Supplemental Security Income Program 

(SSI) 

The Social Security Administration also handles a program 

that provides monthly fi nancial assistance to needy 

persons who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Eligibility 

is based on income and assets. A recipient must be a 

citizen or a permanent legal immigrant and reside within 

United States boundaries. A person may be eligible for 

SSI benefi ts even if he or she receives a Social Security 

check. Contact your nearest Social Security offi ce for 

information about eligibility and current benefi ts. 


If a person is eligible for SSI benefi ts, s/he is also 

entitled to receive Medi-Cal and may also be eligible 

for In-Home Supportive Services to help with personal 

care and meals if necessary. If you already receive SSI 

and have questions about Medi-Cal or In-Home Supportive 

Services, contact the county Department of Social 

Services. 

When applying for SSI, a person should have the following 

information: 

· His or her Social Security card or a record of their 

Social Security number. 

· Proof of age, a birth certifi cate or the oldest other 

proof of age available. 

· Information about any income and resources such 

as payroll slips, copies of tax returns, bank books, 

insurance policies, car registration, and burial fund 

records. (If applying for benefi ts for a child, information 

about the parents’ income and resources will be 

needed.) 

· Information about the place s/he lives, including the 

amount of the mortgage and property taxes on a home 

he or she owns, the lease and landlord’s name if renting, 

and the cost of food and utilities. 

· If disabled or blind, medical records, or the names, addresses, 

and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals, 

and clinics that have treated the person are required. 

· Proof of US Citizenship or alien status. 

A person should call the Social Security offi ce before applying 

and the representative will make an appointment 

and help the person identify what records s/he needs to 

support the application. 

Appeals 

Right of Appeal 

If you feel that a decision about your benefi ts was not 

correct, go to the Social Security offi ce and ask for a 

reconsideration. If you disagree with the reconsideration, 

you have the right to request a hearing. Be mindful 

of deadlines. Your Social Security offi ce can explain the 

process. There are also sources of legal help listed in 

the Legal section of this directory. Some private attorneys 

also help with Social Security problems, for a fee. 

Overpayments 

If you are sent a notice of overpayment, you can appeal 

the decision. Social Security may have made a 

mistake. If the notice is not in error, arrangements can 

sometimes be made to have the amount of over-payment 

gradually deducted from future checks to avoid hardship. 

Request for reconsideration must be fi led promptly or 

Social Security will automatically deduct the overpayment 

from your next check. Call your Social Security 

offi ce for details. You may want to get legal help.

To fi nd out more about Social Security programs you 

may call, write, or visit any Social Security offi ce. Social 

Security can be reached toll-free anytime between 7 am 

and 7 pm by calling: 800-772-1213 or visit the web site 

at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can apply for retirement 

and disability benefi ts online. 

The best times to call are between 7 am and 9 am or 

between 5 pm and 7 pm especially in the last half of 

each month. Service Representatives can answer your 

questions, make an appointment for you, and tell you 

what you will need to provide if you fi le an application 

for benefi ts. If you are not yet receiving benefi ts you may 

request a Social Security Statement which will show the 

Social Security work credits you have earned and the 

amount of future benefi ts you may be entitled to. Most 

Social Security business can be handled by telephone. 

County Programs 

San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services 

administers the General Relief, Food Stamps and other 

programs. 

Food Stamps 

Many seniors are eligible for Food Stamps. You cannot 

receive them if you are receiving Supplemental Security 

Income (SSI). You may own your own home and your 

car, but there is a limitation on your other assets and 

income. There are home interviews available for the 

disabled individual. Call for the Food Stamp screening 

time and location. 

General Relief 

If you are of very low income but are not eligible for 

federally-funded assistance, you may qualify for General 

Relief. Information about this program can be obtained 

from the Department of Social Services. 

Other County Programs 

Veterans Services 

There are Veteran’s pensions for eligible veterans who 

are disabled or over the age of 65. The pension plan 

a veteran is eligible for depends on when s/he was in 

the service. It is also based on assets and income. The 

veterans services offi ce advocates for veterans, their 

dependents and survivors by providing the latest information 

about services in order for them to receive their 

monetary and medical entitlements. For more information, 

contact the Veterans Services Offi ce of the County 

of San Luis Obispo. 

Credit Counseling 

Consumer Credit Counseling Services is a non-profi t 

agency providing counseling to families and individuals 

who are unable to meet their debt obligations. Free 

services, by appointment. Also, Debtors Anonymous can 


provide support. You may want to check the Internet for 

other profi t and/or nonprofi t credit counseling services. 

If you choose to seek counseling from an organization 

found on the Internet make sure they are communitybased, 

accredited, licensed, insured agencies, and their 

counselors are certifi ed. If there are fees associated 

with the counseling they should be clearly stated and 

disclosed in advance of services. 

Money Management/Bill Paying Service 

Call Area Agency on Aging for a list of individuals who 

can provide basic bookkeeping and bill paying services 

for those persons who are having diffi culty continuing to 

do this for themselves. 

While there are no right or wrong answers, the following 

questions may help to determine what services/qualities 

are important to you regarding bill management. 

Operations 

1. How long has the company been in business? 

2. What is the background/experience of the person(s) 

handling your fi nances? What types of insurance are 

they familiar with handling? 

3. Is the company willing to provide references? Be 

sure to check them. 

4. Does the company charge a fl at rate, an hourly fee, 

or a percentage of what is being fi led? Is there an 

initial, one-time set-up charge or an annual fee? 

What are the charges to fi le past claims? 

5. Does the company guarantee confi dentiality? 

6. Does the company have a complaint process? 

7. Where will your fi nancial records be kept? 

8. Are reports provided and are they easy to read ? 

Other Services You May Require 

9. Do you want access to a toll-free 800 number? 

10. Is it important that the company provide strong 

telephone support and assistance, i.e. take the time 

over the telephone to answer questions? 

11. Do you need the company to do more than just fi le 

claims, i.e. to analyze coverage and make suggestions 

on improvements, if necessary, or to go as far 

as paying medical bills from a client’s account? 

12. Are home visits a necessary/important service component? 

Processing & Reporting 

13. On average, how much time lapses from when the 

company receives the claim to when the claim is 

processed and sent to the insurance company? 

14. Will the company follow-up on a problems at no 

charge? 



15. Does the client receive the reimbursement check 

directly or does the company fi rst receive it from the 

insurance company? 

16. Does the company provide regular reporting to 

clients on claims activity, e.g. monthly or quarterly? 

Does it supply year-end summaries for tax purposes? 

17. Are the company’s activity reports clean and comprehensible 

to you? Ask for a sample. 

18. Will the company keep on fi le all of the paper documentation 

that it receives? 

19. Ask the company detailed questions about their fees 

and make sure you understand when, for what and 

how much you will be billed. 

20. Will the company work with your current fi nancial 

system or use only the company’s method ? 

Guide to Financial Planning 

Assistance 

Why Do I Need a Financial Planner? 

The reasons people seek out a fi nancial planner are 

many. Questions may include: Have I adequately planned 

for my elder years? Am I purchasing the right type and 

amount of life, disability, long-term-care and medical 

supplemental insurance? Are my life insurance benefi - 

ciary designations correct and advantageous? Are my 

investments right for me? Am I comfortable with the 

investment decisions I’ve been making? Or am I afraid 

to make any investment decisions? Are my investment 

and tax planning programs coordinated? Could I earn a 

higher rate of return without taking more risk? If I were 

to become disabled or incompetent, is there anyone who 

knows enough about my fi nancial affairs to properly 

advise my family? Do I know what my family’s fi nancial 

obligations and resources will be as a result of my death 

or disability? Are my estate planning documents in order 

and consistent with my wishes? 

What Does a Financial Planner Do? 

Through a distinctive six-step process, the professional 

helps you to: 

1. Clarify your present situation through collecting and 

assessing all relevant fi nancial data such as all assets, 

liabilities, insurance coverages, wills, etc. 

2. Identify both personal and fi nancial goals and objectives. 

3. Identify fi nancial problems which create obstacles to 

you reaching your goals and objectives. 

4. Provide a written plan and course of action. 

5. Implement or coordinate the implementation of the 

strategy you decide is best to reach your goals. The 


professional may coordinate the implementation of 

your plan with other professional advisors. 

6. Periodically review your plan to assure you that it 

is making progress toward the attainment of your 

goals. 

How Do I Select a Professional Financial 

Planner? 

You need to select someone you can work with comfortably. 

It is your right and responsibility to fully investigate 

the person’s background, methods of practice, 

credentials, etc. 

The following questions should help you obtain information 

to help you make an informed decision: 

1. What relevant education and/or credentials does the 

professional have in the fi nancial planning fi eld? 

2. How long has the professional been working in the 

fi eld you need assistance in? 

3. What did the professional do before becoming a 

fi nancial planner? 

4. Ask for references. 

5. What are the professional’s areas of expertise? 

6. Verify that the professional has good working relationships 

with your accountant, attorney, and others 

who may be needed to implement your plan. 

7. What type of clientele does the professional serve? 

8. How will the professional keep you informed of new 

fi nancial information? 

9. How will the professional be compensated; on a fee 

basis, charging an hourly rate, through commissions 

generated through the sale of fi nancial products, or 

a combination? You must choose which method you 

are most comfortable with. 

10. Talk with friends, business associates, and others 

who are involved in the fi nancial services fi eld. They 

can give you insight into what to expect, or perhaps 

a referral. 

11. Has the planner ever had any regulatory action 

taken against him/her? 

12. Has any client ever fi led a claim or suit against the 

planner you are considering? 

13. Has the planner ever had a claim fi led against him/ 

her involving employee relations? 

Government or Tax Assistance Programs 

Six programs provide income tax, property tax and rent 

assistance for senior citizens in California. 

1. Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption 

Available if you own and occupy your home in California 

as a principal dwelling as of 12:01 am, January 1st.

There are no age or income requirements. You will not 

be charged property tax on a portion of your home’s 

market value. To receive the full reduction you must fi le 

between January 1 and February 15. An 80% reduction 

is available if you fi le between February 16 and December 

10. There is no need to re-fi le for this exemption 

(reduction) each year, provided you continue to own and 

occupy the same dwelling for six continuous months. Information 

is available from the County Assessor’s offi ce. 

Veterans’ Exemption 

To be eligible for a Veterans’ Exemption, a veteran must 

have been a resident of California as of January 1. Also, 

a single veteran or a non-remarried surviving spouse 

of a veteran must not have assets valued at more than 

$5,000. A married veteran must not have assets valued 

at more than $10,000. 

Disabled Veterans’ Exemption 

To be eligible for a Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, a veteran 

must be rated 100% disabled, blind or a paraplegic 

due to service-connected disability while in the armed 

forces (or if a non-remarried surviving spouse of such 

a veteran or one who died of service-connected causes 

while on active duty). May be eligible for an exemption 

of up to $150,000 off the assessed value of the home. 

2. Renter’s Credit 

You may receive Renter’s Tax Credit if you were a California 

resident and rented your residence. Claim is fi led 

with the State Franchise Tax Board. You may fi le even if 

you do not fi le an income tax form. Deadline is April 15 

each year. 

3. Renter’s Assistance 

Available if you are 62 or older, blind or disabled, have 

occupied a rented residence sometime between January 

1 and December 31, and have a yearly household income 

of not more than $42,770. Application fi ling period 

begins July 1st. Forms are available through the State 

Franchise Tax Board. 

4. Homeowner’s Assistance 

A refund of a portion of your property tax (on a graduated 

basis) if you are a homeowner 62 or older, blind 

or disabled and have a yearly household income of not 

more than $42,770. Application fi ling period begins July 

1st. Forms are available through the State Franchise 

Tax Board. You may fi le for both Homeowners’ Assistance 

and Senior Citizens Property Tax Postponement, 

as they are two separate programs. 

5. Senior Citizens Property Tax 

Postponement 

Enables qualifi ed homeowners to postpone payment of 

part or all of the property taxes on their home. Recorded 

homeowners must be 62 or older, blind or disabled, must 


have owned and occupied the property as a principal 

place of residence on December 31st of the preceding 

year; household income must not exceed $24,000. 

Filing period is May 15 through December 10. You may 

fi le for both homeowner assistance and postponement 

(these are separate programs). Claim must be postmarked 

no later than December 10 to avoid delinquency 

penalty. 

When you postpone your taxes, an account will be 

established at the State Controller’s offi ce in your name. 

Because the State of California pays the taxes for you, a 

security document, in the form of a Property Tax Postponement 

Lien, will be recorded on your home. A simple 

interest rate will be charged each year on the postponed 

amount. The lien and interest are not due until you move 

out, sell or die and do not have a spouse or other qualifi 

ed individual who continues to reside in the home, or 

if you allow future property taxes to become delinquent. 

You may pay all or part of the lien at any time. Participation 

in the program is voluntary. You must fi le for each 

year you want postponement. For more information call 

State Controllers Offi ce. 

6. Other Tax Assistance 

· Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) 

Available at locations throughout San Luis Obispo County. 

Volunteers are trained by IRS and the Franchise Tax 

Board to assist in the preparation of your state and federal 

income tax, renters credit, homeowner’s assistance 

and renter’s assistance forms and to answer questions 

regarding the various tax programs. An appointment is 

usually necessary. 

· Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) 

Specially-trained volunteers are available in local communities 

during tax time to help taxpayers 60+ complete 

their own federal tax forms. This free program is 

sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service. Services 

for individuals who are unable to leave their homes are 

also available. To be connected to a database and web 

address that provides information on local tax aide sites, 

call 888-AARPNOW, 888-227-7669 or 800-510-2020. Or 

check the web site www.aarp.org/taxaide/. 

AARP TAx Aide Program is the largest provider of free 

income tax preparation in San Luis Obispo County, preparing 

both federal and state returns. There are fi ve (5) 

sites available between February and April throughout 

the County by appointment only. Call 473-3238. 

For any questions regarding California Personal Income 

Tax, Bank and Corporation Tax, Homeowner’s and Renter’s 

Assistance, or deductions for Senior Citizens, Disabled or 

Blind, call the state Franchise Tax Board at 800-852-5711 

or www.ftb.ca.gov. Tax assistance if you have a visual, 

hearing or speech impairment: TDD number is 800-822- 

6268 or California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. 



For questions regarding Federal Tax Forms, tax information, 

or problem resolution, call the Internal Revenue Service 

or check the website, www.irs.gov or 800-829-1040. 

For questions regarding your property taxes, contact the 

County Assessor’s Offi ce. 

· Special Income Tax Credit for the Elderly or 

Disabled 

This tax credit is available only to US citizens who are 

at least 65 at the end of the taxable year OR who are 

under 65 at the end of the taxable year and retired on 

permanent and total disability (you cannot have reached 

retirement age — as established by your employer) 

and you must have received taxable disability benefi ts. 

Schedule “R’’ (Form 1040), “Credit for the Elderly or the 

Disabled,’’ must be fi led with your income tax return. 

All eligibility requirements and a full explanation of the 

credit is described on Schedule “R.” To obtain Schedule 

“R,” call 800-829-3676. 

Paying for Health Care 

Medicare 

Medicare is the federal health insurance program which 

began in 1966. Local Social Security offi ces take applications 

and provide information and assistance. The 

government contracts with private insurers to handle 

claims. Medicare covers persons age 65 and over who 

are entitled to Social Security benefi ts, some disabled 

persons, and persons with permanent kidney failure. 

Medicare may be purchased by people over age 65 who 

are not eligible under these guidelines. Contact your 

nearest Social Security offi ce for details. 

Applying for Medicare 

You are eligible for Medicare at age 65. Medicare is divided 

into two parts. Part A is insurance intended to cover 

hospitalization and certain other specifi ed types of care. 

Everyone who has 40 quarters of Social Security coverage 

qualifi es for Medicare Part A automatically. Part B, which 

is outpatient medical insurance, is optional. There is a 

monthly charge for Part B, and the amount will be deducted 

from your Social Security check. Most people choose 

to enroll in Part B. If you delay there is a 10% penalty on 

the monthly Part B premium for each year you delay. This 

penalty continues for the remainder of your life. 

If you continue to work past age 65 and have medical 

coverage through your place of employment or your 

spouse’s employment, you may delay your enrollment 

in Medicare Part B until the time you do retire with no 

attached penalty. If you plan to retire at age 65, the enrollment 

period is from three months prior to your birth 

month in which you reach age 65 until three months 

after your birth month. 


To Find Out About Coverage 

Medicare has free pamphlets that describe Medicare 

coverage. Medicare and You, a handbook, is updated 

annually and is an invaluable tool in answering many 

questions as they arise. Local programs exist that can 

answer the many questions you may have about your 

Medicare benefi ts. Be aware that there are a number 

of seemingly medically-related procedures that are not 

covered by Medicare. It is best to ask your physician if 

procedures that s/he recommends are covered. 

The Medicare Telephone Hotline (800-MEDICARE/800- 

633-4227) acts as a referral service and can provide 

publications on Medicare. Call 800-447-8477 to report 

suspected Medicare abuse or fraud. 

Medicare Assignment 

When a Part B claim is submitted to the Medicare carrier, 

there will be a determination made regarding the 

“approved amount” for whatever procedures were done. 

If the doctor agrees to accept that amount as payment 

in full for services rendered, that is known as accepting 

“Medicare Assignment.” If the Part B deductible ($131 

in 2007) has been met for the year, the Medicare Carrier 

will send a payment for 80% of the approved amount 

to your physician. The patient is then responsible for 

the remaining 20% (plus any part of the annual deductible 

not yet paid). Without an “assignment” agreement, 

the patient and/or his supplemental insurance carrier is 

responsible for the 20% plus excess charges up to 115% 

of the Medicare fee schedule. 

Many doctors do not accept assignment. Some doctors 

and suppliers will accept it for some services and not for 

others. In all cases YOU should request assignment. 

Filing a Claim 

Part A & B: 

The hospital, doctor or other provider must send claims 

for benefi ts under Part A to the fi scal intermediary or to 

the Medicare carrier for Part B. You will receive notice 

of payment to the provider. Be sure you can furnish 

the hospital or doctor with your Medicare number and 

information about any other health insurance that you 

might have. You are responsible for the deductible and 

co-payments. If you have supplemental insurance it may 

pay part or all of the remaining deductible and co-payment 

balance. 

Appealing a Benefi t Decision 

You have the right to appeal a Medicare claim denial. 

Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Doctor and Outpatient) 

have different appeals processes. Your Medicare Summary 

Notice will tell you your appeal rights.

Where to Get Help 

The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program 

(HICAP) has volunteer Medicare counselors available 

by appointment. These counselors can help you become 

more knowledgeable about Medicare and can assist you 

in setting up a medical record system. They can also 

provide consumer information which will help you to 

wisely select a private supplementary insurance policy. 

HICAP counselors can assist with billing questions and 

Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan appeals. 

Appealing Hospital Discharge 

Medicare’s Prospective Payment System (also known 

as Diagnostic Related Group or “DRG”) is a fi xed-price 

payment system. Through this system, Medicare will pay 

a predetermined amount for treatment of a particular 

illness. 

The amount of time that you actually stay in the hospital, 

however, should be determined solely by your medical 

condition. If you are told that you will be discharged 

before you believe it is medically appropriate, contact 

your doctor and your Quality Improvement Organization 

(QIO), 800-841-1602, immediately if you decide to appeal 

the discharge. Your hospital social worker can give 

you more information about the appeals process. Information 

and assistance with appeals of hospital notices is 

available. 

Medicare Options 

Fee for Service 

This is the standard Medicare coverage for benefi ciaries 

who do not choose to be enrolled in a Medicare 

Advantage plan. You may go any Medicare provider who 

accepts new patients. You are responsible for Medicare 

deductibles and coinsurance payments. 

MediGap or Supplemental Medicare 

Insurance 

These are standardized insurance plans sold by many 

insurance companies to cover some of the expenses left 

after Medicare pays. There are a variety of options to 

choose from to cover different portions of the expenses. 

The person exploring MediGap should investigate several 

companies’ prices and pricing structures because 

they vary although the plans are standardized. A benefi 

ciary has a guaranteed open enrollment period for 6 

months from their Part B effective date. 

Employer or Union Plans 

If you or your spouse are working and covered by an 

Employer or Union Plan with Group health insurance 

when you reach 65, you can take Part A which will be 

secondary to your Group plan in most cases but you do 

not have to enroll in Part B if your group has more than 


20 members. Once you leave employment, you have a 

Special Enrollment Period up to 8 months to enroll in 

Part D. (See Part D later for Prescription Drug coverage. 

You have only 63 days to change over) Note: COBRA does 

not count as active employment for purposes of Part B. 

Medicare Advantage Plans, Part C 

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) 

You choose a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) 

in your area and all of your care, whether doctor or 

hospital, is provided through that HMO. Co-payments for 

hospitalization and out-patient services will apply. You 

must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to be 

in an HMO. If you belong to an HMO, all of your health 

care is provided through the HMO. Check with the HMO 

to determine what other coverage, is available through 

your HMO. See Part D below for Prescription coverage. 

Regional Preferred Provider Organization 

(PPO) 

This is a plan offered by Blue Cross Life Insurance in 

2007 with two options for different costs. The options 

are known as Freedom Blue 1 & 2. In either case you 

may choose providers. If you stay in the network your 

costs are less. The provider must submit all claims to 

Blue Cross, not to Medicare. Both options of this plan 

have prescription drug coverage complying with Part D 

of Medicare. 

Private Fee-For-Service Plans (PFFS) 

These plans are offered by many different insurance 

companies in San Luis Obispo County in 2007 and are 

likely to continue. The plans are a membership plan 

that you may join for all of your health coverage. It is 

somewhat similar to an HMO in that you must obtain all 

of your care from a provider who will accept the plan. 

There is not a network of doctors and hospitals such as 

an HMO network. You should determine that a provider 

will accept the plan before scheduling service. Some of 

the plans comply with Part D Prescription coverage. If 

the plan does not, then you should sign up for separate 

Part D coverage. 

Medicare Savings Account (MSA) 

You may establish a Medicare Savings Account plan with 

one provider, Blue Cross Life, in San Luis Obispo County 

in 2007. This account will consist of a High-deductible 

insurance policy and a bank account where Medicare will 

deposit an amount of money determined by the cost of 

the policy and a medical cost for the area. You may use a 

portion of the bank account for health expenses. The costs 

between the allowable bank account and the deductible 

are borne by the enrollee. All Medicare allowable costs 

above the deductible are paid by the insurance. 



In all cases of Medicare Options the benefi ciary should 

be sure that they understand all of the terms and 

conditions before signing an application. In many cases 

people thought they were signing for one coverage when 

they were actually signing for all of the Medicare health 

coverage to be done by a different insurance company. 

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, 

Part D 

This coverage began January 1, 2006 for those eligible 

and who applied before that date. A benefi ciary may 

have coverage through an active employer, a retiree 

plan, or union plans. If these are equal or better than 

the standard Medicare Part D requirements they are 

creditable plans. VA, Tricare-For-Life and most Federal 

retiree plans are automatically creditable. 

A benefi ciary may enroll when they are fi rst eligible for 

Medicare during the same time frame as Part B If they 

did not enroll during their initial enrollment period, the 

annual election period is November 1-December 31 each 

year. There is a 1% per month penalty for late enrollment. 

A benefi ciary may enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan 

(PDP) which is a stand alone plan to accompany standard 

Medicare Fee-For-Service or Private-Fee-For-Service 

plans that do not have drug coverage. There are 

many choices for PDPs and you may change each year 

during the annual election period. You should choose a 

plan that covers all of your prescriptions at the lowest 

annual cost while taking into account any restrictions. 

You may call 800-Medicare, 800-633-4227 for assistance 

or contact HICAP for a worksheet 800-434-0222. 

The other choice for Part D is to enroll in a Medicare 

Advantage plan. If you enroll in an HMO, PPO or a PFFS 

with prescription coverage you will be covered by that 

plan’s formulary (list of drugs) and cost payments. If you 

join a Medicare Savings Account or a PFFS without drug 

coverage you will need to join a PDP. 

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan you have an 

Open Enrollment period of January 1-March 31 each 

year to change to another MA plan but only to a like 

plan. If you have drug coverage you must switch to a 

plan with drug coverage, or to Medicare Fee-for-Service 

and a PDP. 

Counseling on supplemental health insurance and MA 

plans is available through the Health Insurance Counseling 

and Advocacy Program (HICAP). A booklet on Choosing 

a Medi-Gap Policy is available by calling 800-MEDI- 

CARE or HICAP at 800-434-0222. 

Preventing Medicare Fraud 

Medicare benefi ciaries can help prevent Medicare fraud 

that costs the taxpayers nearly $15 billion per year. 

If you believe that the billing for any services paid by 


Medicare which you receive is fraudulent, contact the 

Medicare Fraud and Abuse Hot-Line at 1-800-HHS-TIPS 

(1-800-447-8477). 

Some tips to prevent fraud. 

Never give your Medicare number over the phone or to 

people you don’t know. 

Beware of suppliers and providers that use phone calls and 

door-to-door selling as a way to sell you goods or services. 

Be suspicious of companies that offer free medical 

equipment or offer to waive your co-payment without 

fi rst asking about your ability to pay. 

Beware of health care providers who say they represent 

Medicare or a branch of the Federal Government, or 

providers who use pressure tactics to get you to accept 

a service or product. 

Medi-Cal 

Medi-Cal is the medical assistance program for persons 

of limited assets in the State of California. Two agencies, 

Social Security Administration and County Social 

Services Department, determine eligibility for Medi-Cal. 

This eligibility is based on federal and state guidelines of 

income, real and personal property limits. 

If you are disabled or age 65 or over and qualify for 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medi-Cal coverage 

is automatic. To apply for SSI, contact the Social Security 

Administration in your area. 

If you do not qualify for SSI because your income exceeds 

the SSI limit and 1) your assets meet the SSI limit 

and 2) you are 65 plus, blind or disabled, you may still 

qualify for Medi-Cal with a ‘share of cost’ (SOC). The 

SOC is the amount you must pay each month before 

Medi-Cal will pay the remainder of your medical bills. To 

determine your SOC take your total income and subtract 

$20. (This is called a ‘disregard’). This fi gure is your net 

income. Now subtract the Medi-Cal “Maintenance Need.” 

(Maintenance Need is $600 for an individual, $934 for 

a couple) from your net income. The remaining amount 

is your share-of-cost. Most medical expenses as well as 

your Medicare Part B premium can be used to reduce 

your share-of-cost. For more information contact the 

San Luis Obispo County Department of Social Services. 

Some Medi-Cal covered services include: doctor visits, 

hospitalization, laboratory work, x-rays, home health 

services, mental health services, medical supplies and 

equipment, physical therapy and emergency medical 

transportation. Additionally, some Medi-Cal covered services 

include items not covered by Medicare: eyeglasses, 

dental care and nursing home care. 

If you are on Medi-Cal your Medicare premium, deductible 

and co-payments are automatically paid for you. 

Physicians accepting Medi-Cal patients accept the Medicare 

and Medi-Cal reimbursement as payment in full.

Therefore, you do not need additional health insurance 

to pay medical costs. 

Be sure to call ahead to learn what documents you 

will need to complete your application and to make an 

appointment. Eligibility is determined by County Social 

Services according to Federal and State guidelines, and 

can sometimes take several months to establish. It is 

best to check into eligibility before a crisis occurs. 

A second type of Medi-Cal coverage, with different rules 

for eligibility, provides benefi ts for those 55 and older 

who require skilled nursing facility care. For both programs, 

there are both income and resource limitations. 

Medi-Cal classifi es property as “exempt” and “non-exempt.” 

Exempt property is not counted in determining 

eligibility; non-exempt property is counted. The most 

common exempt resources are your residence and furnishing, 

a vehicle, clothing and personal effects, a burial 

plot and minimal life insurance. 

To be eligible for Nursing Home Medi-Cal, a single 

person may have no more than $2,000 in resources. 

However, a couple may have as much as $ 101,640 in 

non-exempt resources in 2007. Any assets above the 

property reserve limit of $2,000 or any asset that is 

not exempt will be counted by Medi-Cal in determining 

eligibility. These include cash, savings, stocks, the cash 

surrender value of whole life insurance if the cash value 

exceeds $1,500, and other non-exempt resources. 

If a person has non-exempt resources over the limit, 

s/he is not eligible, unless the property is spent down 

for adequate consideration before one calendar month 

passes or, if owned at the time of application, before 

the end of the application month. If the applicant has 

no other means of spending down, he/she may elect to 

voluntarily repay Medi-Cal for services already received 

in order to avoid discontinuance. Strategies for spending 

down non-exempt resources to meet the required levels 

include paying legitimate bills, including any mortgage 

on the home, repairs and renovations to the home; or 

purchase of exempt assets (car, burial plots, qualifi ed 

annuities, etc). There are also procedures to request a 

higher resource limit on the grounds that the additional 

income is needed by the community spouse to maintain 

her/his quality of life. 

There is no penalty incurred for Community Medi-Cal 

recipients who give away assets to bring their resources 

within required limits. However, if non-exempt resources 

are given away without adequate consideration by a 

person trying to qualify for Nursing Home benefi ts, Medi- 

Cal will “look back” a period of 5 years to determine is 

you made an improper transfer of non exempt assets 

and may withhold benefi ts from a Medi-Cal applicant for 

nursing home benefi ts for a period of time as a penalty. 


Medi-Cal also looks at a person’s income. Individuals 

may qualify for Medi-Cal if they pay or agree to pay a 

portion of their income on monthly medical costs. This is 

called the share of cost. Individuals must pay or incur a 

certain amount in medical bills each month before they 

receive coverage. Medi-Cal then pays the remainder, 

providing the services are covered by the program. This 

works much like an insurance deductible. 

Residents in nursing homes are allowed to keep $35 of 

their income as a personal needs allowance. 

Federal Medicaid law allows the community spouse of 

a nursing home Medi-Cal recipient to retain a monthly 

minimum maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA). The 

MMMNA for California for 2007 is $2,541. This amount 

is adjusted annually by a cost-of-living increase. The 

share of cost may be reduced by allocating some of 

the institutionalized spouse’s income to the community 

spouse to make up the MMMNA. There are also other 

strategies to rearrange a couple’s assets to become 

eligible for nursing home benefi ts. 

After the Medi-Cal recipient dies, the state may make 

a claim in that person’s estate for the value of services 

provided to the benefi ciary after age 55. Under certain 

circumstances, a hardship waiver may be fi led by the 

benefi ciaries of the Medi-Cal recipient’s estate. The principal 

asset that is likely to be in the Medi-Cal recipient’s 

estate is her/his home. If the home was transferred to 

another person before the death of the Medi-Cal recipient, 

it is not available for reimbursement. Medi-Cal may 

not make a claim against the home if the benefi ciary left 

a surviving spouse or dependent child living in the home 

or a child who cared for the benefi ciary in that home for 

at least 2 years before the recipient became a resident 

in the nursing home. 

Problems in Application/Appeals Process 

If you have been told you do not meet the qualifi cations 

for benefi ts and if you disagree, you should fi rst discuss 

this with a County Social Worker at the Department of 

Social Services. If you are still not satisfi ed, you have 

the right to appeal your eligibility or any other decision 

about your Medi-Cal benefi ts. Information about the 

appeals process should be included with any notice of 

denial; if not, contact the Department of Social Services. 

For additional information, contact the State Department 

of Social Services at (800) 952-5253. 

Veterans Health Benefi ts 

The Veteran’s Administration has a clinic that provides 

medical care services, preventive health services and 

health education classes in the City of San Luis Obispo. 



Qualifi ed Medicare Benefi ciary or “QMB,” 

Specifi ed Low-Income Medicare Benefi ciary 

“SLMB” and Qualifying Individual Programs 

The Qualifi ed Medicare Benefi ciary (QMB) and the 

Specifi ed Low-Income Medicare Benefi ciary (SLMB) 

programs were created by federal law requiring that 

State Medicaid (Medi-Cal) programs pay Medicare 

costs for certain elderly and disabled persons with low 

incomes and very limited assets. 

An individual who has Medi-Cal in addition to Medicare 

is already getting the QMB benefi t. Eligible individuals 

do NOT have to pay the monthly Medicare premium, 

the deductible for Part A Hospital and Part B Medical 

benefi ts, the daily coinsurance charges for hospital stays 

beyond 60 days, the co-payments for skilled nursing 

care beyond 20 days and the 20 percent coinsurance for 

Medicare-covered services. 

In most cases, if you are eligible for the QMB benefi t, 

you DO NOT need to purchase additional health insurance. 

To be eligible for the QMB benefi t, you must be eligible 

for Medicare (age 65 or older; or have been a disabled 

benefi ciary under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement 

Board for more than 24 months; or on kidney 

dialysis; or received a kidney transplant) and have an income 

in 2007 of less than $850.83 per month if you are 

single. A married couple must have an income less than 

$ 1,140.83. per month in 2007. Income includes Social 

Security plus any other income sources. These maximum 

amounts change April 1 each year. 

To be eligible your fi nancial resources, such as bank 

accounts, stocks and bonds, cannot exceed $4,000 for 

one person or $6,000 for a couple. The home in which 

you live, one automobile, burial plot, home furnishings, 

personal jewelry and life insurance usually do not count 

as resources. 

If you do not qualify for QMB assistance because your 

income is too high, you may be able to get help under the 

SLMB program. The SLMB program is for persons whose 

incomes are slightly higher than the national poverty 

level, but not more than 20 percent higher. In 2007 the 

income level for one person is $1,021 a month and for a 

couple it is $ 1,369 a month. If you qualify for assistance 

under the SLMB program, the State is required to pay 

the Medicare Part B monthly premium for you. You will 

continue to be responsible for Medicare’s deductibles 

and coinsurance and for charges for health care services 

and items not covered by Medicare. 

Another program allows greater income limits and may 

pay all or part of the Medicare premiums. This program 

is known as Qualifying Individual (QI). The QI income 

limit for one person is $1,148.83 and $1,540.13 for a 

couple. If you have questions about these programs, 


contact the County Department of Social Services. The 

amount of income you may have and be eligible for the 

QMB & SLMB programs will increase in future years. 

If you have income over the current dollar amounts, 

you should continue to check to see if you have become 

eligible. If you think you may be eligible for the QMB, 

SLMB, or QI benefi ts, contact the County Department of 

Social Services. 


Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program 

(HICAP) offers free information and assistance with understanding 

Medicare benefi ts and rights, solving medical 

billing problems, fi ling claims and appeals, and comparing 

supplemental and Long-term Care (LTC) insurance policies 

and managed care options. Information can be received 

over the phone or in person. Trained volunteer counselors, 

registered by the California Dept. of Aging-HICAP, are available 

at local community sites to provide assistance. Call for 

more information or an appointment, 800-434-0222. 

Hospital Health Insurance Counseling & 

Billing Services 

If you are concerned about your ability to pay a hospital 

or other health care provider, talk with the Business Offi 

ce or Business Manager to set up a payment plan. 

Planning for Long Term-Care Needs 

The California Partnership is another option available 

to persons who are planning their long-term care 

needs. The project is a partnership between the State 

of California, the private insurance companies, and the 

consumer. 

The purpose of the California Partnership is to 1) help 

the consumer protect against catastrophic long-term 

care costs; 2) improve the quality of long-term care insurance; 

3) improve the quality of consumer information 

on risks of needing long-term care, ways to fi nance care, 

and the role of long-term care insurance; 4) determine 

the marketability of state-approved insurance for the 

middle income populations; 5) reduce the rate of spend 

down to Medi-Cal and reduce the public expenditures 

caused by long-term care expenses; 6) help people 

maintain control of their own lives. 

All long-term care policies marketed in California must 

meet certain consumer standards established by state 

law. The California Partnership policies have additional 

standards that must be met to be marketed under the 

partnership project. All Partnership policies must use the 

same set of criteria to determine eligibility for benefi ts. 

There are minimum daily benefi ts guaranteed to provide 

meaningful coverage. Automatic infl ation protection is 

mandatory. Independent care management agencies must 

provide assessment and care plans for the consumer to 

access coverage. There are limitations on future rate

increases, and an option that allows you to “step down” 

your coverage if your fi nancial situation changes making 

it impossible to pay the current premium. You may 

designate another person to be notifi ed if you fail to pay 

premiums within 30 days of the due date. In the event 

that you will later need to apply for Medi-Cal benefi ts, one 

dollar of your assets will be protected for every dollar a 

Partnership policy has paid out in benefi ts. 

You must be a California resident when you purchase a 

Partnership approved Long-Term Care Insurance policy, 

but you may use the benefi ts outside of California. When 

and if you would need to apply for Medicaid (Medi-Cal in 

California) and take advantage of the asset protection, 

you must be a California resident to protect your assets 

under this contract. 

Insurers are required to document the long-term care 

benefi ts that have been paid on your behalf and to verify 

the amount of assets that have been protected. A report 

is sent quarterly to the policyholder showing what benefi 

ts apply to the asset protection. 

When there is a couple and one spouse must go into 

a nursing home and the other spouse remains in the 

community, the community spouse may retain a certain 

amount of assets ($101,640 in 2007) and a certain 

amount of monthly income ($2,541 in 2007) without 

affecting the eligibility for Medi-Cal of the nursing home 

spouse. When the nursing home spouse has a Partnership 

LTCI policy, s/he may maintain additional protected 

1. Do not let a stranger come into your 

home for any reason. 

2. Do not hire any home care employee 

(personal care attendance, housekeeper, 

etc.) without a skip trace and criminal 

background investigation being completed, 

drug testing and personal and 

employment references checked. 

3. Be wary of employing an individual who 

does not have ‘roots’ within the community. 

4. If you are using a third-party employer 

to provide a personal care attendant, 

make sure they complete a skip trace and 

criminal background investigation, drug 

testing and reference checking on their 

employees and provide active supervision 

as part of their service. 

5. Make sure the third –party employer has 

a process requiring approval by a designated 

family member and the employer 

before any gift is given. 

6. Secure your jewelry, credit cards and statements, 

banking records and checkbook. 

7. If an employee, yours or any third party 

employer, is given cash for purchases, 

make sure there is reconciliation process 

to ensure that all cask transactions are 

documented with receipts and there are 

appropriate accounting controls in place. 

8. If a home care worker starts to talk 

about money problems or displays an 

inappropriate interest in your fi nancial 

affairs, bring this to the attention of your 

family or trusted advisor. If the home 

care worker is an employee of an agency, 

make sure they are made aware of your 

concern. 

9. Do not give anyone your ATM card and PIN. 

10. Do not give anyone a credit card to use 

and allow them to sign your name for the 

transactions. 

11. Shred any mail that can be used to steal 

your identity. 

12. Use direct deposit for all payments made 

such as Social Security, dividends, annuity 

payments, or pension income. 


assets equal to the qualifi ed benefi ts that have been paid 

by the Partnership policy. This is in addition to the assets 

allowed to the community spouse. 

Policies should be purchased to cover only the amount of 

assets that need to be protected. The minimum coverage 

is $140 per day for one year ($51,100). 

Two types of policies are offered by the Partnership. 

Nursing Home and Residential Care Facility for the 

Elderly policies will cover care in a nursing home or 

a residential care facility. The second type of policy 

is Comprehensive Policy which covers nursing home, 

residential care facility, and home care benefi ts in the 

policyholder’s home. 

Evaluating and planning for your long-term care needs 

is very complex and is something that each individual 

should take enough time to understand the many options 

that are available. The California Partnership for Long 

Term Care insurance is only one option that a person 

may wish to consider. 

If you have further questions about assessing your 

needs for long-term care insurance and other methods 

of planning for these needs, you may contact the Health 

Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) to 

meet with a HICAP counselor to discuss your individual 

questions. This is a free service and counseling is done 

by trained, registered HICAP volunteer counselors in local 

communities throughout San Luis Obispo County. You 

may make an appointment by calling 800-434-0222. 

What Can Seniors Do To Prevent Elder Abuse? 

13. Do not make donations over the telephone. 

Always ask for information to be 

sent to you before you decide to make a 

contribution. 

14. Do not respond to a telephone solicitation 

to purchase anything. Do not be 

afraid to tell the solicitor to take your 

name off their list and then hang up. 

15. Do not respond to a telephone call that 

informs you are a ‘winner’ of a prize and 

you need to send a processing fee for the 

prize to be awarded. 

16. Do not purchase home repairs from an 

individual who just happened to be in 

your neighborhood and noticed that your 

home needed something. 

17. If you home needs repairs, make sure 

you get multiple bids before making a 

decision. Do not prepay for repairs. Only 

pay when the work has been completed 

to your satisfaction. 

Source: Home Instead Senior Care, Santa Barbara 



Directory 

The leading national industry organizations 

that can offer referrals for 

fi nancial planning services are: 

Financial Planning Association 

4100 E. Mississippi Ave. 

Denver, CO 80246-3053 

800-322-4237 

Fax 303-759-0749 

Certifi ed Financial Planner 

Board of Standards, Inc. 

1670 Broadway # 600 

Denver, CO 80202 

303-830-7500 

Fax 303-860-7383 

Consumer Line- 888-487-1497 


For Supplemental Security Income, Food 

Stamps, Medi-Cal 

Department of Social Services offi ces 

are located at: 

3433 S. Higuera St. 


781-1825 

Fax 781-1846 


Atascadero CA 93422 

461-6000 

Fax 461-6036 

Susan Polk Insurance 

1086 E. Grand Ave 


474-2000 

Fax 474-2134 

1130 Napa Ave. 


772-6340 

Fax 772-6547 

530 12 th St 


237-3110 

Fax 237-3115 

Consumer Credit Counseling 

Services 

1547 Grand Ave 


489-1513 

Free Counseling by appointment 

Santa Maria and Grover Beach 

offi ces. For appointment: 800-540- 

2227 

Debtors Anonymous Support 

Group 

Information Hotline 415-522-9099 

www.debtorsanonymous.org 

Peer group that follows the 12-step 

method for mutual help in recovering 

from compulsive indebtedness. 


HICAP 

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy 

Program 



928-5663 

800-434-0222 

Fax – 925-9555 




San Luis Obispo District Offi ce 



544-5251 

800-772-1213 

Fax 544-7286 

Offi ce Hours: 9 am-4 pm 

Phone Hours: 10 am - Noon, 1-3 pm 

Monday through Friday 

www.ssa.gov 

Taxes/Homeowner’s & Renter’s 

Assistance 

Federal: Internal Revenue Service 

2384 Professional Parkway 


352-0355 

800-829-3676 (tax forms) 

800-829-1040 (information and problem 

resolution) 

800-829-4059 (TTD) 

www.irs.gov 

State: Franchise Tax Board 

3005 Spring St., Ste. 574 


800-852-5711 

800-822-6268 (TTD) 

www.ftb.ca.gov 

For Homeowner’s and Renter’s 

Assistance call 800-868-4171 

State Controller 

PO Box 942005 


800-952-5661 

www.sco.ca.gov 

Veterans Service Offi ce 

801 Grand Ave 


781-5766 

Fax 781-5769 

www.co.slo.ca.us

Good nutrition enhances a person’s health and well 

being. A good diet can also prevent some chronic diseases 

and minimize the impact of others. These include: diabetes, 

high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease, 

some kinds of cancer and digestive problems. If getting 

groceries or preparing a variety of healthy foods is a 

problem, the resources in this Guide may be of help. 

This section includes information on grocery shopping 

assistance, lists of places to eat with others, information 

about home delivered meals, supplemental food and food 

pantries, and sources of nutrition information. Senior 

Information and Assistance programs maintain a list of 

stores in your area that deliver, and of errand services 

that do your shopping for you. Homemaker Programs 

can sometimes assist with shopping. 

Hot lunches are available in San Luis Obispo County 

to persons age 60 and older and their spouses. Sites 

provide a hot nutritious meal at lunch time. Reservations 

are required. Meals are available at no cost; a donation 

is suggested. Transportation may be available–call the 

nearest site. 

Food and Nutrition 

Home delivered meals are also available for frail, homebound 

persons age 60 and over and their spouses. Services 

vary so be sure to ask the provider agency if they 

provide meals on weekends, holidays and what is their 

delivery schedule. Some programs provide a second cold 

meal when the hot meal is delivered. Some programs 

have a set charge and others accept a donation. Some 

programs send weekend meals with the Friday delivery. 

Several local programs provide supplemental foods. 

Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County provides 

food for those in need by obtaining surplus food 

for distribution through its member agencies. No food is 

provided for individuals at Food Bank offi ces. Call Food 

Bank for a referral to sites nearest you. Many of the 

programs that provide groceries appreciate the donation 

of used grocery bags, both paper and plastic of all sizes. 

Take your spare bags to the food distribution site nearest 

you. 

The Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County operates 

a Brown Bag program. This program distributes 

food to low-income persons over the age of 60 with a 

limited income at sites throughout the County. The Bags 

include nutritious food items. A donation is accepted. 

Determine Your Nutritional Health 

The warning signs of poor nutritional health are often overlooked. Use this checklist to fi nd out if you or someone 

you know is at risk for a poor diet. Read the statements below. Circle the number in the Yes column for 

those that apply to you or someone you know. For each yes answer, score the number in the box. Total the 

nutritional score. 

YES 

I have an illness or condition that made me change the kind and/or amount of food I eat. 2 

I eat fewer than 2 meals a day. 3 

I eat few fruits or vegetables, or milk products. 2 

I have 3 or more drinks of beer, liquor or wine almost every day. 2 

I have tooth or mouth problems that make it hard for me to eat. 2 

I don’t always have enough money to buy the food I need. 4 

I eat alone most of the time. 1 

I take 3 or more different prescribed or over-the-counter drugs a day. 1 

Without wanting to, I have lost or gained 10 pounds in the last 6 months. 2 

I am not always physically able to shop, cook and/or feed myself. 2 

Total 

If your score is: 

0-2 Good. Recheck your nutritional score in 6 months. 

3-5 You are at a moderate nutritional risk. See what can be done to improve your eating habits and 

lifestyles. See services in this directory that may be of help. Recheck your score in 3 months. 

6 or more You are at high nutritional risk. Bring this checklist the next time you see your doctor or other 

health care provider. Ask for help to improve your nutrition. 

This Nutritional Screening tool was developed by the Nutrition Screening Initiative, a project of the American Academy of 

Family Physicians, The American Dietetic Association and the National Council on the Aging. 



Directory 

Grocery Shopping Assistance 

Cambria’s Anonymous Neighbors 

(CAN) 

927-5673 

Provides local shopping service 

for residents of Cambria and San 

Simeon. 

SLO Fresh Market 

1285 Laurel Lane 


593-0653 

Delivers on Thursday. Call by 10 

am for delivery by 5 pm Delivery 

fee of $15 for a minimum purchase 

of $25. Delivery in the City 

of San Luis Obispo only. 

Scolari’s Market 

1321 Johnson Av. 


545-9061 

Assisted shopping upon request. 

Soto’s Market 

2244 Main St. 

Cambria, CA 

927-4411 

$3 charge. $25 minimum order. 

M-F call before 11 am. 

Shopping Cart, Inc. 

PO Box 3843 


591-9611 

Fax 226-8619 

ashoppingcart@yahoo.com 

Shopping and home delivery 

services to elderly, disabled and 

homebound persons in Paso 

Robles area. Suggest fee donation 

of $5. 

Home-Delivered Meals 


(CAN) 

927-5673 

Home-delivered meals to clients in 

Cambria or San Simeon who are in 

need or have recently been released 

from a hospital or nursing home on 

a short-term basis. 

Five Cities Meals on Wheels 

PO Box 3151, 189 Windward 


773-2053 

Delivers meals M-F in the Five 

Cities area. 

San Luis Obispo Meals on 

Wheels 

541-1336 

Delivers meals M-F to any homebound 

person. Hot meals delivered 

daily including holidays except 

Thanksgiving and Christmas. No age 

requirement. 

Senior Nutrition Program of 




541-3312 

Fax 541-5631 

www.goldenmeals.org 

For information about services 

call the nearest site: 

Atascadero 466-2317 

Cambria 927-1268 

Los Osos 528-6923 

Morro Bay 772-4422 

Nipomo 929-1066 

Oceano 489-5149 

Paso Robles 238-4831 

San Luis Obispo 543-0469 

Santa Margarita 438-5854 

Hospital Meal Programs 




543-5353 

Evening meals 4-6 pm Price varies 

with selection. 

Sierra Vista Hospital 

1010 Murray Av. 


546-7600 

Evening meals 5-6:30 pm Price 

varies with selection. Discount for 

seniors. 

Twin Cities Hospital 



434-4546 Kitchen 


Evening meals 5-7 pm, 7 days a 

week. Discount for seniors 

Meals in a Community Setting 

Peoples Kitchen 

43 Prado Rd, 


786-0617 

Free meal in San Luis Obispo; 

Noon Monday - Sunday. 

South County Peoples Kitchen 

Assembly of God Grover Beach 

Fellowship Hall 

946 Rockaway 


489-0982 

Free meal 12-1 pm Mon-Sat, 1-2 

pm on Sun. 

Senior Nutrition Program of 




541-3312 

Hot lunches are provided to seniors 60 

and over at sites. A suggested donation 

of $2.75 is requested but all seniors 

are welcome regardless of ability 

to donate. Donations are voluntary, 

anonymous and confi dential. 

Atascadero 

Atascadero Senior Center 

5905-C East Mall 


466-2317 

Cambria 

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 

2700 Eton Rd. 


927-1268 

Los Osos 

South Bay Community Center 

2180 Palisades Av. 

Los Osos, CA 93402 

528-6923 

Morro Bay 

Senior Citizen’s Center 

1001 Kennedy Blvd. 


772-4422 

Nipomo 

Senior Citizens Club 

200 E. Dana St. 

Nipomo, CA 93444

929-1066 

Oceano 

Central Coast Senior Center 

1580 Railroad Av. 


489-5149 

Paso Robles 

Paso Robles Senior Activity Center 

270 Scott St. 


238-4831 


Anderson Hotel 

955 Monterey St. 


543-0469 

Santa Margarita 

Santa Margarita Senior Citizens 

Center 

2210 H St. 


438-5854 

Nutrition Information 


1428 Phillips Ln, Ste. 201 


543-1481 

Fax 543-1515 


American Diabetes Assoc. 

888-DIABETES 

www.diabetes.org 

American Dietetic Association 

Consumer Nutrition Hotline 

800-366-1655 

www.eatright.org 

Diabetes & Nutrition 

Education Center 

Education Program 

295 Posada Lane #C 


434-1166 

American Heart Association 

P.O. Box 1071 


544-1505 

Fax 549-9627 

www.americanheart.org 

Consumer Product Safety 

800-638-2772 

UC Cooperative Extension 

Farm Home Advisor 

2156 Sierra Way, Suite C 


781-5940 

Fax 781-4316 

cesanluisobispo.ucdavis.edu 

Food Safety and Inspection 

Service 

Meat and Poultry Hotline (USDA) 

888-674-6854 

www.fsis.usda.gov 

Food and Drug Administration 

Offi ce Consumer Affairs 

5600 Fishers Lane 

Rockville, MD 20857 

888-463-6332 

Food and Nutrition Information 

Center 

www.nal.usda.gov/fnic 




543-5353 

Diabetes Education for seniors. Call 

for current program schedule. 

Hospital Dietitians 

Call your local hospital and ask to speak 

with a clinical dietitian. Ask about nutrition 

education services they offer. 

USDA/Center for Nutrition 

Policy & Promotion 

3101 Park Center Dr., 10th Floor 

Alexandria, VA 22302-1594 

703-305-7600 

Fax 703-305-3300 

Community Resources 



927-5673 

Distribution of USDA and Food 

Bank of SLO County surplus food 

to eligible families and individuals 

in Cambria and San Simeon. 

Distribution is scheduled on the 

1st Thursday of each month from 

7:30 am to 8:30 am at the Joslyn 

Recreation Center. Home delivery 

is available to ‘shut ins.’ 


Five Cities Christian Women’s 

Food Distribution 

192 B South 9th St. (POB 756) 


489-2309, 

473-3324 (Site) 

Provides a free bag of groceries 

for home cooking. 2-4 pm M-F, 

except Memorial Day, July 4th, 

Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas 

& New Year’s 

Food Bank Coalition of SLO 

County 

PO Box 2070 


238-4664 

800-549-2222 

Fax 238-6956 

chanson@slofoodbank.org 

www.slofoodbank.org 

Offers several programs to distribute 

food to low-income residents 

in SLO County: 

Brown Bag – Provides weekly 

grocery bags of food directly to 

low and very low-income seniors 

through 14 neighborhood distribution 

sites 

Harvest Bag – Volunteers distribute 

a bag of groceries to qualifying 

low-income persons of all ages 

USDA Emergency Food Assistance 

Program – Provides quality nutritious 

food to thousands of qualifi 

ed very low-income individuals 

through 16 household distribution 

sites and to sites where prepared 

meals are served 

Grass Roots II 

Mailing address: 

PO Box 426 


Site address: 

11545 Los Osos Valley Road 


544-2333 

Emergency food pantry, Community 

clothes closet, Household items 

& furniture. Usual offi ce hours: 

10-2 M-F (call 1st) 



Loaves and Fishes of Atascadero 



461-1504 

9 am - 4:30 pm Tu & Th 

Provides free groceries. 1-3 pm 

M-F 

Loaves and Fishes of Paso 

Robles 



238-4742 

2-4 pm M-F; Tu & Th 5:30-7 pm 

Provides groceries. 2-4 pm M-F; 

Tu & Th 5:30-7 pm Closed major 

holidays. 

The Salvation Army - Morro 

Bay 

540 Quintana 


772-7062 

Distributes groceries 1-4 pm M-F. 

Limit is once per client monthly. 

The Salvation Army- Nipomo 

726 W. Tefft 


929-2388 

Distributes groceries 10 am-1 pm 

M-Th. 

The Salvation Army- Oceano/ 

Grover Beach 

1866 Beach St. POB 662 


481-0278 

Distributes groceries Tu-Th Call 

for time. Disabled Seniors in 5 

Cities area can come in once a 

month. 

The Salvation Army - San Luis 

Obispo 

815 Islay St, Corner of Islay & Chorro 


544-2401 

Distributes groceries. Limit is a 

monthly food box. Need Application, 

Drivers License & Social 

Security Card to receive food. 


Web Resources 

www.aoa.gov 

Administration on Aging website 

which provides information and 

references for older adults 

www.fda.gov 

Information and brochures such 

as ‘Growing Older, Eating Better,’ 

‘Eating for a Healthy Heart,’ ‘Keep 

your Food Safe.’ 

www.eatright.org 

Website of the American Dietetic 

Association with fact sheets, reading 

lists and nutrition information. 

Amdal In-home Care 

Remain at home with a little help from... 

Let us help you care 

for your loved one. 

Free In-Home Consultation 

Professional, Trained Caregivers 

Occasional Visits to Round-the-Clock 

Care 

Personal Care 

Alzheimer’s Care 

End-of-Life Care 

Light Housekeeping 

Call Toll-Free: 888-798-0008 

Healthy Meal Preparation 

Transportation to Appointments 

Local: 805-464-0108 

Medication Reminders 

www.amdalinhome.com 

Shopping 

Compassionate In-Home Care Since 1999 

Locally Owned and Operated Insured Dependable Courteous

Chronic disease and/or frailty may accompany 

advanced age. As a result, an older person may become 

unable to perform tasks of self-care or daily living. The 

need for increased care often begins during a medical 

crisis. Basic information that should be easily available 

includes: 

· Social Security number, 

· Medicare ID number, 

· Insurance company names policies and numbers, 

· Doctors’ names and numbers, 

· Lists of medications and allergies, 

· Family medical history, and 

· Lifestyle information (smoking, alcohol use, caffeine, 

etc.). 

Sometimes changes in circumstances require a change 

in primary physician. In selecting a doctor, consider 

some of the following: 

· Comfort and thoroughness of communication between 

doctor and patient; 

· Availability of enough time to answer all questions and 

consider all choices; 

· Agreement of doctor and patient to support the 

patient’s wishes regarding medical procedures and 

end-of-life issues; 

· Agreement on a philosophy about medications and 

their use; and 

· Backup for the doctor if unavailable. 

Frailty occurring in older adults may be physical or 

mental. Physical frailty can be a result of a stroke, a fall, 

or chronic disease. It can also be the result of a loss of 

hearing or vision. Mental deterioration can start with 

memory loss, confusion, diminished judgment, attention 

and learning. Diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s 

disease, Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors and conditions 

such as stroke, brain injury, and hydrocephalus 

can result in progressive loss of brain function. It is 

important to get a thorough evaluation to determine 

correct diagnosis and proper treatment. Some mental 

deterioration can be reversed or slowed. 

Types of Facilities for Medical Care 

Acute Care Hospitals: 

These facilities provide the highest level of care. They 

are staffed 24 hours with physicians and nurses. The 

costs of these facilities is usually several hundred dollars 

a day and are most often paid for through Medicare, 

Medi-Cal or private insurance. 

Health Services 

Clinics 

These health care sites are staffed by groups of doctors and 

other health care professionals. Services may include adult 

immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus boosters, seasonal fl u 

vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine and foreign travel vaccines), 

cancer screening (Pap Smear), communicable disease control, 

tuberculosis control and sexually-transmitted disease 

treatment. Services are generally available Monday through 

Friday, 8 am - 5 pm 

Urgent Care Centers 

These centers have extended daytime hours every day of 

the week. Appointments are suggested but not required. 

These centers are designed to serve those with urgent 

health problems not needing the services of a hospital 

emergency room. 

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) 

Often referred to as ‘nursing homes’ or ‘convalescent 

hospitals,’ these facilities offer both rehabilitation care 

and long-term care. They are staffed 24 hours a day by 

registered or vocational nurses. SNF’s provide medical, 

nursing, dietary, pharmacy and activity services as 

prescribed by the patient’s physician. In addition, physical, 

occupational and other therapies can be provided. 

The State Department of Health Services licenses these 

facilities. 

What to Look for in a Nursing Home 

You cannot gauge the quality of a nursing home without 

making at least one–and preferably several–personal visits. 

Walk around the facility and grounds to see how well they 

are maintained, how comfortable the residents seem and 

how the staff interacts with them. You may want to review 

and take a checklist when you visit the nursing home or call 

the staff for more information. 

Find Out What the Experts Say 

When considering any nursing home, ask to see the most 

recent annual state licensing report on the facility. You 

can also get information regarding the facility’s licensing 

history at www.medicare.gov (click on Nursing Home 

Compare) or call 800-Medicare. The reports and any 

citations are also available at the Long Term Care Ombudsman 

offi ce for all San Luis Obispo County facilities. 

Placement Assistance 

Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Services provides 

information and assistance to persons who are faced 

with making decisions about appropriate levels of care, 

available facilities and other concerns having to do with 

placement of a friend or family member. They can answer 

questions that you may have about long-term care, provide 

a list of care facilities in San Luis Obispo County, and 

give referrals to other counties and Alzheimer facilities 

state-wide. The LTC Ombudsman service also provides 



advocacy for facility residents, information about Advance 

Health Care Directives and witness the forms for care 

facility residents. 

As much as possible, it is important to involve the older 

person in the decision-making process. If nursing home 

care is the best solution, enlist the help of your physician 

and any friends or relatives who have used nursing 

home services in your area. Call the Long Term Care 

Ombudsman or the Area Agency on Aging for lists of all 

facilities in SLO County as well as a checklist to use in 

making a selection. 

Local business are available that provide free placement 

assistance through tours of local facilities and provision of 

a Guide for Senior Living. 

Uncover Any Hidden Costs 

Nursing homes bill residents for two types of charges: 

daily rates for room, board and some nursing services; 

and extra charges for any service not included in the 

basic rate, such as therapies, wheelchairs, dental care, 

hand-feeding or care for incontinent residents. 

It is important to know that federal regulations require 

any nursing home that participates in Medicare or Medi- 

Cal to provide complete information about basic rates 

and all extra charges. 

Find out whether your private health insurance covers 

any or all of the costs of nursing- home care; most do 

not. If, however, you are counting strictly on Medicare or 

Medi-Cal, be certain you know exactly what services will 

and will not be covered before you sign a contract with 

any nursing home. 

HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) 

can assist you in understanding your insurance 

policy. Contact them for free one on one counseling. 

HICAP has counseling sites throughout San Luis Obispo 

County. 

What Happens If the Money Runs Out? 

Nursing homes that are licensed for Medicare and Medi- 

Cal cannot require residents to move out if savings are 

exhausted and they qualify for Medi-Cal. It is wise to contact 

your local social services offi ce as soon as possible to fi nd 

out the requirements for Medi-Cal eligibility. To learn more 

about eligibility for Medicare/Medi-Cal coverage of nursing 

homes, see Financial section. LTC Ombudsman can help 

with improper eviction. 

Admission Agreement 

Know the Contents of Your Contract 

The admission agreement between a nursing home and its 

residents constitutes a legal contract. Older persons and 

their families should understand fully all of the agreement’s 

provisions, including the right to negotiate new terms and 

their right to sue if the agreed terms are violated. A lawyer’s 


review of any nursing home agreement before it is signed 

can point out possible future problems. 

Nursing homes usually require that someone sign as 

Responsible Party for the resident. This is generally the 

person checking the resident into the nursing home. This 

person can be the resident, a spouse or other member 

of the family, a friend or an associate. The Responsible 

Party is usually the fi rst person contacted if the resident 

has a change in condition or an emergency. This is not 

the same as Cosigning. Generally, the Responsible Party 

is not required to pay any costs to the facility. Review the 

admissions agreement to be certain that you are not also 

signing as a Cosigner which is not a legal requirement in 

California. Signing as a Cosigner may obligate you to pay 

for any costs not covered by insurance or the resident’s 

private funds. 

In even the most reputable nursing homes, residents 

have complaints about services or living conditions. The 

resident and/or a family member should fi rst discuss the 

complaint with the nursing home’s staff. Often the complaint 

can be resolved quickly. If not, contact the local 

LTC Ombudsman whose role is to resolve problems in the 

nursing home. 

Rehabilitative/Therapeutic Services 

Rehabilitation centers provide professional restorative care 

designed to help people who have been disabled due to 

illness, accident, or injury. Rehabilitation services fall into 

three categories: (1) inpatient hospital care, (2) inpatient 

transitional care (not available in San Luis Obispo County), 

(3) outpatient care (the patient visits the facility for treatment 

but does not stay overnight), and (4) home health 

services or home health care (treatment is given in the 

patient’s home). 

Medicare may pay for medical rehabilitation costs if the patient 

has the potential for rehabilitation, the expectation for 

improvement is reasonable and certain types of skilled care 

are required. Medicare Part A covers inpatient services; 

Part B covers 80% of outpatient costs and in home services. 

A physician’s referral is required. Medicare covers the full 

cost of in-home visits by rehabilitation therapists when the 

patient is homebound, has rehabilitation potential and the 

agency making service available is a Medicare Certifi ed 

Home Health Agency. 

EOC Health Screening 

Provides screenings for blood pressure, anemia, hemoccult 

stool test, blood sugar levels, total cholesterol (lipid panels 

by appointment only) and nutritional counseling at locations 

throughout the county. Also provides glaucoma and hearing 

testing by eye and hearing specialists. Health education, 

nutrition information and supportive counseling and referrals 

are also available.

Directory 

This Directory is divided into three 

parts: 

I. General Sources of Information 

and Services 

II. Hospitals 

III. Clinics 

IV. Special Programs 

V. Skilled Nursing Facilities 

I. General Sources of 

Information and Services 

AIDS Support Network 

1320 Nipomo St. 


781-3660 

Fax 781-3664 

www.asn.org 


3480 S. Higuera, Ste. 120 


547-3830 

Fax 784-9400 




San Luis Obispo Unit 

1428 Phillips Lane #201 


543-1481 

Fax 543-1515 


Mission Oaks Unit 

274 Heather Court, Ste. A 

Templeton CA 93465 

238-9657 

Fax 434-3947 

American Lung Association 

550 Camino El Estero #100 

Monterey, CA 93940 

800-586-4872 

www.alaccoast.org 

American Red Cross 

225 Prado Road, Ste. A 


543-0696 

Fax 544-1921 

sloarchr@charter.net 

Gentiva Health Services 

Arthritis Foundation 

2253 Las Positas Ste A 


563-4685 

800-954-2873 

Fax 687-1094 

www.arthritis.org 

United Blood Services of 

Central Coast 

4119 Broad Street 


543-4290 


Economic Opportunity 

Commission 

Senior Health Screening 

1411 Marsh St., #201 


788-0827 

California Department of 

Public Health 

Licensing and Certifi cation 

1889 N Rice Ave, Ste. 200 


800-547-8267 

What is home healthcare? 

Home healthcare, simply put, is healthcare delivered in a patient’s home. 

Home healthcare services may include nursing, therapy and personal care after 

a hospital stay or your doctor may refer you to home health. 

Bring great healthcare home with Gentiva 

Home healthcare is the foundation of what we do. Gentiva coordinates numerous 

aspects of patient care and offers a full range of in-home services by our 

quality nursing staff. Our homecare services include: 

Nursing Cardiac Care Disease and Pain Management 

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy 

Infusion Nursing Wound Care 

Gentiva also offers a number of innovative specialties 

designed and administered by experts, including: 

Orthopedics – Gentiva Orthopedics is the innovative program that 

brings post-operative care of joint replacement and other orthopedic 

patients home. 

Post Stroke Rehabilitation – our Home Rehabilitation Team helps 

patients regain optimal health and functional ability in the comfort of 

their home. 

Fall Prevention – Gentiva Safe Strides can get you on the road to 

recovery so you can begin life again without the fear of falling. 

Choosing the right homecare company is an important decision. That’s why 

you should ask your doctor about Gentiva. For over 20 years, we’ve been 

providing exceptional care and uncompromising service 

to the residents of the Central Coast. 

Gentiva is a Premier Member of the national 

Home Healthcare Quality Improvement program. 

SLO County Santa Maria Orcutt 

805.544.4402 or 800.491.4409 



604-2926 

Fax 604-2997 

www.dhs.ca.gov 

California Department of 

Rehabilitation 



549-3361 

Fax 542-4682 

www.rehab.cahwnet.gov 

Job preparation and job maintenance 

for disabled persons 

includes supplying assistance 

equipment as needed for daily 

living when prescribed by an M.D. 

In home independent living skills 

are also taught for blind persons 

and seniors with disabling medical 

conditions such as arthritis or 

diabetes. 

San Luis Obispo County Public 

Health Agency 

Immunizations, public health issues, 

information and referral 

San Luis Obispo Offi ce 



781-5500 

Fax 781-5543 

CHW 

Paso Robles Offi ce 

723 Walnut Drive 

Paso Robles CA 93446 

237-3050 

Fax 237-3057 

Morro Bay Offi ce 

760 Morro Bay Blvd. 


772-6380 

Fax 772-0520 

Grover Beach Offi ce 

286 S. 16 th St. 


473-7050 

Fax 474-7473 

Central Coast Dental Society 

1502 Higuera St. 


544-1113 

Fax 544-2197 

Referrals to dentists that offer 

reduced rates for low income 

seniors. 

HICAP (Health Insurance 

Counseling and Advocacy 

Program) 



800-434-0222 

Provides one-on-one counseling to 

understand Medicare and health 

and long-term care insurance 

policies. 


Medi-Cal Dental Care 

Dentist Referral 

800-322-6384 

Hearst Cancer Resource 

Center 

81 S. Higuera St. Ste 200 


542-6234 

Information on cancer & related 

topics and family support services 

such as counseling, coaching and 

an Appearance Center. Affi liated 

with French Hospital. 

HIV Care Consortium 

PO Box 1489 


781-5540 

466-1262 x5540 

Information on 

HIV- and AIDS-related issues 

Kidney Foundation, 

Central Coast 

929-1690 


Medical Society 

3165 Broad St, Ste. 110 


544-3020 

Fax 544-3035 

www.slocms.org 


Complaint Unit 

1430 Howe Ave 


800-633-2322 

www.medbd.ca.gov 

National Multiple Sclerosis 

Society 

Channel Island Chapter 

14 W. Valerio St 


800-FIGHT-MS 

682-8783 

Fax 563-1489 

www.nationalmssociety.org 

Muscular Dystrophy 

Association 

350 S. Hope Ave Ste. A104 


805-563-0456

santabarbaradistrict@mdausa.org 

www.mda.org 

SLO Hep C Project 

1320 Nipomo St. 


543-4372 

Fax 781-3664 

www.slohepc.org 

II. Hospitals 

Twin Cities Community Hospital 


Templeton,CA 93465 

434-3500 

www.twincitieshospital.com 




543-5353 

www.chw.edu 

Sierra Vista Hospital Medical 

Center 

1010 Murray Ave 


546-7600 

www.sierravistaregional.com 


Hospital 

345 S. Halcyon 


489-4261 

www.chw.edu 

III. Clinics 

Community Health Centers 

Provide comprehensive health 

care services to all local residents 

including primary medical care, 

dental care and special programs. 

Federally-qualifi ed health centers. 

Special pharmacy discount program 

for those on Medicare. 

Arroyo Grande 

336 S. Halcyon 


481-3652 

Fax 481-1017 

1057 Grand Ave 


481-7220 

Fax 481-7097 

Atascadero 

5575 Capistrano Ave. 


792-1400 

Fax 792-1485 

Cambria 

2515 Main St #B 

927-5292 

Fax 927-0354 

Oceano 

1981 Cienega St 

270-0025 

Fax 270-0030 

Morro Bay 

660 Harbor Blvd. 

771-8489 

Fax 771-8494 

Nipomo Offi ce 

150 Tejas Place 

PO Box 430 

929-3211 

Fax 929-6440 

www.chccc.org 

Paso Robles 


238-7250 

Fax 238-0165 




1551 Bishop St., Bldg. A-110 

269-1500 

Fax 269-1585 

Templeton 

1050 Las Tablas Road, #16 


434-1038 

Fax 434-1659 

Urgent Care Centers 

Med-Stop 

283 Madonna Rd., Ste. B 


549-8880 

Fax 549-8743 

www.medstop.org 

Med-Works Care Center 

350 Posada Lane 


434-3699 

Cuesta Family Medical Center 

5920 West Mall 


466-0676 

North County Care 

636 Spring St 

Paso Robles CA 93446 

238-2422 

Veterans’ Outpatient Clinic 

1288 Morro St. #200 


543-1233 



Promoting the highest quality of care for residents. 

How Can We Help? 

• Advocacy, Complaint Investigation & Problem 

resolutions in long term care facilities 

• No fees for services 

• Placement information for families 

• Monitoring visits made to facilities regularly 

to ensure high quality of care 

• Witnessing of Advance Health Care Directives 

Phone: (805) 785-0132 

3232 South Higuera, Suite 101B 


(across from Social Security, near DMV) 



IV. Special Programs 

Lymphedema Therapy 

Program 

Able Therapy Services 

1061 Murray St 


782-9300 

Fax 782-9700 

Family Home Care 

Nursing Home Placement 

Assistance 

Central Coast Senior Placement 

Services 

6064 Lewis Lane 


540-4312 

Fax 541-4362 

Seniorplacement@charter.net 

www.ccplacement.com 


Services 

3232 S. Higuera, Ste. 101B 


785-0132 

Fax 785-0134 

800-231-4024 (after hours crisis) 

ltcomb17@kcbx.net 


3165 S. Broad St., Ste. 114 


545-5901 

Fax 545-5906 

info@seniorlivingconsultants.com 

www.seniorlivingconsultants.com 

Physician Referral 


Medical Society 

3165 Broad St., Ste.110 


544-3020 

Fax 544-3035 

www.sloms.org 

The Medical Society will refer you 

to physicians of various specialties 

who are members of the Society. 

You may call your insurance carrier 

for a list of participating physicians 

on your plan. Most insurance companies 

also have web sites with this 

information. 

A directory of Physicians/Suppliers 

who accept Medicare Assignments 

is available by calling your Medicare 

Carrier. 

V. Skilled Nursing Facilities 

Arroyo Grande Care Center 

1212 Farroll Ave. 



489-8137 

Fax 481-1534 

Arroyo Grande Transitional 

Care 

345 S. Halcyon Rd. 


473-7663 

Fax 473-7618 

Bayside Care Center 

1405 Teresa Drive 


772-2237 

Fax 772-2536 

Cabrillo Convalescent Hospital 

3033 Augusta Street 


544-5100 

Fax 544-1929 

Country Care Convalescent 

Hospital 



466-0282 

Fax 438-4405 

CCCH@christianhomes.net 

www.pacifi cchristianhome.org 

Danish Convalescent Hospital 



466-9254 

Fax 466-6007 

Mission View Health Center 

1425 Woodside Drive 


543-0210 

Fax 545-8216 

San Luis Transitional Care 

1575 Bishop Street 


545-7575 

fax 545-7564 

socialservice@compass-health.com 

www.compass-health.com 

Vineyard Hills Health Center 

290 Heather Court 


434-3035 

Fax 434-3065 

www.compass-health.com

Housing which is affordable, available and adequate 

is extremely limited in San Luis Obispo County. This section 

describes housing options, levels of care and programs 

available to assist you with your housing needs. 

Independent Living 

Low-Cost Rentals 

Federally-Subsidized Housing 

The Housing Authority of the City of San Luis Obispo 

develops and manages federally-fi nanced public housing 

projects and provides these units on a rental basis to 

eligible low-income persons and families. These public 

housing developments are located only in the City of San 

Luis Obispo. 

The Housing Authority also administers the Section 8 

Housing Assistance Payments Program throughout the 

County of San Luis Obispo. This program provides rental 

assistance to very low-income individuals and families 

through either housing certifi cates or vouchers. The 

Housing Authority has a long waiting list for this program 

and enrollment is not always available. 

A listing of independent living facilities targeted to senior 

citizens is available from the Area Agency on Aging 

at 1-800-510-2020. 

Waiting List Tips 

Many apartment projects, both subsidized and 

non-subsidized, have long waiting lists. Don’t be 

discouraged! If they will take your name, give it. 

Waiting lists sometimes move surprisingly fast. 

Being number 400 on a list doesn’t necessarily 

mean that there are actually 400 people ahead of 

you. Many people have already found a place to 

live, moved out of the area or are no longer interested 

in the apartment. 

1. There is no limit to the number of waiting lists 

you can put your name on. It is best to sign up on 

several lists to increase your likelihood of receiving 

assistance. 

2. Make sure that you keep the project informed of 

your current address and telephone number. One 

reason lists move quickly is that people cannot be 

reached easily when there is a vacancy. 

3. Check back regularly, but don’t be a pest. Let them 

know you are still interested. 

Shared Housing 

Due to rising housing costs, a low vacancy rate and the 

physical diffi culty of one person maintaining a home by 

himself or herself, home sharing by two or more people 

is becoming increasingly practical. A local resource to 

Housing Options and Levels of Care 

check is Cuesta College and Cal Poly. Consider some tips 

on fi nding a shared housing situation. 

Tips on Shared Housing 

1. Spread the word among your friends that you are 

looking for a roommate or a room in someone’s 

house. It’s possible that they know of someone who 

can help you. 

2. Look in the classifi ed ads in your local newspaper 

under “Roommates” or “Situations Wanted.” People 

are sometimes willing to exchange services such as 

cooking and cleaning for rent. 

3. If you choose to advertise for a roommate, it is wise 

to rent a post offi ce box for replies from prospective 

roommates. Ask for references and check them. 

4. Be clear with applicants about what lifestyles and 

behavior are acceptable to you. 

5. You may consider drawing up a contract specifying 

such practical matters as when the rent is due, 

cleaning deposit information, etc. If you are exchanging 

services for rent, outline in writing what 

services you expect. 

6. The housing offi ces at the colleges sometimes have 

students listed who are offering a service in exchange 

for rent. They may also provide to student 

renters a list of persons who have rooms available 

in their home. Best time to call is prior to the beginning 

of school terms. Occasionally a foreign student 

looking for long-term housing prefers living with a 

senior citizen for a stable and quiet atmosphere. 

Housing and Long-Term Care 

The housing industry has responded to the need for 

enhanced housing services–such as dining room meals, 

housekeeping and transportation–by developing housing 

facilities that provide these amenities. There are differing 

degrees of amenities providing options for consideration. 

Some people will stay in their own homes and have 

home care services brought to them. Other individuals 

will choose to relocate to new housing facilities that 

provide the services desired. 

Retirement Communities 

Retirement Communities are apartment complexes for active 

seniors who are interested in group and social events, 

but do not need personal or medical care. Often, home 

maintenance, housekeeping and meals are provided. 

Assisted Living Communities 

A special combination of housing and personalized supportive 

services offered in a residential setting. Supportive 

services may include meals, laundry, housekeeping, 

transportation and activities. Residents live in apartments 

but enjoy group dining and other activities. 



Residential Care Facilities for the 

Elderly 

Residential care facilities for the elderly are licensed 

facilities that are usually single family homes where 

residents rent out a room, although they can be larger 

with hundreds of rooms available. 

Also known as “rest homes,” “board and care,” or “retirement 

homes,” residential care refers to the facilities 

which do not provide medical or nursing care but which 

offer room, board, and daily assistance with dressing, 

eating, personal hygiene, health maintenance, supervision 

of prescribed medication, transportation and other 

activities. 

The facilities are licensed and inspected annually by 

the California Department of Social Services. They are 

visited at least once a month by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman 

Services of San Luis Obispo County. 

Nursing Homes/Skilled Nursing 

Facilities 

Also known as “nursing homes” or “convalescent hospitals,” 

skilled nursing facilities are required to provide 

continuous (24-hour-a-day) nursing supervision by 

registered or licensed vocational nurses. SNFs provide 

medical, nursing, dietary, pharmacy and therapy services 

as prescribed by the patient’s physician. In addition 

physical, occupational, and other therapies can be 

provided. These facilities are licensed by the California 

Department of Public Health. In addition, the Long Term 

Care Ombudsman program visits the facilities regularly 

to check for health and safety issues. You will fi nd more 

information about skilled nursing facilities in the Health 

section. 

The Villages 

Why look 

anywhere else? 

Share the gifts of caring friends, 

delicious food and happy memories. 

Visit us today! 

55 Broad Street · San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 

805-543-2300 · www.TheVillagesofSLO.com 

Lic. #405800467 · Lic. #405800577 

Independent Living · Assisted Living · Dementia Care 


When Facility Residents Have Complaints, 

Who Will Solve Them? 

In even the most reputable facilities, residents have 

complaints about services or living conditions. The 

resident and/or a family member should fi rst discuss the 

complaint with the facility’s administration. Often the 

problem can be resolved there. If not, contact the local 

Long Term Care Ombudsman (785-0132), whose role it 

is to mediate problems in the nursing-home or residential 

care facility. 

Another source of help may be the state agency responsible 

for licensing the nursing home or residential 

care facility. The State Department of Public Health is 

responsible for licensing and certifying Medicare/Medi- 

Cal skilled nursing facilities. The State Department of 

Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, is 

responsible for licensing and inspecting residential care 

facilities. 

Reverse Mortgages 

A Reverse Mortgage allows you to borrow against the 

equity in your home to provide you with tax-free income. 

You continue to own your home and live in it for the life 

of your loan. You typically make no loan payments, as 

the Reverse Mortgage becomes due only when you sell 

your home or move out of it. 

A Reverse Mortgage operates in an opposite manner 

from a conventional mortgage. With a conventional 

mortgage, your equity grows and your debt shrinks as 

you repay the lender. In a Reverse Mortgage, your equity 

shrinks and your debt grows as the lender pays you. 

Money obtained from a Reverse Mortgage can be distributed 

in a number of ways: 

• As a single lump sum of cash 

• As regular monthly payments 

• As a credit line that lets you decide 

how much and when to draw it 

• As a combination of these payment 

plans. 

Why Get One? 

A Reverse Mortgage makes sense for 

some homeowners. It's a way of cashing 

in on that hard-earned equity that 

you've been building over the years. It 

can provide you with the extra income 

you need. 

Some homeowners use the money 

to repair or remodel their homes. 

Some spend it on travel. Others use 

the money to pay off debts, medical 

expenses or home care. Some want a 

line of credit they can draw upon as

needed for unplanned expenses or extra luxuries. 

A Reverse Mortgage provides other advantages for some 

homeowners, including: 

• You get to keep your home. As long as you abide by the 

loan requirements, you can never lose your home. 

• You can never owe more than the value of your home. 

Although your debt grows larger the longer your loan 

lasts, it can never grow larger than the selling price of 

your home. 

• You never have to repay your loan during the life of the 

loan. 

• Your income is not a consideration in obtaining the 

loan since you make no payments. 

• The money you receive is tax-free, since it is not considered 

'income'. 

Why NOT get One? 

A Reverse Mortgage is not right for everyone. It can have 

signifi cant disadvantages for some homeowners. These 

disadvantages need to be carefully weighed against the 

advantages. 

Some reasons not to get a Reverse Mortgages include: 

• It is more complicated than conventional mortgages 

and often not well understood, even by loan and legal 

professionals. 

• It could have adverse tax consequences for some homeowners. 

• These are very expensive loans and consumers need to 

be aware of all the costs. 

• It could affect your eligibility for public assistance. 

• It could have a negative impact on the estate your 

heirs will inherit. 

• It could be a bad investment if you 

end up defaulting on the loan or 

need to move too soon (within a few 

years of the loan's closing). Because 

a Reverse Mortgage has substantial 

start- up costs, the longer you delay 

repayment, the better your investment 

becomes. 

• Other solutions may be available 

and cost much less. 

How to Decide? 

The best way to decide if a Reverse 

Mortgage is right for you is to consult 

a Reverse Mortgage professional. The 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (HUD) can help you fi nd 

a HUD -approved Reverse Mortgage 

counselor that you should consult be- 

Over 10 Years of Service 

Charmaine & Nicole 

Let us help you 

through this very difficult 

decision making time 


fore you contact a lender. This is so important that most 

lenders will require that you have a certifi cate showing 

that you have consulted with a counselor before they will 

approve your loan. 

HUD-approved reverse Mortgage counselors in California 

are with the Consumer Credit Counseling Program at 

800-540-2227. If you cannot locate a counselor within 

driving distance, you can consult one by telephone. 

Not all counselors are equally knowledgeable, so it’s a 

good idea to ask them how long they have been doing 

Reverse Mortgage counseling and how many clients 

they have worked with. Often this counseling is free of 

charge, but sometimes a small fee is required (usually 

around $75.). However, what you learn from this service 

is, as the saying goes, 'priceless'. 

A good counselor will: 

• Be unbiased, independent and protect your privacy. 

• Disclose all your options and help you decide what is 

right for you. There will be no pressure to apply for a 

Reverse Mortgage. 

• Give you a 'personal Reverse Mortgage Analysis' and 

a written comparison of all the Reverse Mortgage 

programs available in you’re area. 

• Provide you with a 'HUD Certifi cate of HECM Counseling' 

which some lenders will require before giving a 

Reverse Mortgage. 

Other Helpful Resource 

As you are thinking about whether a Reverse Mortgage 

is right for you, here are additional sources of information. 


We Provide Placement Services From Paso 

Robles to Northern Santa Barbara County 

We are a FREE service that specializes in helping 

you and your loved ones find Independent, Assisted 

Living and Alzheimer’s Care Retirement Homes. 


A FREE Placement Agency 

805-545-5901 

www.seniorlivingconsultants.com 

805-545-5906 fax 

3165 S. Broad Street, #114 




AARP Foundation's Reverse Mortgage Education 

Project 

601 E. Street, NW 


1-800-209-8085 

www.hecmresources.org 

AARP also provides a free consumer's guide on Reverse 

Mortgages called 'Home Made Money.' This book 

can be read online or printed. 

US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development 

(HUD) 

Washington DC 20410-8000 

www.hud.gov 

This website includes information about HECM and 

other senior housing issues. It also lists HUD-approved 

counselors and lenders. 

Consumers Union, West Coast Regional Offi ce 

1535 Mission St. 

San Francisco, CA 94103 

1-415-431-6747 

www.consumersunion.org 

Consumers Union has several publications about Reverse 

Mortgages than can be printed from the website. 

They also have a 50-page analysis of the advantages 

and pitfalls of Reverse Mortgages "There's No Place 

Like Home: The Implications of Reverse Mortgages on 

Seniors in California." 

Other Housing-related Services 

Services are available in the community to assist in 

areas related to housing needs. These include: 

Jan- Stemper-Brown 


Discrimination 

A landlord, manager or real estate agent cannot refuse 

to rent, sell or negotiate with a potential tenant because 

of age, race, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, 

sexual orientation, physical disability or the presence of 

children in the family. File complaints or inquire about 

your rights at the State Department of Fair Employment 

and Housing by calling one of the toll-free numbers. 

The department does not accept complaints through the 

internet or by mail. 

Homeless Shelters 

See Emergency Services section. 

Homestead Declaration 

Homeowners automatically gain a homestead interest 

in their primary residence by law which protects their 

equity in the event a creditor seeks to place a lien on the 

home to satisfy unpaid debts. If you prepare and record 

a declaration of homestead, you may be able to prevent 

a forced sale of the home. 

Repair 

Safety repairs and modifi cations are often needed to 

maintain older persons in their home in a safe and 

secure environment. Home repair services are available 

under certain circumstances for older persons through 

the Economic Opportunity Commission of San Luis 

Obispo County. 

Economic Opportunity Commission offers home repair 

services to persons aged 60 years of age or older. Provides 

general repairs, installing grab bars and wheelchair 

ramps, repairing deteriorating porches and steps 

and minor plumbing and electrical repairs. Material 

costs and labor are based on a donation basis. 

Economic Opportunity Commission offers 

an Applicant Repair and Replacement 

Program in conjunction with 

Southern California Gas Company. 

Qualifi cations include: Southern California 

Gas customer, homeowner and 

low income. The Program will repair 

or replace a furnace, hot water heater 

and/or stove at no charge. 

Tenant/Landlord 

Assistance 

If you fi nd yourself in a dispute either 

as a tenant or landlord and both 

parties are willing to talk about the 

matter with a neutral third party, you 

may want to contact Creative Mediation 

Services. 

The California Department of Consumer 

Affairs provides publications to

inform consumers. One publication is California Tenants: 

A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights 

and Responsibilities. It is a 65-page summary of landlord-tenant 

law which is written in plain English for easy 

understanding. Available at no charge. 

Utilities 

Economic Opportunity Commission operates the Home 

Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which provides lowincome 

households with a once-a-year payment toward 

their utility bills (gas, electric or propane). Utility assistance 

is available throughout the County; however, it is 

limited to water bills in the City of San Luis Obispo. 

TIP: 

If you are ever in danger of having your source of 

energy cut off because you are unable to pay your 

bill, it is best to call the billing department of the 

particular utility company before you are cut off and 

explain your situation. In many, if not most cases 

they are amenable to working out a payment plan. 

Utility Assistance 

PG&E 

800-743-2273 

www.pge.com 

CARE Program 

Available to single-family, low-income customers with 

accounts in their name. If your household meets certain 

requirements, you can apply to receive a 20% discount 

on your energy bills each month. Applications are required. 

Medical Baseline 

Additional energy baseline amounts may be added with 

a lower rate if you qualify by having 

life support equipment or medicallynecessary 

heating or cooling needs. 

Application and physician’s verifi cation 

are required. 

Southern California Gas/The 

Gas Company 

800-427-2200 English 

800-342-4545 Spanish 

www.socal.gas.com 

CARE Program 

Available to single-family, low income 

customers with accounts in their 

name. If your household meets certain 

requirements, you can apply to receive 

a 20% discount on your energy bills 

each month. Applications are required. 


Medical Baseline 

Additional energy baseline amounts may be added with 

a lower rate if you qualify by having life support equipment 

or medically-necessary heating or cooling needs. 

Application and physician’s verifi cation are required. 

Service Establishment Charge Discount 

Provides 60% discount on the Service Establishment 

Charge if qualifi ed within 90 days of starting new gas 

service. Application required. 

Level Pay Plan: Allows a customer to pay energy costs 

averaged over twelve months to cover increased usage 

in the winter months. 

Direct Assistance Program 

Provides energy-effi cient home improvements if qualifi ed 

as low-income, aged or disabled. Improvements include 

repair and replacements of faulty furnaces at no cost if 

qualifi ed. 

Call 800-331-7593. 

EOC of San Luis Obispo County 

541-4122 


Weatherization Services 

Free home weatherization services designed to lower 

energy bills and increase comfort. Services include attic 

insulation, door weather-stripping, water heater blankets, 

and water saving devices. EOC crews also perform 

carbon monoxide testing of gas appliances and furnaces, 

and make minor repairs. Services are provided at no 

cost to qualifi ed homeowners and renters. 

Aunt Carol’s Place 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Catholic Charities, SLO 

541-9110 

Provides emergency assistance to 

prevent cut-off of utility services. 

Service is dependent upon available 

funds. Requires appointment and 

application. 

REACH Program 

Operated by the Salvation Army, it 

provides a once-a-year payment of 

past due electric, gas or water bill. 

REACH helps low-income customers 

who are experiencing unplanned 

hardships and are unable to pay for 

their energy needs. Sponsored by 

PG&E. Call: 

San Luis Obispo & Avila Beach 

– 544-2401 

Cambria – 927-4044 

Atascadero & Templeton – 466-7201 

Morro Bay, Cayucos, Los Osos/Baywood 

Park – 772-7062 

Paso Robles, Creston & San Miguel 

– 238-9591 

Utility Taxes 

The City of San Luis Obispo provides 

a 15% discount on the city water 

and sewer rate for low-income 

persons. Proof of low-income status 

must be provided. For more information 

telephone 781-7133. 


Directory 

CA Dept. of Consumer Affairs 

Education and Communications Division 

400 R St. #1080 


800-952-5210 

www.dca.ca.gov 

Creative Medication Services 

265 South St.,#A 


549-0442 

Fax 549-0654 

info@creativemediation.org 

www.creativemediation.org 

Economic Opportunity Commission 

3970 Short St., Ste. 110 


541-4122 

800-495-0501 

Fax 541-4188 


Fair Employment and Housing 

Dept. 

Housing: 800-233-3212 

TTY: 800-700-2320 

www.dfeh.ca.gov 

Senior Placement Services 

A FREE referral 

and placement agency for 

independent, assisted and 

Alzheimer’s care facilities 

Mike Suddarth 

805-540-4312 

www.ccplacement.com 


Housing Subsidies and Public 

Housing Options 

Housing Authority of the City 

of San Luis Obispo 

487 Leff Street 

PO Box 1289 


543-4478 

Fax 543-4992 

Housing Authority of the City 

of Paso Robles 

3201 Pine Street 

PO Box 817 


238-4015 



3232 S. Higuera St., Ste. 101B 


785-0132 

Fax 785-0134 

ltcomb17@KCBX.net 

State of CaliforniaCare Facility 

Licensing Agencies 

Department of Public Health 

Licensing & Certifi cation Program 

1889 N. Rice Ave., Ste. 200 


604-2926 

800-547-8267 

Fax 604-2997 

www.cdph.ca.gov 


Community Care Licensing 

360 Hope Ave. #C-105 


682-7647 

Fax 563-5549 

www.ccld.ca.gov 

Shared Housing - Housing Offi ces 

Cal Poly 

Bldg. 29-Cal Poly 

756-1226 

housing@polymail.calpoly.edu 

www.housing.calpoly.edu 

Cuesta College 

P.O. Box 8106 


546-3289 

www.cuesta.cc.ca.us

Most older adults want to stay independent for as long 

as possible. They want to stay in control of their lives and 

live in their homes or apartments among familiar surroundings 

and friends. Sometimes, in order to achieve this goal, 

additional help in the home is needed. 

The range of available in-home services is extensive–meals, 

repairs, personal care, telephone reassurance 

calls. The growth in the homebound population is 

sparking interest in the development of services to meet 

this emerging need. You can expect the community to 

respond to this need to assist older persons to remain 

safe and secure in their homes. 

For information about home-delivered meals, see Food 

and Nutrition Services section. For information about 

home repairs see Housing section. For information 

about home safety and adaptive or assistive devices, see 

Equipment and Special Need Services. 

Home Care 

Skilled Service Certifi ed Home Health 

Agencies 

Home health agencies coordinate skilled nursing and 

personal care services for the homebound senior. These 

agencies may be for-profi t, non-profi t, or an outpatient 

extension of a hospital. They must be certifi ed by Medicare, 

licensed by the State and preferably accredited by 

the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care 

Organizations (JCAHO) or Community Health Accreditation 

Program (CHAP). 

To qualify for services you must have a doctor’s order, 

be homebound and require skilled care. You can choose 

which agency to use. Your doctor can make recommendations. 

The hospital discharge planner must provide 

you a list of available home health agencies. Log onto 

www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for Home 

Health Compare for consumer information. 

Payment options are: 

Medicare Part A (Hospital) for the homebound patient 

Medicare Part B for some rehabilitative services if the 

patient is not homebound 

Medi-Cal for some home health services from a certifi ed 

agency 

Private Insurance/Private Pay 

Health Maintenance Organizations 

Home IV/Enteral Therapy 

Several local pharmacies work in cooperation with 

home health agencies to provide intravenous antibiotic 

therapy, enteral and parenteral nutritional therapy, fl uid 

replacement, pain management and home chemotherapy. 

Services may be covered under insurance policies, 

Medicare or Medi-Cal. 

In-Home Care Solutions 

Personal and Custodial Care Service 

Agencies– Respite, Homemaker, Companion, 

Public and Private 

These services are considered non-medical and nonskilled. 

Homemaker and personal care services include 

help with feeding, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, 

shaving, hair care, light housework and grocery shopping. 

Respite is the care of a frail senior to give the 

primary caregiver relief. 

Hiring In-Home Help 

Generally, there are two ways to secure in-home help: 

purchase it through an agency or directly hire an individual 

to provide the needed service(s). Purchasing services 

directly from agencies may save time, usually taken up by 

paperwork, recruitment and supervisory tasks, and may 

provide reliable and trustworthy help. However, the cost 

is usually lower when you hire your own help directly. The 

cost, convenience and risk factors must be balanced for 

your best interest. If you have Long-Term Care Insurance 

which covers in-home help, be sure to check with your 

provider regarding the requirements for receiving reimbursement 

for that care. 

Hiring Your Own Home Care Providers 

When you hire an in-home care worker yourself, there are 

many things to consider. You must locate an experienced 

caregiver, screen by phone, interview, check references, 

supervise, have a homeowners insurance policy which 

includes accident and injury coverage, provide Workers 

Compensation insurance, provide for Social Security, and 

comply with IRS regulations. 

One source of potential employees is an Attendant Care 

Listing. Several local agencies maintain a listing of persons 

who are looking for paid work in the home. 

A Guide has been prepared to assist you. It contains information 

about contracts, questions to ask applicants, checking 

references, supervision and dismissal of employees, 

fi nancial and legal responsibilities, or getting help through 

an agency. To obtain a copy of the free guide, “Hiring In- 

Home Help: A Practical Guide for Seniors and their Families,” 

call the Area Agency on Aging at 800-510-2020. 

There are several private Agencies offering home care. Public 

Agencies also offer homemaker services at no or low-cost to 

eligible seniors. See Directory for specifi c listings. 

Questions to Ask When Choosing a 

Homemaker and Personal Care Agency 

1. Are all caregivers background screened, fi ngerprinted 

and tested for appropriate skills? 

2. Are all employees bonded and insured against malpractice 

and injury while in the home? 

3. Does the company provide caregivers with ongoing 

education and training to ensure the highest quality 

professional standards are maintained? 



4. Are supervisory visits made by a registered nurse or 

supervisor to ensure your satisfaction and monitor 

client care? Is a supervisor available 24 hours to 

handle problems? 

5. If the health care has been requested by your doctor, 

will the company discuss your case with the doctor 

and obtain medical records if appropriate? 

6. Will a supervisor be sent to the hospital or your 

home to meet the client and personally discuss the 

services to be provided? 

7. Will the company contact insurance carriers to determine 

what services are covered and to directly bill the 

appropriate party? 

8. Will a written estimate of weekly costs be provided 

before service starts? Is the client to pay all or any 

portion of the costs? 

When in doubt, ask questions. Make sure you are comfortable 

with the people providing your care. 

Telephone Reassurance 

Are You O.K.? or R U OK? 

Daily telephone contact with the homebound person. If no 

response, or a continual busy signal, the system will contact 

selected persons. This program is limited to the residents of 

Morro Bay. 

Marian Home Care 

Receive Marian Medical Center’s high quality care in the 

comfort of your own home. Marian Home Care’s team of 

experienced and compassionate healthcare providers make 

health recovery and management easier by providing an 

array of in-home medical services so patients can spend more 

time doing what they like to do and less time at the hospital. 

Inspired healthcare. 

Then. Now. Always. 


Telephone reassurance services are also available. 

This service is generally a volunteer who calls daily at a predetermined 

time. The time can be selected to be a reminder 

for taking medications or to eat a meal. Also this service 

can be obtained for a fee through local telephone answering 

services. 

Also consider emergency response systems which are described 

in the Equipment and Special Needs section. 

Home Visitors 

There are many friendly visitor programs available. Some 

are limited to the membership of a group or church. Others 

welcome anyone as either volunteers or the person to be 

called. Some visitors will do other services, such as grocery 

shopping, reading mail and helping with errands. 

Postal Carrier Alert 

The U. S. Postal Services maintains a list of seniors for 

which the letter carriers will pay special attention. If 

they notice signs of potential trouble, they will report to 

the appropriate responders. 

Memory Disorders Program 

A Memory Disorders Program assists patients, families 

and caregivers in managing the many challenges of cognitive 

impairment. A multi-disciplinary team is coordinated 

to assist in the patient’s and caregiver’s needs to 

enhance emotional and functional ability. 

Marian MC Home Care 

Thanks to Marian Home 

Care, Fred is receiving the 

care he needs while doing 

the things he loves best. 

A Judeo-Christian healthcare ministry | Marian Home Care | 504 E Plaza Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454 | 805-739-3830 | www.marianmedicalcenter.org

Directory 

I. Attendant Care Lists 

II. Personal Care Agencies - Private 

Agencies 

III. Personal Care Agencies - Public 

Agencies 

IV. Skilled Home IV/Enteral Therapy 

VI. Home Visitors 

VII. Postal Carrier Alert 

VIII. Telephone Reassurance 

IX. Respite Care Services 

X. Memory Disorders Program 

I. Attendant Care List 

Independent Living Resource 

Center (ILRC) 

1150 Laurel Lane, Ste. 134 


593-0667 (V/TDD) 

www.ilrc-trico.org 

Serves persons with disabilities, 

including older persons, throughout 

San Luis Obispo County. ILRC 

staff recruits, interviews, screens, 

and refers attendants who are able 

to provide personal care and other 

in-home supportive services. 

IHSS Public Authority 

3433 S. Higuera St., #238 


781-1790 

Fax 781-1788 

ihsspublicauthority@co.slo.ca.us 

The In-Home Supportive Services 

Public Authority for San Luis 

Obispo County is a public agency 

operated by the Board of Supervisors. 

Its role is to operate a registry 

of available IHSS independent 

providers, provide access to training 

for providers and to act as the 

employer of record of independent 

providers in the County In Home 

Supportive Services program. 

II. Personal Care Agencies 

- Private Agencies 


Grover Beach, CA 

801-9850 

844-8794 

Ablebodyhomecare.com 

Active Care In-Home Services 

850 A Shasta Ave. 


772-7744 

Fax 772-7149 

activecare1@aol.com 

www.activecare1.com 

Affordable Home Care 

Alternatives 

P.O. Box 513 


801-4242 

458-7368 

Fax 343-9802 

affordablehomecare@sbcglobal.net 

All HomeCare 

197 N 10th St., Ste 101 


473-4040 

866-387-4040 

www.all-homecare.com 

Maxim HealthCare Services 

Compassionate Homecare 

You Can Depend On 


Amdal In Home Care 

7400 Morro Rd., #A 


464-0108 

888-798-0008 

www.amdalinhome.com 

A Better Care Provider 

1988 11th Street 


528-7778 

A Coastal Touch 

1269 Fourth St., #A 


528-5156 

Comfort Keepers of San Luis 

Obispo & Santa Barbara 

County 

660 Santa Ysabel. 

Baywood Park, CA 93402 

528-8862 

687-5555 

Fax 528-1183 

slocounty@comfortkeepers.com 

www.comfortkeepers.com 

Maxim Healthcare Services 

California Blvd. Ste O 


788-0456 

Fax 788-0445 

sanluisobispooffi ce@maxhealth.com 

www.maxhealth.com 

When your health is compromised, all of the options can seem overwhelming. Turning to 

Maxim Healthcare Services will give you peace of mind and confidence in the quality of your care. 

Together, we'll create a care plan that meets your individual needs. Whether you need respite 

services or assistance with things around your home, such as light housekeeping, bathing, and 

preparing meals, Maxim can help. You can focus on feeling happy and healthy, while we take 

care of the rest. 

Why Choose Maxim? 

Highly Qualified RNs and LVNs 

Home Health Aides and Companions 

Flexible Payment Options 

All Major Insurances Accepted 

www.maximhomecare.com 

Contact Us Today! 

San Luis Obispo Companion 

(805) 788-0456 

Oxnard Companion 

(805) 981-2593 



Central Coast Caregivers Associates, 

Inc 

7600 El Camino Real, Ste 1 PMB 

104 


461-5339 

Fax 461-5339 

givecare@gmail.com 


3220 S. Higuera St # 101 


549-0801 

888-445-4501 

Fax 544-8735 

www.gentiva.com 

HOME Care-Giver Services 

3220 S. Higuera St., Ste. 307 


781-8156 

888-439-8800 

Fax 781-0879 

www.homecare-giver.com 

Home Instead Senior Care 

310 James Way 


773-3744 

866-772-3601 

Fax 773-4886 

www.homeinstead.com 

LivHOME 

3165 Broad St. Suite 110 


781-3723 

Fax 781-3725 


Quality Caregivers 

1001 Goldenrod Lane 


543-8860 

Fax 543-4059 

www.qualitycaregiversslo.com 

III. Personal Home Care 

Agencies - Public Agencies 

Senior Home Care 

528. S. Broadway 


925-9554 

Fax 925-9555 


Provides in home services for persons 

aged 60 and over who have 

need for homemaking and person 

care needs. Services are limited; 

donations are requested but not 

required. 

Pristine Home Services 

We provide everything— 

from housekeeping to handyman services and plumbing to preparing 

meals. There is no task too large or too small for Pristine Home Services. 

We provide a one-call does-it-all service. We operate with integrity and are 

dedicated to serving our community. “Whatever you need—give us a call.” 

Our staff is prescreened, drug tested and background checked. 

3563 Sueldo Street, Unit P 


805-543-4663 

www.pristinehomeservices.net 

HOUSEKEEPING • YARD MAINTENANCE • HANDYMAN SERVICES • PERSONAL CARE 


In-Home Supportive Services 

(IHSS) for San Luis Obispo 

County 



781-1790 

800-834-3002 x1790 (North County 

only) 

800-834-4636 x1790 (South 

County) 

Fax 772-6356 

www.slo.dss.org 

Provides domestic and personal 

care services to enable aged, blind 

or disabled persons to remain in 

their own homes, to help maintain 

and strengthen capability for self 

care, and to safeguard functioning 

in their own homes. Services 

include meal preparation, laundry, 

shopping, and personal care. 

Persons eligible for IHSS are current 

recipients of SSI and those 

who would otherwise be eligible 

for SSI except for non-exempt 

income. IHSS is provided through 

Individual Providers (IPs) who are 

hired by the recipient, monitored 

by the Department of Social Services 

and paid by the State. 

IV. Skilled Home Health 

Agencies 

BestCare Central Coast 



782-8600 

800-898-8060 

Fax 872-8612 

106 Gateway # C. 


238-0538 



Maxim Healthcare 

620 California Blvd. Ste O 


788-0456 

Fax 788-0445 

sanluisobispooffi ce@maxhealth.com 

www.maxhealth.com

Gentiva Health Services 

3220 S. Higuera, Ste 101 


544-4402 

800-491-4409 

Fax 544-8735 

www.gentiva.com 

Marian Home Care & Hospice 

504 E. Plaza Dr 


739-3830 

Fax 739-3838 

Marian Home Care & Hospice, 

dba Home Care Services of the 

Central Coast 



434-1427 

Fax 434-1221 

www.chw.edu 

V. Skilled Home IV/Enteral 

Therapy 

Crescent Health Care 

2995 McMillan Ave. #196 


546-0208 

800-879-4872 

www.crescenthh.com 


Pharmacy 

543-5950 

Fax 543-3160 

Marian Home Infusion 

739-3810 

800-927-3878 

Fax 739-3852 

VI. Home Visitors 

Cambria Anonymous Neighbors 

(CAN) 

927-5673 

Volunteer in-home support services 

for residents of Cambria and 

San Simeon. 

Caring Callers 

650 Pismo 


541-1800 

Fax 544-9146 

carecall@srvolunteer.org 

Screened volunteers make home 

visits to isolated persons over the 

age of 60 years. Available countywide. 


County 



544-2266 

www.hospiceslo.org 

Provides respite and friendly visiting 

services for persons facing 

potentially life-threatening illness 

and for their families. 

VII. Postal Carrier Alert 

Cambria Anonymous Neighbors 

(CAN) 

927-5673 

Volunteer in-home support services 

for residents of Cambria and 

San Simeon 

U. S. Postal Service 

1655 Daliidio Dr 


549-8352 

800-275-8777 

Fax 545-0812 

VIII. Telephone Reassurance 

Morro Bay Fire Department 

R- U- OK? 

772-6242 

Telecare/Phone Friends 

Hotline of SLO County 

P.O. Box 5456 


544-0566 

800-549-8989 

Fax 544-6296 

hotline@slonet.org 

www.slohotline.org 

IX. Respite Care Services 



San Luis Obiapo, CA 93401 

547-3830 

800-272-3900, 24-hr Help Line 

Fax 784-9400 




Center 

1528 Chapala Street, Ste. 302 


534-9234 

800-443-1236 

info@coastcrc.org 


Provides comprehensive I & R 

and ongoing follow-up services to 

families of brain-impaired persons. 

Has respite care program 

Best Care 



for eligible persons. Staff based in 

San Luis Obispo. 

LifeSteps Foundation - 

Linkages 

3450 Broad St. #104 


547-9680 

Fax 549-8973 

Provides short-term respite services 

for unpaid family caregivers. 

X. Memory Disorders Program 

BestCare Central Coast 



782-8600 

800-898-8060 

Fax 872-8612 




805-549-0801 

3220 S. Higuera St., Ste. 101 


Gentiva Independent Living Ad.in1 1 8/28/07 3:15:59 PM 

Suicide 

Suicide is the act of voluntarily and intentionally taking one’s own life. In the 

United States between 30,000 and 50,000 Americans kill themselves every 

year. This counts only those who were ‘successful’. Statistics show that for 

one suicide, there are 50-100 attempts. Suicide is a permanent answer to 

what is often a temporary problem. Suicide is serious and preventable, if the 

behaviors are recognized. 

More than 19 million people in U.S. suffer from depression which sometimes 

leads to suicide. Approximately 15% will experience depression at least once 

in their life. Problem situations are diffi cult for anyone, but especially the suicidal 

person. Contributing factors may be external or internal. 

External Factors are situations in which one has no control, such as physical, 

sexual or emotional abuse or: 

◆ separation or divorce ◆ a death of someone close 

◆ a move to a new environment ◆ trouble with the law 

◆ alcohol or other drug use ◆ a humiliating situation 

◆ children or friends move away ◆ loss of job or too many bills 

◆ loss of purpose 

Internal factors are feelings and thoughts that exist within oneself that 

include: 

▼ a fear of being alone ▼ a need to punish or control others 

▼ a desire for attention ▼ a need for love 

▼ an expression of anger ▼ a confl ict of self-worth 

How to Help 

✓ Take anyone who talks about suicide seriously. Talking is the fi rst visible 

sign and should never be ignored as a need for attention. 

✓ Ask directly “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” This does not 

encourage the action, it shows that you listen and can help. 

✓ Talk. Ask for details if you think that plans have already been made. 

✓ Be a good listener. Look for nonverbal signs such as hand motions, 

facial expressions and moods. 

✓ Tell them if what they are thinking 

about scares you. 

✓ Avoid giving advice. Never say 

‘stop letting things bother you,’ 

‘not to feel that way,’ or ‘how lucky 

you are’. Listen, do not give opinions 

or solutions. 

✓ Seek professional help. A suicidal 

person needs professional advice 

and counseling. Breaking confi - 

dences is not disloyal, it may save 

their life. 

✓ Avoid leaving the person alone. 

Especially, if there is any immediate 

danger. 

✓ Suicide-proof the area. Lock up 


guns and ammunition separately, 

store pills securely or dispose of 

them.

Do you need an attorney? 

Not all problems that arise require an attorney. Banks, 

real estate offi ces, and hospital social services departments, 

just to name a few, are often knowledgeable 

about and able to answer your questions in their fi elds. 

The city-county library contains a number of reference 

books, as does the county law library, which is open 

to all county residents during regular business hours. 

These books include “how-to” manuals on a variety of 

topics. Both libraries have reference librarians and a 

copy machine available. 

Some problems are better solved through non-adversarial 

procedures, such as mediation. Creative Mediation is 

a community-based mediation service, which provides 

a sliding scale fee for mediation services. In mediation, 

both parties to a dispute agree to talk it through with a 

neutral mediator, who helps the parties reach their own 

resolution of the problem. Problems which are resolved 

through mediation more often stay resolved, because 

both parties have had the opportunity to fully explore 

the full range of options and agree on a solution. 

Locating a Notary Public 

Notary publics can be found at many banks, real 

estate offi ces, and title companies. Some travel to 

your home. There is a small fee to have a document 

notarized. You can also locate them by checking the 

Yellow Pages. 

Finding an Attorney 

A personal referral is not a guarantee, but it is a good 

place to start. If you have utilized the services of an 

attorney in the past, even for an unrelated matter, and 

were satisfi ed with her/his services, start there. Ask 

that attorney for a recommendation of an attorney who 

practices in the area you need help with. A recommendation 

from a friend or co-worker with a similar problem 

may be helpful. 

Many attorneys advertise in the newspaper, senior magazines, 

and the Yellow Pages and offer free or low-cost 

initial consultation so you can interview them before 

committing to paying their fees. Attorneys are bound 

by a strict code of ethical responsibility not to reveal a 

client’s confi dences. The initial interview binds them to 

secrecy about your problem, even if you never go back to 

that attorney. 

The Lawyers Referral and Information (LRIS) is a nonprofi 

t organization sponsored by the San Luis Obispo 

County Bar Association. LRIS is designed to provide attorney 

referral as well as information of other legal services 

available to the public. A $30 referral fee is to be 

paid when the initial half-hour consultation is scheduled. 

Legal Affairs 

Certain areas of the law traditionally offer free consultations. 

The LRIS will honor those commitments. 

You can check an attorney’s status by calling the California 

State Bar Association or online at www.calbar. 

ca.gov. 

Free or Low-Cost Civil Services 

The Senior Legal Services Project provides services to 

anyone age 60 and older in San Luis Obispo County on 

a regular basis at senior centers throughout the county 

and at their offi ces in San Luis Obispo. It offers legal 

advice and representation on a case-by-case basis to 

senior citizens, with emphasis on problems affecting 

entitlements (Social Security and Medi-Cal), income 

maintenance, living situation problems or elder abuse. 

Small Claims 

If you have a civil complaint involving a relatively small 

amount of money you may fi le your own lawsuit in small 

claims court. You may seek up to $7,500 only twice 

in a calendar year; for additional claims in that year, 

the limit is $5,000 per claim. Clerks at the SLO county 

courthouse can provide the forms necessary but may not 

give legal advice. 

There is a Small Claims and Consumer Advisor’s offi ce 

which provides further legal information, between 9-12, 

Monday through Friday, and 1-4 Monday through Thursday. 

That offi ce is closed Friday afternoons and during 

lunch. You represent yourself in Small Claims, but the 

person you sue has the option to move the case up to the 

district court level and hire an attorney. 

Criminal 

If you are accused of a crime which carries a potential 

sentence of imprisonment, no matter how short (e.g., 

DUI - 48 hours in jail) and you cannot afford to pay for 

the services of an attorney, the court is required to appoint 

one for you. As soon as possible after arrest, ask 

for a referral to the Public Defender. 

The Public Defender services in San Luis Obispo County 

are coordinated through the law offi ces of Maguire and 

Ashbaugh. 

If you are a crime victim, or witness a situation in which 

others are being seriously threatened or abused, immediately 

call 9-1-1 for law enforcement. You may also 

contact the Victim Witness Services offi ce of the District 

Attorney’s offi ce for continuing assistance during the 

prosecution of your case. In criminal prosecutions, you 

are a witness for the state. 

It is a crime to commit elder abuse. See Elder Abuse for 

more details. 


Legal Affairs 

Discussion of Some Legal Areas of 

Concern to Senior Citizens 

Probate 

Probate is the process by which title to your assets is 

transferred after your death to the persons entitled to 

them. The court reviews your estate’s assets and your 

wishes (if expressed) and makes sure the distribution 

abides by the rules of law. The court issues orders that 

will permit title to property to be legally changed to the 

new owner. 

At the time of your death, the person who has the original 

of your prepared Will should fi le it with the probate 

court in the county of your residence. The court will 

make a determination if it is valid and supervise the 

distribution of assets. The court will also ensure that the 

estate fi rst complies with all federal, state and local tax 

requirements and pays your remaining creditors. 

Probate proceedings take time and money. Your estate 

may not be distributed for up to a year or more after 

your death. Fees will be deducted from your assets 

for the executor of your Will and for the attorney who 

handles the probate proceeding in court. All the transactions 

are public record and formal record keeping and 

accounting procedures are required. 

There are simplifi ed procedures for an estate with a 

value of less than $100,000 and those with no real 

property. 

Wills and Intestate Succession 

A Will is simply a document that specifi es how you wish 

to have your assets distributed after you die and designates 

who will carry out your wishes. If you die without 

having prepared a will, your property will be distributed 

by operation of law. This is called intestate succession. If 

you have prepared a will, but it is ruled not valid for any 

number of reasons, the law presumes you had no will 

and will cause your property to be distributed by intestate 

succession, to those the state has designated your 

benefi ciary. 

California is one of only a few states that recognizes 

the holographic will, a term used to describe a totally 

handwritten and hand-dated will. No part of this document 

can be typed and it must be written in the person’s 

own hand. It is important to state that the document 

is intended as a will and that it is properly dated and 

signed. It is invalidated by the signatures of witnesses. It 

must name an executor. 

In an effort to provide a simple means of preparing a 

Will without the help of an attorney, the State of California 

developed the “California Statutory Will.’’ It includes 

all of the necessary language required and its use can 

avoid many of the pitfalls of a holographic will. The 

``California Statutory Will’’ can be obtained from most 

stationery stores, the California State Bar Association 

and the Senior Legal Services Project. However, if you 

have any unique or special desires about your estate, 

this form may not be suffi cient to meet your needs. 


The Revocable Living Trust (“RLT”) 

While the RLT can also be used to distribute assets after 

death without probate, it is also an important tool in 

managing your assets during your lifetime, if and when 

you become incapacitated. 

The RLT is a trust created by you, the settlor, into which 

you transfer title of your assets, so that the trust, not 

you, becomes the owner. You may add to and subtract 

assets at any time, while you are still competent, and 

may amend or revoke the trust entirely. Any property 

or assets you own anywhere in the world may be transferred 

into the trust. 

You may create the trust and “fund” it immediately, by 

preparing documents which transfer to the trust your 

title in property, or you may create the trust document 

and wait for a later date to “fund” it. This later date may 

be, for instance, upon a fi nding of your incapacity, the 

death of any named person, or the passage of a specifi c 

amount of time. 

Selection of the trustee to manage the trust is very 

important, as the trustee has complete power to dispose 

of all assets. Most often, the settlor, the person creating 

the trust, is also the trustee, with a named successor 

trustee to take over in the event of the settlor’s incapacity 

or death. Banks and fi nancial institutions, family 

members and friends, business associates, are all possible 

trustees or successor trustees. 

Creation of a trust raises no tax problems at the time of 

creation, because you, the settlor, keep control of the existence 

of the trust and can revoke it at any time. However, 

tax consequences do arise at the time the trust becomes 

irrevocable, at your incapacity or your death. These tax 

consequences should be discussed with your attorney or 

tax accountant at the time you establish the trust. 

The RLT avoids probate proceedings at your death 

because the title to your assets has already passed to 

the trust and are then passed directly to the benefi ciaries 

you have named in the trust document. The trust 

document can also be designed to continue beyond your 

death, with the trustee continuing to manage your assets 

for the benefi t of the named benefi ciaries. 

The trust does not require court supervision or permission 

to operate and is administered privately, which protects 

the privacy of your family members. The RLT also 

avoids court proceedings to establish a conservatorship 

for you if you become incapacitated because you have 

already appointed a trustee to take care of your assets.

However, there are some disadvantages to the RLT. The 

fi rst is that it covers only the property you transfer into 

it. The trustee has no power to dispose of assets held 

jointly with someone else, or to manage your personal 

affairs not covered in the trust. 

Secondly, because this option avoids court scrutiny, 

it is extremely important you name a trustee you can 

trust. There are procedures to petition the court if one 

suspects overreaching or abuse by the trustee; however, 

this process seeks to remedy damage after it has occurred 

when it may already be too late. 

In the third place, creation of this document may be a 

time-consuming, complex and expensive task. The attorney 

fees alone may be several thousand dollars. Besides 

the attorney fees, there are transfer fees, brokerage 

fees, recording fees, trustee fees, etc. 

Additionally, in the event you require Medi-Cal benefi ts, 

the property in the trust is deemed to be available to 

you and may have to be spent fi rst before you become 

eligible for Medi-Cal. 

Joint Tenancy of Assets 

Joint tenancy is a form of ownership whereby two or more 

people own equal undivided interests in property. If one of 

the owners dies, the remaining owners continue to own the 

property without court approval or transfer documentation. 

While joint tenancy is effi cient as a means of distributing 

assets to the co-owners at death, there are pitfalls. The 

consent of all owners is required for any action involving the 

property. If friction develops between joint owners, it may 

be diffi cult or impossible to utilize the resource. A jointlyheld 

bank account may be attached by the creditor of any 

of the owners, or a joint owner may take all the funds out of 

the account without consulting the other owners. 

Declaration of Homestead 

Filing a declaration of homestead with your property 

protects a portion of the equity in your home and prevents 

a forced sale by your creditors. Homestead does 

not protect you from mortgage foreclosure. A Homestead 

Declaration is fi led in the county of the residence with 

the County Recorder’s Offi ce. A sample form can be 

secured at a local store that carries legal forms. 

Planning for Incapacity 

While seniors are familiar with traditional estate planning, 

many have not considered what to do if they become 

disabled or incapacitated during their lifetime. The 

consequence can be loss of control over what decisions 

will be made for you and who will be making them. Planning 

will allow you to make fi nancial and health care decisions 

without court intervention, ease the fi nancial and 

emotional burden on your family, protect your resources 

if nursing home care is needed and give you control over 

decisions affecting your estate. 

Legal Affairs 

Durable Power of Attorney for Assets 

The state legislature created a statutory form for Durable 

Power of Attorney (DPA). This document allows 

you to name a person who can manage your affairs for 

you should you become incapable of continuing to do 

so yourself, without formally transferring title to your 

assets and without the requirement of court approval. 

This document can be as simple or as complex as you 

desire. You keep control over your assets until such time 

as you no longer can. The DPA must be created and may 

be amended or revoked at any time while you are still 

competent. The document should carefully defi ne under 

what circumstances it will come into effect, e.g., who is 

to determine if and when you become incompetent. 

The DPA is a private document and requires no court 

supervision. The agent has a great deal of control over 

an individual’s assets. There are no formal accounting 

procedures required. Therefore, while the DPA is 

easy, cheap and fl exible, you should be careful whom 

you name as your agent, as that person has complete 

control over your assets and affairs. The court does 

have authority to revoke the DPA if it determines that 

there has been mismanagement. However, revocation 

may be too late to recover assets. Thus, it is important 

to consult an attorney regarding the utilization of the 

DPA, even though it can be utilized without an attorney’s 

assistance. 

While form DPAs are available from stationery and other 

stores, caution is advised if you use one of these, because 

they do not necessarily take into account the specifi 

c needs of your family or the unique requirements of 

your assets. Care should also be used as some fi nancial 

institutions require specifi c language before they will 

honor a DPA. It is important to check with your fi nancial 

institution to determine what they will require. 

Registered Domestic Partnerships 

In 2001, the State Legislature created a new legal relationship 

between adults that may be of benefi t to senior 

citizens. Called a Domestic Partnership, this relationship 

provides certain protections and benefi ts to two 

people, not married to each other, if at least one person 

in the couple is over the age of 62. To form a domestic 

partnership, the couple must fi le a form with the Secretary 

of State in Sacramento. Domestic partners may 

then expect the same rights and protections as exist 

between married spouses. 

Advance Health Care Directive 

The California legislature established the Advance 

Health Care Directive (AHCD) which permits you to 

make decisions now regarding your future health care. 

Medical technology has progressed to the point that we 

now have much more control over the dying process. 

This document allows you to make those decisions or ap- 


Legal Affairs 

point someone you trust to do it for you. Today patients 

are encouraged to make these decisions themselves, 

before they become incapacitated. A patient’s own 

personal view and values should determine how much 

life-prolonging treatment he or she receives. When there 

is no hope of recovery, deciding whether to use life-sustaining 

technology is not really a clinical decision that 

the physician alone should make, but a philosophical one 

that the patient should determine. 

An AHCD enables an individual to give another person 

legal authority to make medical decisions in the event of 

incapacity. It also allows one the ability to specify how 

s/he wants these decisions to be made. A person must 

be legally competent when implementing this document; 

however, it will remain in effect throughout a person’s 

mental or physical impairments. It is recommended that 

you discuss your AHCD with your agent(s). A copy of 

your AHCD should be given to your agent(s). Its location 

should be listed in your Vial of Life or in a prominent 

place. 

FREE copies of the Advance Health Care Directive are 

available from the Area Agency on Aging and the Senior 

Legal Services Project. 

Conservatorship of Estate and Person 

This is a court proceeding in which a conservator is 

named to become responsible for managing the affairs 

of someone else, the conservatee. The conservatee is 

deemed incompetent to handle property and sometimes 

to make daily living decisions. The conservator must 

make a strict formal accounting to the probate court of 

all actions taken on behalf of the conservatee. 

The potential conservatee has the right to have an attorney 

appointed to contest the proceeding. You may 

execute a written nomination of a particular conservator 

now, while you are competent, which the court must 

consider if and when the petition for conservatorship is 

ever fi led. However, the court has broad discretion to 

select a conservator in the best interest of the proposed 

conservatee. You may also spell out your preferences 

regarding management and disposition of your assets 

by the proposed conservator. The court supervises the 

actions of the conservator who is required to act for 

your benefi t and for those for whom you have a support 

obligation. 

The proceeding is supervised by the court, which must 

approve all actions taken by the conservator. This provides 

protection for the conservatee, but has some drawbacks. 

There are delays, waiting for the formalities to be 

completed and the court to hear the matter. There are 

substantial costs to pay for all the court required services. 

All the proceedings are a matter of public record. 


There are private Professional Conservators who will 

manage an estate for a fee. The Probate Clerk at the 

Superior Court has a listing of private conservators that 

are registered with the Court. The Public Guardian may 

also be available to act as conservator where a relative 

or other person is not able or willing. This usually 

happens if Adult Protective Services brings a suspected 

elder abuse situation to the court’s attention, or where a 

conservatorship petition is brought under the provisions 

of the mental health code. 

Conservatorship of the Person 

This petition seeks control over an incapacitated individual’s 

personal life. The conservator is responsible for 

making sure the conservatee is properly fed, clothed and 

housed. The conservatorship is usually the last alternative 

considered, but may be necessary if the person is 

already unable to manage his/her own activities of daily 

living. If conservatorship of the person is requested, it 

is usually combined with conservatorship of the estate. 

There is a very strict defi nition of incompetence. 

Representative Payee 

If you are unable to handle your own money, but not so 

incapacitated as to require a conservator, and your only 

income is from Social Security, you may appoint or have 

appointed, a Representative Payee. This person must 

be approved by the Social Security Administration. This 

person will receive your check, deposit it, and give you 

what funds s/he feels appropriate. That person is also 

responsible to pay your legitimate bills and make sure 

you have the basic necessities, such as a place to live, 

food, health, clothing, etc. Call Social Security Administration 

for further information. 

If you are caring for an incapacitated person without 

documentation, call Coast Caregiver Resource Center. 

Immigration 

With the passage of welfare reform in 1996, the citizenship 

status of individuals is an important determinant of 

eligibility for publicly-funded programs. Programs which 

are means tested may be restricted to citizens and green 

card holders only. 

As a result, many elderly and disabled non-citizens may 

not be eligible for these benefi ts, unless they are legal 

immigrants or under certain limited circumstances. To 

retain eligibility for some programs persons with legal 

status should consider citizenship. The citizenship process 

includes exams, processing, interview and an oath 

ceremony. 

Agency Resources for Victims of Violence 

The following agencies are available for further assistance 

and services:

Adult Protective Services (APS) 

APS investigates reports of abuse of dependent adult 

(age 18-64) and elder abuse (65+) except when the 

abuse occurs in skilled nursing and residential care 

facilities (see LTC Ombudsman). 

Victim/Witness Assistance Program 

Staff available during regular business hours. Provides 

services to victims of and witnesses to violent and property 

crimes, including: 

· crisis intervention 

· referrals 

· information about the criminal justice system 

· support through the court process 

· intervention with employers and creditors when problems 

created by the crime are involved 

· assistance in applying for reimbursement for medical 

and counseling expenses, lost wages or loss of support, 

and funeral expenses for victims of violent crime 

· assisting in return of lost property 

Wright & Sanders 

Legal Affairs 

Check Your Credit History 

One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is to 

monitor your credit history. Californians are able to do this free of charge. 

This is the result of federal law which allows consumers to get one free 

credit report each year from each of the three national credit bureaus: 

Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. 

Checking your credit reports at least once a year is a good way to 

detect signs of identity theft early. The sooner identity theft is discovered, 

the easier it is to clear up. Checking your credit reports also lets you 

identify errors that could be raising the cost of credit. 

California residents can order a free credit report through a toll-free 

phone number, a web site or by mailing a standard order form. 

www.annualcreditreport.com, 877-322-8228 

Mail order form to: Annual Credit Report Request Service 

P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 

You will have the option of requesting all three reports at once or 

staggering them. You could create a no-cost version of a credit monitoring 

service. Just order a free report from one credit bureau, then four months 

later from another, and four months after that from the third bureau. 

(That approach won’t give a complete picture at any one time. Not all 

creditors provide information to all the bureaus. Monitoring services from 

the credit bureaus cost between $44. to $100. per year.) 

To check your reports for errors or possible signs of identity theft, 

look particularly at three areas: 

1 Look in the person information or personal data section. Look for addresses 

where you have never lived. Make sure your name and any variations 

of it, your social security number and your employers are correct. 

2. Look in the Accounts section. Look for any accounts you didn’t open. Look 

for balances on your legitimate accounts that are higher than you expect. 

3. Look for inquiries or request for your credit history that you didn’t make. 

There are two types of inquiries. ‘Regular’ or ‘hard’ inquiries are the ones 

that result when you apply for credit or when an account is transferred to 

a collection agency. This is the kind of inquiry you should check as possible 

identity theft or error. The other type, ‘promotional’ or ‘soft’ inquiries, 

would not be an indication of problems. This type includes pre-approved 

credit offers, checks for employment purposes, account monitoring by 

your existing creditors and your own request for your report. 

You can view sample credit reports, with the different sections 

explained, on the web sites of the three credit bureaus: Experian Sample 

Report, Trans Union Sample Report, Equifax Sample Report. 

If you see anything you believe is incorrect, contact the credit 

bureau immediately. You can call the telephone number on the report to 

speak with someone at the credit bureau. If you fi nd evidence of identity 

theft, the next steps to take include contacting any creditors involved to 

close fraudulent accounts and fi ling a police report. 

Source: Offi ce of Privacy Protection, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, 

State of California 

WRIGHT & SANDERS 

A LAW CORPORATION 

5950 ENTRADA AVENUE 

ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA 93422 

(805) 466-9026 

Estate Planning & Elder Law 

Wills & Probate 

Planning for Aging Family 

and Special Needs 

WILLIAM D. WRIGHT (RETIRED) 

BETTY R. SANDERS 


Legal Affairs 

Directory 

AARP Legal Services Network 

866-330-0753 

www.aarp.org/LSN 

Maintains a list of lawyers 

nationwide for persons aged 50 

and older. Need not be an AARP 

member; AARP members get free 

initial consultations and reduced 

fees. 

ACLU of SLO County 

PO Box 3818 





781-1790 

800-834-3002 

800-838-1381 (after hours) 

California Bar complaint hotline: 

800-843-9053 

Fax 213-765-1168 

www.calbar.ca.gov 


Center 

P.O. Box 6573 


543-9234 

800-443-1236 

ccrc@silcom.org 


Creative Mediation Services 

549-0442 

Fax 549-0654 

info@creativemediationservices.org 

Offers small claims and community 

mediation services. 

District Attorney Victim/Witness 

Assistance Program 


District Attorney's Offi ce 

781-5821 

Fax 781-1240 

www.sloda.com 

Elder Abuse Advocacy and 


788-2347 


and Advocacy Program 

(HICAP) 



928-5663 

800-434-0222 

seniors@slonet.org 


Lawyer Referral & Information 

Service 

SLO County Bar Association 

County Government Center, 

1st Floor 


PO Box 585 


788-2099 

M-F 8 am – Noon 

Probate Clerk at Superior 

Court 

781-5242 

781-5708 

www.co.slo.ca.us 

To secure a private conservator 

from their registry. 

Public Defender Services 

Maguire and Ashbaugh 

991 Osos Street, Ste. A 


541-5715 

Fax 781-5566 

Public Guardian 

Health Department 


781-5845 

Protection & Advocacy Inc. 

Sacramento 

800-776-5746 

www.pai-ca.org 

Oakland 

449 - 15th St #401 

510-839-0811 

Fax 510-839-5780 

Los Angeles 

3580 Wilshire Blvd.,#902 


213-427-8747 

Fax 213-427-8767 

Advocates for and represents persons 

with disabilities throughout 


California. 

Secretary of State for Domestic 

Partnerships 

916-653-6814 

Senior Legal Services Project 

SLO Legal Alternatives Corporation 

PO Box 14642 


543-5140 

Fax 543-1305 

Small Claims Advisor 

781-5856 

Fax 781-1173 

awilcox@co.slo.ca.us 

Paso Robles – 237-3077 

Grover Beach – 473-7077 


San Luis Obispo District Offi ce 



544-5251 

800-772-1213 

Fax 544-7286 

TDY 800-325-0778 

www.ssa.gov 

Immigration 

Catholic Charities 

541-9110 

Assist immigrants with process 

United States Dept. of Justice 

300 N. Los Angeles, Rm. 1001 


Mailing address: 

PO Box 97 


800-870-3676 

This offi ce provides information 

and assistance on obtaining 

needed forms, changing your 

status, becoming a permanent 

resident and fi ling a visa petition 

for a relative. 

United States Dept. of Justice 

P.O. Box 532469 

Los Angeles, CA 90053-2469 

This offi ce can advise you of the 

status of a pending application. 

Provide date of birth, date of fi ling, 

and alien registration number.

Good mental health is more than the absence of 

mental illness. Mental health is a state/condition characterized 

by a general sense of well-being, satisfying 

relationships with other people, and affects our ability to 

enjoy optimal mental health. 

As we age, certain stressors, such as physical illness 

and loss of signifi cant people and roles in our lives 

become more common. For these and other reasons, one 

of the most common psychological problems among the 

older population is depression. 

Depression 

Depression should not be confused with the transient 

feelings of unhappiness that everyone experiences, 

such as the periods of sadness associated with unhappy 

events and failures, or the emotional letdowns that occur 

commonly around holidays. Nor should depression 

be confused with the intense grief brought about by the 

loss of a loved one. Sadness and grief are normal and 

temporary reactions to life's stresses; time heals, the 

mood lifts, and people continue to function. 

Individuals with true clinical depression do not feel 

better for weeks or months. Depression affects feelings, 

thoughts and behaviors. Symptoms of a clinical depression 

may include: 

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings 

• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down'' 

• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities 

• Sleep disturbances, (insomnia, early-morning waking, 

or oversleeping) 

• Appetite and weight changes (either loss or gain) 

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness 

• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts 

• Diffi culty in concentrating, remembering, making decisions 

• Chronic aches or persistent bodily symptoms that are 

not caused by physical disease. 

Estimates of the occurrence vary widely; from 10 

percent to 65 percent. These varied estimates attest to 

the diffi culties of diagnosing depression in an elderly 

person. Symptoms of depression are often misdiagnosed 

or mistaken for the everyday problems of the aged. For 

example, the memory loss, confused thinking, or apathy 

symptomatic of dementias may be due to depression. 

On the other hand, the early awakening and reduced appetite 

typical of depression are also evident among many 

persons who are not depressed. 

Further complicating diagnosis, elderly persons rarely 

admit feelings of depression, even though they may have 

Mental Health/Counseling/ Support Groups 

cause to be depressed -poor health, loneliness, poverty, 

or the death of a spouse or other beloved family members 

or friends. Often they incorrectly attribute their 

depressive symptoms to physical ailments, and either 

ignore them or seek inappropriate treatment. 

While there is some controversy about how much clinical 

depression occurs among the elderly, it is known that 

on self-report studies, older people acknowledge more of 

the symptoms of depression than any other age group. 

Depression does accompany many of the illnesses 

that affl ict older persons, such as Parkinson's disease, 

cancer, arthritis, and the early stages of Alzheimer's 

disease. Treating depression in these situations can reduce 

unnecessary suffering and help affl icted individuals 

cope with their medical problems. Some medications or 

inadequate diets can also cause depression. 

Careful observation by a knowledgeable person, in 

addition to sophisticated medical evaluation, may be 

necessary to recognize the depressed older person. A 

physician attempting to differentiate between dementia 

and depression may call on family members or longtime 

friends for information on the patient's history, since 

the onset of depression is usually more sudden than the 

slow and gradual process of dementia. Also, the individual 

with organic problems typically minimizes loss of 

mental function such as memory, while the depressed 

person exaggerates the loss. 

Appropriate treatment of the depressed older person, as 

with younger individuals, can bring signifi cant relief and 

offer a new lease on life and renewed productivity. There 

is no justifi cation for anyone of any age to suffer needlessly 

from depression because of lack of treatment. 

Feeling depressed can also be a normal part of the 

grieving process. The extreme sadness felt at the loss of 

someone or something dear to us is a necessary part of 

our recovery from that loss. However, if sadness turns 

into feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, emptiness or 

meaninglessness, or persists over a long period of time, 

it may be important to talk to a professional counselor. 

Information on Depression is from "Depressive Illness: 

Treatments Bring New Hope'' (U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services, Public Health Service, Alcohol, 

Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration). 

The Grieving Process 

Grief is a natural accompaniment to any signifi cant loss 

in our lives. The grieving process may include feelings of 

shock or numbness, anger or irritation, fear or anxiety in 

addition to sadness. Having these feelings after the loss 

of a loved one are natural. 

Feelings associated with grieving are also common with 

other losses as well; for example, retirement (loss of 

job, social status, role as provider, level of income, etc.) 


Mental Health/Counseling/Support Groups 

or illness (loss of ability to function as before, loss of 

mobility, of physical stamina or energy, loss of certain 

activities and social contacts). Taking on the role of 

becoming a caregiver to a disabled or ill spouse or other 

family member can also trigger feelings of anger, fear or 

sadness. As the caregiver copes with the loss of the kind 

of relationship s/he used to have with the person,many 

feelings may arise, some unwelcome or even overwhelming. 

Even though feelings of grief may be normal, there is 

support available which can prevent these feelings from 

becoming a more serious depression or affecting an 

individual’s ability to function. Research (and common 

sense) has shown that there are certain steps that can 

be taken to enhance mental and emotional well-being. 

Primary among these is peer support. We need other 

people with whom we intereact and connect and from 

whom we can give and receive care. Getting together 

with others who share your concerns and commit to 

taking positive steps to support each other can be very 

powerful medicine. 

Treatment and Coping 

As with all illness, there are a variety of ways to treat 

mental illness. If the illness has gone untreated for a 

long period or the symptoms of the illness are threatening 

an individual’s safety, hospitalization may be the best 

course to assess the need, stabilize the individual, and 

determine a follow-up out-patient treatment plan. 

Another course of treatment may be individual, couple, 

group, or family counseling with a trained professional. 

Within San Luis Obispo County there are many fi ne 

counseling agencies and private therapists. There are 

many kinds of counselors and therapists in California. 

Psychiatrists are M.D.s who usually (though not always) 

treat psychological symptoms with medication. 

Psychologists (Ph.D.) are more likely to use individual 

or group therapy as a means of treatment and Marriage 

Family Therapist (MFT) are specially trained to view the 

individual within the context of his/her family or environment. 

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are 

also trained to provide psychotherapy. 


In choosing a therapist, it is important to determine if 

the therapist has had any special training or experience 

in working with older adults. For listing of private 

therapists look in the Yellow Pages under “Marriage 

Family Therapists,'' or “Psychologists,'' and for a listing 

of Psychiatrists look under “Physicians specializing in 

Psychiatry.'' 


Support groups consist of people with similar needs or 

goals who have come together to share information, coping 

skills and offer each other emotional support. Some 

support groups are "self-help" and do not include professional 

helpers. These groups depend exclusively on the 

expertise developed by the people involved in the group, 

people who have experienced a particular life challenge 

in common. 

Other groups are organized by professional organizations, 

and meetings and other support services are 

facilitated by staff. 

Support groups have grown in popularity with the idea 

that people who have experienced a similar diffi culty, 

problem or challenge can most effectively help others in 

the same situation. As the value of support groups has 

become more widely known and appreciated, groups 

that address a variety of issues have evolved. There are 

groups for persons dealing with a wide range of life challenges, 

or for the people who support or care for them. 

Support groups can be a valuable emotional support 

network. In the right group, you will fi nd many people 

who have experienced the same problems, frustrations 

or anxieties you may fi nd yourself feeling. Very often 

someone in the group has discovered a resolution or 

effective coping tool and they are happy to share with 

everyone what has worked for them and what may work 

for you too. 

Support groups will help you feel less isolated and alone. 

It may be helpful just knowing that others understand 

your diffi culties and can be there to offer encouragement 

and support.

Directory 

The Directory is presented in sections 

that refl ect the type of service 

available. 

This includes: 

I. Crisis Support 

II. Volunteer Hospice Services 

III. Outpatient Services 

IV. Low Cost Services 

V. Support Organizations 

VI. Support Groups 

I. Crisis Support 


County, Inc. 

549-8989 

800-549-8989 

24-hour crisis intervention, and 

information 

San Luis Obispo County Mental 


800-838-1381 

Call for psychiatric care and 

evaluation for treatment. A central 

access point for all Medi-Cal 

mental health services is provided 

through this 24-hour number. 

II. Volunteer Hospice Services 


County, Inc. 



544-2266 

434-1164 

hospiceslo@hospiceslo.org 

Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, 

Inc. provides individual oneon-one 

counseling and group for 

persons dealing with the loss of a 

friend or family member, or for a 

person with a terminal illness, or 

for their family members. 

Hospicelink 

3 Unity Square 

Machiasport, ME 04655 

800-331-1620 

www.hospiceworld.org 


A nationwide toll free number 

that provides general information 

about hospice services throughout 

the country. A program of the 

Hospice Education Institute. 

Na. Hospice & Palliative Care 

Organization 

1700 Diagonal Rd, Ste 625 

Alexandria, VA 22314 

703-837-1500 

800-658-8898 

Provides free consumer information 

on hospice care and puts 

the public in direct contact with 

hospice program through its ‘800’ 

line. 

III. Outpatient Services 

Care and Counseling Center 

P.O. Box 711 



466-4681 

Psychotherapy/counseling of 

adults, children and families. 

Community Health Centers 

150 Tejas Place 


929-3211 

Provides mental health care. Call 

main offi ce for information. 


Mental Health Clinics 

2178 Johnson Avenue 


781-4700 

North County 

5575 Hospital Way 

Atascadero 

461-6060 

Paso Robles 

1030 Vine St. 

237-3170 

South County 

1106-B Grand Avenue 

Arroyo Grande 

473-7060 

Medi-Cal accepted at County 

clinics. 


Transitions-Mental Health 

Association 

P.O. Box 15408 


541-5144 

Fax 541-9480 

www.t-mha.org 

Community based social rehabilitation 

programs for senior citizens 

needing mental health group services. 

Rehabilitation counseling 

California Central Coast 

Alzheimer s Association 

a non-profit organization 

serving Santa Barbara, 

San Luis Obispo and Ventura 

counties 

3480 S. Higuera St.#120 


Your best source of 

comprehensive information 

and referral, educational 

programs and family 

support. 

Services include: 

Support groups, family 

counseling, home visits, 

information & referral, 

lending library, speaker’s 

bureau, workshops & 

conferences. 

547-3830 

800-660-1993 




includes personal and social skills 

necessary for safe and healthy 

independent living. Transportation 

is provided. Programs available in 

San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and 

Arroyo Grande. 

IV. Low Cost Services 

Cal Poly Community 

Counseling Service 

756-1532 

Offers individual, couple and family 

counseling at low or no cost. 

Services provided by Graduate 

Students. Sessions are taped. 

Community Counseling Center 

1129 Marsh St. 


543-7969 

Fax 543-0859 

www.communitycounselingcenter-slo. 

org 

Low cost short-term counseling 

for individuals, couples and 

families. Bilingual counselors 

available. 

Peppertree Counseling 

Services 

1322 Morro St., #B 


545-9449 

Offers psychological evaluations, 

individual, family, couple and 

group counseling. Sliding fee. 

Senior Peer Counseling 

Program 

285 South St.,#J 


547-7025 

Fax 547-7029 

Provides supervised trained seniors 

volunteers for confi dential in 

-home peer counseling and emotional 

support to other seniors. 

V. Support Organizations 

Alliance for the Mentally Ill 

P.O. Box 3158 


461-6590 

546-4040 voice mail 

www.namislo.org 

Supports, instructs and shares 

ways of how to handle being a 

loved one of a mentally ill person. 

Offers programs through seminars, 

workshops and public media to 

bring new information to members 

and interested persons. Minimal 

dues. Membership is open to families 

and friends of the mentally ill. 


3480 S. Higuera Ste 120 


547-3830 

Fax 784-9400 

Provides education and support 

services for individuals, families 

and caregivers. Has a 24/7 

Helpline, consultation services 

and support groups. 


Center 

P.O. Box 6573 


534-9234 

800-443-1236 

ccrc@silcom.com 


Service directed to families and 

caregivers of brain- impaired 

adults, such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, 

Parkinsons, head injury, etc. 

VI. Support Groups 

The following is a list of support 

groups throughout San Luis Obispo 

County. Sometimes the day, time or 

location of a meeting changes, so 

it's best to call the contact person 

for current information; sometimes 

the contact person changes, but you 

can still fi nd the group at the place, 

day and time listed. All groups listed 

offer free or low-cost services. New 

groups are always forming. 

Adult Children of Aging 

Parents 

534-9234 

Support group, sponsored by 

Coast Caregiver Resource Center. 

Meets the third Tuesday of each 

month from 7 – 8 pm and second 

Tuesday at 5:30-7 pm in Paso 

Robles. 


Adult Children of Aging 

Parents 

543-7969 

Support group, sponsored by Connumity 

Counseling Center. 

Agoraphobia/Panic Disorder 

543-3764 

One-on-one support over the 

telephone for those suffering from 

this disorder. 

AIDS-Support Network 

781-3660 

800-491-9141 

Fax 781-3664 

asn@asn.org 

A clinical support group for those 

who have tested positive to the 

AIDS antibody test, or who have 

HIV or AIDS. Not a drop-in group. 

Also have benefi ts counselor, 

housing services and health counselor. 

Call for information. 

Al-Anon Family Groups 

534-9204 - Information service 

www.al-anon.alateen.org 

A fellowship of relatives and 

friends of alcoholics. 

Alcoholics Anonymous 

P.O. Box 459 


Grover Beach 481-6605 

Paso Robles 238-3311 

San Luis Obispo 541-3211 

a 24 -hour answering machine 

www.sloaa.org 

Over 200 meetings held each 

week in San Luis Obispo. For 

information call numbers above. 

ALS Support Group 

674-4162 

Support group for those who have 

Lou Gehrig's Disease (Amyotrophic 

Lateral Sclerosis) and their families 

and caregivers. Meets third 

Saturday of each month at Sierra 

Vista Auditorium at 2-3:30 pm 

Alzheimer’s Support Group 

534-9234 for location and dates 

547-3830 for location and dates 

Fax 784-9400

For family members and other 

caregivers of people with Alzheimer's 

disease or related dementias. 

Trained staff available for impaired 

person while caregiver attends 

group by calling in advance. 

Several groups meet monthly 

throughout the County. 

American Lung Association 

800-586-4872 

Fax 546-0892 

Sponsors self- help and programs 

for those wishing to stop smoking 

and support groups for those suffering 

from chronic lung diseases. 

American Lupus Society 

800-954-2873 

Offers information, support and 

referral to those with the disease 

and their families. Maintains a 

list of medical practitioners in 

the area who specifi cally provide 

treatment and help for those with 

varying Lupus conditions. 

Amputee Connection 

466-9730 

Monthly meeting 2nd Sunday at 2 

pm at Mid State Bank, 1025 Las 

Tablas, Templeton. 

Arthritis Support Group 

800-954-2873 

The Arthritis Foundation provides 

support/education groups, Arthritis 

Self Help Courses, PACE (People 

With Arthritis Can Exercise) 

classes, Twinges in the Hinges 

(warm water exercise) to all who 

are affected with arthritis. This 

includes the person with arthritis, 

family members, spouses and 

friends. Call for a class schedule 

or for information. 

Bereaved Parents 

544-9038 

Offers support to any bereaved 

parent, grandparent or sibling. 

Meets the 4th Tuesday of each 

month at 7 pm 

Better Breathers Club 

489-4261 x4276 

Mental Health/Counseling/Support/Groups 

Meetings provide support, information 

for those with emphysema 

and other chronic obstructive pulmonary 

diseases. Meets at Arroyo 

Grande Community Hospital. 

Braille Institute Discussion 

Groups 

462-1225 

Fax 462-0973 

www.brailleinstitute.org 

Monthly discussion groups: 

Arroyo Grande 

Community Center 

211 Vernon St 

Atascadero 

The Colony House 


3rd Friday, 1 pm 

3220 S. Higuera, 3rd fl r 

Cambria Caregivers Support 

Group 

927-3706 

Meets the 2nd Wednesday each 

month, 4-5 pm at Cambria Womens 

Resource Center. 

Cancer Support Groups 

543-1481 

800-227-2345 

Support groups for persons with 

cancer, their families and friends. 

Groups are available regarding 

Breast Cancer, Make Each Day 

Count, Laryngectomee, Ostomy, 

Prostate, Reach for recovery and 

others. 

Central Coast Amputees in 

Motion 

Support group for amputees and 

their families. Meetings may 

include discussion, support and 

guest speakers. 

Centerforce/Friends Outside 

Visiting Center 

P.O. Box 3210 


A volunteer organization which 

supports families in crisis as they 

cope with the problems of having 

a family member in prison. 

Central Coast Head Injury 

Support Group 

772-0160 

Support group of traumatically 

head injured individuals, their 

parents, spouses and friends. 

Meets the 3rd Saturday at 10:30 

am at the Sierra Vista Regional 

Medical Center Auditorium. 

CONTACT-Pepper Tree 

Counseling 

545-9449 

A support group for high-functioning 

people with psychological 

chemical imbalances. Members 

exchange experiences, share 

support, and gain camaraderie. 

Facilitated by licensed therapists. 

Meets Wednesday evenings. 

Adult Diabetes Support Group 

543-9085 

544-4402 

Support group for persons with 

diabetes, their families, friends 

and anyone interested. Meets the 

4th Wednesday of each month (except 

July, August and December) 

at 3 pm for support group and 4 

pm for speaker at French Hospital 

Medical Center. 

Family Ties 

75 N Main St. #B 


434-2126 

www.kinshipcenter.org 

Support groups and referrals for 

family caregivers. 

Grandparents as Parents 

Support Group 

473-5561 

Meets Wednesday’s in Arroyo 

Grande. 


County 

544-2266 

Offers several support groups to 

those who have experienced or 

are experiencing the death of a 

loved one and are in the process 

of dealing with grief. Also for 

families. 


Mental Health/Counseling/Support/Groups 

Huntington’s Disease 

800-443-1236 

800-345-HDSA 

Support group. Also contact the 

Huntington’s Disease Society of 

America at 800-345-HDSA. 

Active Care In-home Services 

Active Care 

In-home Services, Inc. 

850 A Shasta Ave. 


805-772-7744 

805-772-7149 fax 

activecare1@aol.com 

Since 1998 www.activecare1.com 

Active Care 

Can Offer a Choice 

Our Objectives 

· to delay or prevent 

institutionalization 

· to restore or maintain self care 

· to promote self care 

Our In-home Services 

offers security by providing, 

personal aides, home health aides, 

certified nurses aides, care 

consultant’s and management, 

or companions 

Care Consulting 

to help organize and arrange 

services, coordinate car, set 

up bill paying, review insurance 

policies, set appointments, 

coordinate events, write letters, 

and seek out other professionals 

for your home needs 

Active Care is staffed with local 

individuals who care about those 

people who gave so much to 

preserve the foundation of the very 

freedoms we enjoy today. 

Insured & Bonded 

Manic Depressive & 

Depressive Support Group 

Offers group support, education 

and lets people suffering from depressive 

illnesses know they are 

not alone. Drop- in support group, 

member facilitated. Not a substitute 

for counseling, therapists or 

doctors. 

Meets Mondays and Wednesdays 

from 7-8:30 pm at Pacifi c Medical 

Plaza basement, 1941 Johnson 

Ave., San Luis Obispo. No fees. 

Multiple Sclerosis Society 

682-8783 

Fax 563-1489 

www.nationalmssociety.org 

Provides support group for clients 

and families, counseling for newly 

diagnosed, respite care, equipment 

loan and exercise classes. 

Muscular Dystrophy Association 

(Mid Coast) 

560-7651 

Provides support groups and 

diagnostic tests are provided to 

patients who may have MD. 

Nicotine Anonymous 

466-7755 

415-750-0328 

www.nicotine-anonymous.org 

Group follows 12 step program 

and meets weekly. 

Overeaters Anonymous 

462-8907 

Parkinson’s Disease Support 

Group 

541-8633 

South County - 474-0712 

North County - 466-7226 

www.parkinsons.com 

Post Polio Support (Easter 

Seals) 

543-4122 

Offers information, referral and 

support for those who have had 

Polio myelitis. 



Association 

P O Box 15408 


541-5144 

Stroke Support Group 

787-0106 

Discussion of medical issues, 

coping strategies and physical and 

emotional changes. For stroke 

victims, their families, friends and 

caregivers. 

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 

(TOPS) 

489-5194 

Support group for people trying to 

lose weight. 

Tri County G.L.A.D. 

644-6322 

644-6323 TDD 

Fax 644-6324 

www.tcglad.org 

Provides free services to deaf and 

hard-of-hearing individuals residing 

in San Luis Obispo. Services 

include: peer counseling, sign 

language classes and community 

education and advocacy. 

Wellness Community 

Central Coast Satellite 

614 13th St. 


238-4411 

Provides emotional support, education 

to help people with cancer 

and their loved ones.

There are many special recreation activities. A good 

place to begin fi nding out about these activities is your 

nearest senior center, City Recreation Department or 

local YMCA. 

Senior Centers may offer a variety of recreational activities. 

Call the center nearest you for specifi c information. 

See Senior Centers section of this Guide. The YMCA 

offers various physical recreation and therapeutic 

exercise programs geared to the needs of persons with 

physical disabilities and persons of all ages. Call to get 

information about classes and fees. 

Adult education classes offered through the high school 

districts, the community colleges and local universities 

are other sources of activities. 

Travel Options 

Amtrak, Greyhound, the airlines, and others have special 

discounts for senior citizens. Check with your travel 

agent or call directly regarding special tours and rates 

for seniors. See Transportation section. 

Eldertreks provides exotic adventure for travellers aged 

50 and over who are in good health. It provides small 

group departures to 36 worldwide destinations. Trips include 

the services of experienced guides and naturalists. 

Some trips are operated in association with Elderhostel 

Canada. http://www.eldertreks.com 

Organizations that offer group travel for seniors or 

handicapped persons are available. 

To apply for your passport, take in a certifi ed copy of 

your birth certifi cate, two passport photos, a California 

Drivers License or Identifi cation Card. The cost is $67 

plus a $30 processing fee. Can be paid by check, credit 

card, cash or money order made payable to USPS. Your 

passport will take approximately 5-6 weeks to obtain 

and will be valid for ten years. 

Free Advice 

Country Information Notices offer advice about specifi 

c areas of the world. They include facts about currency 

and customs regulation, entry requirements, dual 

nationality, import and export controls, vaccination 

requirements, restrictions on photography and warnings 

on the use of drugs. For a free single copy, send 

a postcard to Passport Services, Department of State, 

Washington, DC, 10524. 

Other Options 

Fishing Licenses 

Yearly California fi shing licenses are available for $6.05 

to seniors who are age 65 and over and on SSI, or on a 

limited income. If on SSI, application must be accompanied 

by form SSA 2458, completed by Social Security, 

Recreation & Volunteer Opportunities 

to verify income. Last year’s license can serve as proof 

of eligibility. The licensing period is January 1 through 

December 31. Reduced-fee fi shing license applications 

may be obtained from the State Department of Fish and 

Game. A fi shing license may also be purchased from any 

tackle or sporting goods store. Senior discounts are not 

offered. 

Camping 

San Luis Obispo County Parks (781-5930) may be used 

on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. There are senior 

rates. Reservations are available at the county parks for 

large groups. 

A variety of discount passes are available. A Golden 

Bear Pass is issued at any state park for a $5 fee and is 

valid for day-use only. You must be 62 or older and be an 

SSI recipient or have a monthly income of no more than 

$927 (single) or $1,729 (couple). State Park camping 

reservations are made through Reserve American Inc. at 

800-444-7275. 

Disabled Discount Pass 

This pass is issued at San Luis Obispo Coast District 

Offi ce. The pass is $3.50 and entitles you to a 50 percent 

discount on all park uses, all year (except already 

reduced fees). Does not include Hearst Castle (San 

Simeon). 

Disabled Veterans Pass 

Pick up the application at the district offi ce, online at 

http://www.parks.ca.gov or call the district offi ce (one 

can be mailed to you). It must be completed and forwarded 

to Sacramento. If approved, you are eligible for 

free camping. One time fee of $3.50. 

National Parks are usually on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served 

basis, though reservations for the most heavily used 

areas are handled through 800-365-2267. 

When you visit a National Park you may request a Golden 

Age Passport. You must have proof of age and be 62 

or over. The Golden Age Passport gives free admission to 

the national parks and a fi fty percent discount on fees, 

such as camping. They must be obtained in person. Your 

telephone directory can guide you to the appropriate 

agency for detailed information on Parks and Recreation. 

More information and applications can be obtained by 

contacting the US Forest Service. 

Fitness Resource Guide 

The Active Aging Task Force of San Luis Obispo County 

has prepared a Fitness Resource Guide, 'Be Active For 

Life', to promote physical activity among those 50 and 

over by increasing awareness of the many fi tness programs 

and activities offered throughout the County. The 

Guide is available in both English and Spanish. You can 

pick the Guide at a senior center, city recreation program, 



on the web (www. centralcoastseniors.org) or by telephoning 

the Area Agency on Aging at 800-510-2020. 

Special Needs Recreation 

Many recreational activities are available to people with 

special physical, psychological or neurological circumstances. 

These activities are often sponsored by specifi c 

disease associations such as the Ostomy Association 

through Rehabilitation Programs, or through senior 

centers. For assistance in fi nding a club, sport, or other 

activity to meet your needs, call Senior Information and 

Referral. 

Check with the city recreation departments, local 

YMCA’s and private health clubs to see if they offer 

adaptive programs (specially designed programs for the 

disabled and the individual recovering from an illness). 

Additionally, a recreational and therapeutic horseback 

riding program exists in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara 

for handicapped persons of all ages. 

Volunteer Options 

Everyone is a winner when seniors volunteer; benefi ts 

accrue to both individual volunteers and the organizations 

that receive their services. A wide variety of 

human service programs rely on volunteers. Opportunities 

exist in any fi eld in which you have training, talent 

or interest. Almost all of the programs in this Guide use 

volunteers. 

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) is a nonprofi 

t agency for persons 55 and older who want to use 

their lifetime of experience in useful service to others in 

the community. RSVP will match your special skills with 

organizations in your area that can utilize your abilities. 

Examples of involvement include: data processing, working 

with police department, sheriff’s department, city 

and government agencies. Short-term assignments are 

also available. 

There are no dues to pay and RSVP volunteers are given 

certain benefi ts. Included in these benefi ts is supplemental 

insurance coverage for volunteers in the area of 

accident, personal liability and excess auto insurance. 

RSVP volunteers also receive a quarterly newsletter and 

are honored at an annual awards banquet. 

You may also want to consider auxiliary services at 

almost any hospital or clinic, or docent opportunities at 

most libraries; or contact the organization that is of interest 

to you and ask if they have a need for volunteers. 

A wide variety of non profi t and public agencies rely 

on volunteers to accomplish their stated missions or 

expand the services provided to clients. Opportunities 

exist in any fi eld in which you have training, talent or 

interest. Most of the organizations listed in this Guide 

utilize volunteers. 


Don’t Take It Easy - Exercise 

“If exercise could be packed into a pill, it 

would be the single most widely prescribed, 

and benefi cial, medicine in the Nation.” 

Robert N. Butler, M.D., 

former Director, National Institute on Aging 

Each year, more and more scientifi c evidence 

points to the truth of this statement. Regular 

physical activity can help the human body 

maintain, repair, and improve itself to an amazing 

degree. And most older people - even those 

with illnesses or disabilities- can take part in 

moderate exercise programs. 

Anyone planning to start a fi tness program 

should see a doctor fi rst. Those with medical 

problems may have to avoid some kinds of exercise 

or adjust their level of activity. But even 

people who are confi ned to, wheelchairs can do 

some exercises to improve their strength and 

sense of well being. 

It is important to tailor your program to fi t 

your own level of ability and special needs. For 

example, jogging is not for everyone and may 

be dangerous for those who have unsuspected 

heart disease. 

Although more research is needed, there is evidence 

that exercise may strengthen your heart 

and lungs, lower your blood pressure, and protect 

against the start of adult- onset diseases. 

Exercise can strengthen your bones, slowing 

down the progress of osteoporosis, a bone thining 

disorder common in elderly women. It can 

strengthen and tone your muscles, and help you 

move about more easily by keeping joints, tendons, 

and ligaments more fl exible. 

When combines with good eating habits, exercise 

can help you lose weight or maintain your 

ideal weight by burning excess calories and 

helping control your appetite. Exercise may also 

give you more energy, help you sleep better and 

feel less tense, improve your appearance and 

self confi dence, and contribute to good mental 

health by keeping you socially active. 

The Area Agency on Aging Health Task Force 

has compiled a listing of the exercise opportunities. 

Please call 800-510-2020 for a copy of 

this listing. Or call your local senior center for 

more information. 

Source : National Institutes of Health, June 1982

Directory 

Recreation 

CA Dept. of Fish and Game 

1416 9th Street 


916-445-0411 

CA Parks and Recreation District 

Offi ce 

San Luis Obispo Coast District Offi ce 

3220 S. Higuera St #311 


781-5930 

City Recreation Departments 

214 East Branch St. 


473-5400 



461-5000 

154 South 8th St. 


473-4580 

1001 Kennedy Wy. 


772-6278 

600 Nickerson Dr. 


237-3988 

760 Mattie Rd 


773-7063 

1341 Nipomo St 


781-7300 

ElderTreks 

597 Markham St. 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G2L7 

1-800-741-7956 

www.eldertreks.com 

Passport Offi ces 

1055 Monterey St., D-120 


781-5080 

Therapeutic Recreation 

Partners in Equestrian Therapy 


772-8005 

A recreational and therapeutic 

horseback riding program designed 

to promote self-confi dence 

and physical fi tness for handicapped 

people of all ages. 

Travel Medicine & 

Immunization Center 

1-888-288-8682 

www.tmvc.com 

Free information available on immunization 

requirements. 

U.S. Forest Service 


543-4244 

Call for information to obtain 

Golden Age Passport. 

YMCA 

Young Men’s Christian Association 

1020 Southwood Dr 


543-8235 

www.sloymca.org 


Volunteer 

Retired and Senior Volunteer 

Program 

660 Pismo St. 


544-8740 

Countywide clearinghouse for 

volunteer opportunities. Matches 

persons aged 55 and over with 

volunteer opportunities in over 

180 service agencies. Will match 

your skills, interest and experience 

with the needs of an organization 

to fi nd a satisfying match. 

WE ARE COMFORT KEEPERS® 

IN-HOME 

CARE THAT’S 

• Companionship 

• Incidental Transportation 

• Laundry, Cooking 

• Light Housekeeping 

• Errands, Shopping 

• Recreation, Crafts 

• Medication Reminders 

• Grooming, Dressing 

Guidance 

• Personal Care Services: 

– Bathing, Hygiene 

– Incontinence Care 

Over 550 independently owned and operated offices worldwide. 

WWW.COMFORTKEEPERS.COM 

We help individuals maintain full 

and independent lives in the comfort of their 

own home. 

Screened, Trained & Bonded Staff 

805-528-8862 

Comfort Keepers 


Senior Centers 

Senior Centers serve as focal points of information 

and services for older persons. Senior Centers are 

owned and operated by separate and disparate organizations. 

Some are operated by cities and others by non 

profi t organizations. 

As a result, each senior center has a unique array of 

services and means to respond to the needs of the community. 

Services that are available may include: senior 

lunch services, information, community education, recreation 

activities, socialization, music, health screening, 

arts and crafts, and health insurance counseling. 

Additionally, many senior centers have computer classes 

and have computers available that provide access to the 

Internet. Other services may include loans of medical 

equipment. 

The philosophy of the senior center movement is based 

on the following premises: that aging is a normal developmental 

process; that human beings need peers 

with whom they can interact and who are available as a 

source of encouragement and support; and that adults 

have the right to a voice in determining matters in which 

they have a vital interest. 

Directory 

Atascadero Senior Center 

5905 East Mall 


466-4674 

Cayucos Senior Citizen Center 

200 South Ocean Ave. 

P.O. Box 134 

Cayucos, CA 93430 

995-3543 

Central Coast Senior Center 

1580 Railroad Ave 

P.O. Box 354 


481-7886 

Heritage Ranch Senior Center 

Heritage Ranch Rd 


238-0306 (public phone/library) 

238-2959 (for reservations) 

Morro Bay Senior Center 

1001 Kennedy Way 

P.O. Box 603 


772-4421 

Nipomo Area Senior Center 

200 Dana 

P.O. Box 473 


929-1615 

Paso Robles Activity Center 

270 Scott St 

P.O. Box 307 


237-3880 

Santa Margarita Senior Center 

2210 “H” St 

P.O. Box 507 


438-5854 

San Luis Obispo Senior Center 

1445 Santa Rosa St 


781-7306 


Senior Citizens’ Center 

599 Twelfth St 

San Miguel, CA 93451 

467-3445 

Shandon Community Center 

101 Centre St 

Shandon, CA 93461 

239-4131 

South Bay Community Center, 

Inc. 

2180 Palisades Ave 

P. O. Box 6387 


528-4169 

Templeton Community Services 

District 

P.O. Box 780 

420 Crocker St 


434-4900

A variety of transportation services exist in San Luis 

Obispo County. They range from mass transportation 

(fi xed route) to specialized door-to-door service. Check 

for the services that can best meet your particular 

needs. 

For general transportation information, one telephone 

number has been established for your convenience. Call 

the Regional Ridesharing Program at 541-CARS (541- 

2277). 

Fixed-Route Service 

Fixed-Route Service means a transportation system 

that has a predetermined route with specifi ed stops that 

conform to a timetable. The County Bus System (RTA) 

operates hourly service on most routes. SLO Transit 

offers more frequent service within the City of San Luis 

Obispo The entities that provide this service have pamphlets, 

called schedules, explaining the details of each 

route. These are available and can be obtained by calling 

541-2277. 

Door-to-Door Service 

Not everyone can use the fi xed route bus service for 

reasons of distance to the bus lines or service areas. 

Door-to-Door Service is a transportation system that 

will pick you up at a location determined by you and will 

take you to the location of your choice. Reservations 

are usually required and costs are a higher. There are 

also a number of public transportation services that can 

provide door-to-door service. 

The communities of Atascadero, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, 

Nipomo and South Bay (Baywood/Los Osos) have Dial a 

Ride Services. Fares vary, but are generally $1 for Dial 

A Ride. These services can get you around within your 

community and can also get you to bus stops on the 

regional fi xed route (RTA) buses between communities. 

You may be eligible for a special service under the provisions 

of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. If 

you are unable to use the fi xed route buses due to disability, 

call Runabout to ask about eligibility under ADA 

(781-4363). If you qualify, next day service is guaranteed. 

Senior Vans 

Senior organizations in the area have vans and volunteer 

drivers to assist older persons with their transportation 

needs. Most vehicles do not have wheelchair lifts. Telephone 

in advance to make a reservation. You do not have 

to be a member of the local organization or club. 

Senior Shuttles 

Senior Shuttles are operated by Ride-On Transportation 

and provide door-to-door transportation between cities. 

These services operate on different days throughout the 

county and in the City of San Luis Obispo and require 

advance reservations by calling 541-8747. 

Long Distance Travel 

Greyhound Bus Lines 

Greyhound provides nationwide bus service. They provide 

a discount to seniors (65+) of 10% off the regular 

fare. This discount does not apply to special fares. 

They also have a helping hand program: a handicapped 

person’s escort is eligible for a 50% discount ticket. 

Some buses have wheelchair lifts. 

Amtrak 

Amtrak is a nationwide train service. Persons who are 

62 or older and have a visible handicap or a doctor’s 

note indicating that they are handicapped, can obtain a 

15% discount off the regular fare when riding Amtrak. 

Trains that stop at staffed stations are wheelchair accessible. 

Train service now leaves daily from San Luis Obispo going 

south through Los Angeles to San Diego, with stops 

along the way. It leaves at 6:35 am and returns at 8:35 

pm. Fares are reasonable vary. Also, one long distance 

train in each direction also departs San Luis Obispo just 

after midday, with a Paso Robles stop, and dedicated bus 

service can get you to and from the Santa Barbara train 

depot three times daily. 

Airlines 

Many airlines offer discounts to seniors. Contact your 

travel agent for more information. 

For transportation to the San Luis Obispo County Airport, 

contact your local taxi service or Ride On Transportation 

at 541-8747 for their airport shuttle service. 

Related Services 

Transportation 

SLO Regional Ride Share 

541-CARS (541-2277) offers information and matching 

for ride sharing, including car and van pools countywide. 

Also provides general information on all transit within 

the region. The Triplink tool at www.rideshare.org features 

a casual carpool program. 

CalTrans Hotline 

800-427-7623 

Offers information on freeway conditions and closures 

during crosstown freeway construction. 

Trolleys 

Cambria Village Trolley is available providing free 

scheduled service within and around Cambria. The 

system operates June 1st through September 4th on 

Thursday through Mondays and September 5th through 

May 31st on Fridays through Mondays. 541-2228. 



Avila Beach Trolley is available providing free scheduled 

service within and around Avila Beach on weekends 

and holiday Mondays during the summer (541-2228). 

The SLO Downtown Trolley operates approximately 

every 15-20 minutes. On Thursdays, the trolley operates 

from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. On Fridays and Saturdays 

the trolley operates from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On 

Sunday, the trolley operates from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 

p.m.. No service on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. 

541-2877. 

Handicap License Plate/Placard 

For those who have a handicap and use an automobile, 

specialized license plates and handicap placards are 

available through the Department of Motor Vehicles. If 

you wish to apply for a placard or plate, call the DMV at 

800-777-0133 to obtain an application form and to fi nd 

out what you need to bring with you in order to apply for 

a placard and/or plate. Depending upon your disability, 

you may be required to get a doctor’s authorization. A $6 

application fee is required for those with a temporary 

disability. There is no charge for those with a permanent 

disability. 

55 Alive/Mature Driving Course 

This course was developed especially for older drivers 

by the National Retired Teachers Association and the 

American Association of Retired Persons. It will give 

you a chance to brush up on existing driving skills and 

pick up some new ideas about how to drive safely and 

defensively. 

The course is conducted throughout the county by 

trained volunteer instructors in two 4-hour sessions; 

occasionally there is a one 8-hour session. An additional 

benefi t will be a reduction in your car insurance since 

insurance companies are required to give a discount to 

seniors who have taken this and other approved courses. 

If one driver over aged 55 or older takes the course a 

discount will be provided for that person in a household. 

For more information in your area call Bob Graham at 

434-5659 or 1-888-227-7669. 

Other organizations offer a driver Retraining Class in 

locales throughout the County. For information about 

other classes approved by the Department of Motor 

Vehicles that qualify for the auto insurance discount call 

Senior Information and Assistance services. 

Reporting a Potentially Unsafe Driver 

If you know someone who may no longer be able to drive 

safely, you may request that the Department of Motor 

Vehicles (DMV) review his or her driving qualifi cations. 

A form can be secured or you may write a letter to the 

local DMV Driver Safety Offi ce to identify the driver and 

the reason(s) for making the report. 


Driver’s Safety Evaluation Program 

There is no single, simple test to determine if someone 

is a safe driver. However, there are tests for refl exes, 

vision, fl exibility, and visual attention – all critical skills 

for driving. A doctor may refer the driver to a qualifi ed 

specialist for an assessment of driving skills. These tests 

take several hours and often include a road test with 

an evaluator present. These tests can be costly and are 

seldom covered by insurance or Medicare. 

A formal assessment may seem threatening to an older 

driver, especially if it is either pass or fail. Some older 

adults prefer assessments that give them tips on being a 

better, safer driver. Recommendations can include tips 

for improving skills, avoiding certain driving situations, 

useful equipment and an interval for re-testing. 

Create A Safer Environment 

For people with memory loss and confusion, home can 

offer safety or it can be confusing and dangerous. The 

following tips will help you create a living space that is 

safe and secure. 

1. Focus on Prevention 

· Try to prevent problems before they happen, but remember 

that some accidents are not avoidable. 

· Allow plenty of time. Accidents may happen if the person 

is rushed. 

· If the person smokes, supervise cigarettes and matches. 

2. Use Safety Devices 

· Put gates at the top of stairways and secure banisters. 

· Install safety latches or locks on cabinets where dangerous 

items such as knives and cleaning products are stored. 

· Put guards around radiators and other heaters. 

· Use safety covers for doorknobs to prevent wandering. 

3. Keep Things Simple 

· Keep the environment simple and consistent. Don't rearrange 

furniture unless necessary. 

· Remove all unnecessary furniture and clutter including 

knickknacks. 

· Keep items used often in the same place. 

· Put away items that may cause confusion. For example, 

don't leave the shaving cream next to the toothpaste. 

4. Remove Hazardous Items 

· Check all household items for potential dangers. Lock up 

or remove medications, cleaning supplies and insecticides. 

· Remove poisonous house plants. 

· Put small objects which may be swallowed out of sight and 

lock up all sharp items. 

· Lock up or remove all fi rearms. 

· Put appliances and tools, such as razors, hair dryers and 

sewing machines, in a safe place. 

· Secure outdoor appliances such as power tools and lawn 

mowers.

Directory 

Door-to-Door Service 

Atascadero Dial-a-Ride 

Atascadero City Hall 



466-7433 

541-2277 

www.atascadero.org/transit 

Service within Atascadero; connections 

to RTA buses; to and from 

Twin Cities Hospital. 


(CAN) 

927-5673 

Transportation to medical appointments 

locally and within SLO 

County for residents of Cambria 

and San Simeon. 

Morro Bay Dial-a-Ride 

535 Harbor Dr. 


772-2744 

541-2277 

www.morro-bay.ca.us/dialaride.html 

Service within Morro Bay; connections 

to RTA uses. 

Nipomo Dial-a-Ride 

929-2881 

Service within Nipomo; connects 

to RTA buses. 

Paso Robles City Area Transit 

(PRCATS) 

800 Pine St. 


239-8747 

541-2277 

www.rideshare.org/buses/prsched. 

htm 

Service within Paso Robles; connections 

to RTA buses; to and from 

Twin Cities Hospital. 

Ride-On Transportation 

3620 Sacramento Dr. #201B 


541-8747 

541-2277 

info@ride-on.org 

www.ride-on.org 

A nonprofi t organization providing 

transportation countywide. Senior 

Shuttle is $2 each way serving 

North Coast on Mondays, South 

County on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 

North County on Wednesdays and 

Five Cities Shuttle on Wednesdays. 

Runabout Service 

1150 Osos St.,Ste 206 


781-4363 - Information 

541-2544 - Reservations 

www.slorta.org/runabout.htm 

Runabout is a countywide door-todoor 

service for people who are 

unable to use the regular fi xed 

route bus service due to a disability. 

Eligibility is based on the 

person's individual abilities and 

limitations, not a speicif age, diagnosis 

or disability. Fares range 

from $2.00 to $ 6.50 per one way 

trip depending on distance traveled. 

Runabout is the provider of 

service for qualifi ed riders under 

the Americans with Disabilities 

Act (ADA). See details under 

Door-to-Door service. 

South Bay Dial-a-Ride 

1300 Nipomo Ave. 


528-7433 

www.southbaydialaride.com 

Service within Baywood/Los Osos; 

connections to RTA buses. 

Fixed-Route Service 

Atascadero Transit 



466-7433 

541-2277 

www.atascadero.org/transit 

Avila Beach Trolley 

541-2228 

541-2277 

www.cambriatransit.org 


Cambria Trolley 

P.O. Box 436 


927-0468 

541-2228 

541-2277 


SLO Downtown Trolley 

541-2228 

541-2277 


Countywide Area Service 

San Luis Obispo Regional 

Transit Authority (RTA) 

1150 Osos Street, Ste. 206 


541-2877 

541-2277 

Five Cities Area Service 

Regional Transit Authority- 

South County Area Transit 

(RTA-SCAT) 

1150 Osos St., Ste 206 


541-2228 

541-2277 

www.scattransit.org 

Paso Robles City Area Transit 

(PRCATS) 

800 Pine St. 


239-8747 

541-2277 

www.rideshare.org/buses/prsched. 

htm 

San Luis Obispo City Area Service 

SLO Transit 

919 Palm St. 


541-BUSS (541-2877) 

541-2277 

Long Distance Travel 

Amtrak 

General Information and 

Reservations: 

800-872-7245 (USA-RAIL) 

www.amtrak.com 



Greyhound Reservations 

Center 

800-231-2222 

en Espanol 800-531-5332 

Greyhound Terminals 

150 South St. 


543-2121 

www.greyhound.com 

800 Pine St. 


238-1242 

Senior Vans 

Cambria Community Bus 

927-4173 



P.O. Box 1797 


927-5673 

Cayucos Senior Citizens Club 

995-3543 

Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 

Driver Safety Offi ce 

4050 S. Saviers Rd 

Oxnard, CA 93033-6444 

488-0863 

488-3219 

www.dmv.ca.gov 

Driver Safety Evaluation 

Program 

Central Coast Driver’s Safety 

Evaluation Program 

1128 Iris St. 


541-5543 

djeffrey@fi x.net 

www.ccdse.com 

Provides driving evaluation and 

adaptive equipment assessments. 

Special Senior 


Rides 4 Seniors 

Paso Robles Senior Center 

270 Scott St. 


237-3880 

Provides transportation for nondriving 

homebound seniors in 

Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton, 

San Miguel and nearby areas. 

Mondy through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 

p.m.. Volunteers use their own 

vehicles. Appointments made 

through senior center – reservations 

requested one week in 

advance. Collaboration between 

RSVP and City of Paso Robles. 



Tip: Home Repair Scams Alert 

Never Buy Home Repairs From 

Door To Door Sellers 

Many elderly persons are targeted by 

scam artists who use high pressure 

tactics to sell unneeded and overpriced 

contracts for “home improvements.” 

Often they charge more than their 

customers are led to believe. And then, 

when the senior refuses to pay for 

shoddy or incomplete work, the contractor 

or its closely affi liated fi nancial 

institution, attempts to force payment 

by placing a lien on the senior’s home 

and making threats. 

How You Can Protect Yourself 

There are several basic steps 

one can take which can prevent a 

problem from arising: 

· Never deal with any door to door 

contractors or buy repairs advertised 

on TV. Deal with local trades 

people recommended by friends or 

reputable building supply stores. 

· Before agreeing to hire any home 

improvement contractor, get at 

least a second estimate for the 

same work from another contractor. 

· Get a written contract or 

estimate describing the work, the 

price, the responsibility for cleaning 

up, and the hourly rate for any 

added work. 

· Get references for the contractor 

and speak to those references. Ask 

about satisfaction and any, problems 

that arose. 

· Take a look at other work performed 

by the same contractor. 

If problems have developed with a 

contractor’s work, seniors should 

immediately take steps to protect 

their interests, such as: 

· Obtain an estimate from a professional 

detailing how much damage was 

done by the contractor and the value 

of whatever services were rendered. 

· Take detailed pictures of the work 

or damage left by the contractor 

and date them. These photos can 

be used in court to show the nature 

and extent of the problem. 

· Hire an expert (architect, reputable 

contractor, etc.) to look at the 

work for quality and compliance 

with specifi cations. The expert can 

also provide an estimate regarding 

the fairness of the price for work 

completed, the extent of physical 

damage, and its cost to repair.

A 

AARP 14 

AARP Legal Services Network 76 

Able Body Homecare 67,90 

Able Therapy Services 36 

Access to Recreation, Inc. 36 

ACI Medical 35 

ACLU of SLO County 76 

A Coastal Touch 67 

Active and Able 36 

Active Care In-home Services 82 

adaptAbility/S&S Worldwide 36 

Adaptive Aids 33 

Adaptive Aids and Equipment, Local 

Resources 35 

Administration on Aging 17 

Admission Agreement 54 

Adult Children of Aging Parents 80 

Adult Day Care 18 

Adult Literacy 25 

Adult Protective Services 29 

Adult Public High Schools 25 

Advance Health Care Directive 73 

Affordable Home Care 

Alternatives 67 

Agoraphobia/Panic Disorder 80 

AIDS-Support Network 80 

Airlines 87 

Al-Anon Family Groups 80 

Allan Hancock College 26 

Alliance for the Mentally Ill 80 

ALS Support Group 80 

Alzheimer's Association 79 

Alzheimer's Day Care Resource 

Centers Services 18 

Amdal In-home Care 52 

Amdal In Home Care 67 

American Cancer Society 51 

American Council of the Blind 37 

American Diabetes Assoc. 51 

American Dietetic Association 51 

American Foundation for the 

Blind 37 

American Heart Association 51 

American Lung Association 55 

American Lupus Society 81 

American Red Cross 24 

Amputee Connection 81 

Amtrak 87 

Apria Health Care 35 

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 14 

Area Agency on Aging Advisory 

Council 17 

Are You O.K.? 66 

Arroyo Grande, City of 13 

Arroyo Grande Care Center 58 


Hospital 10 

Arroyo Grande Transitional Care 58 

Arthritis Foundation 55 

Assisted Living Communities 59 

Atascadero, City of 13 

Atascadero Dial A Ride 89 

Atascadero Senior Center 86 

Atascadero Transit 89 

Atascadero Unifi ed School 

District 26 

Aunt Carol’s Place 63 

Avila Beach Trolley 88 

B 

Barbara Boxer Senator 13 

Bates Care Management 6 

Bayside Care Center 58 

Bereaved Parents 81 

Best Care 69 

BestCare Home Health 68 

Better Breathers Club 81 

Better Business Bureau 15 

Index 

Better Care Provider 67 

Blakeslee, Ph.D. Sam 13 

Board of Dental Examiners 16 

Board of Optometry 16 

Board of Pharmacy 16 

Board of Registered Nurses 16 

Board of Supervisors 13 

Boxer, Senator Barbara 13 

Braille Institute of America 34 

Bureau of Automotive Repairs 16 

C 

Cabrillo Convalescent Hospital 58 

CA Dept. of Fish and Game 85 

California Bar complaint hotline 76 

California Commission on Aging 14 

California Senior Legislature 14 

California Telephone Access 

Program (CTAP) 33 

CalJOBS 31 

Cal Poly Community Counseling 

Service 80 

Cal Poly State University 26 

CalTrans Hotline 87 

Cambria’s Anonymous Neighbors 35 

Cambria CARES 19 

Cambria Community Van 90 

Cambria Trolley Shuttle 89 

Cambria Village Trolley 87 

Camping 83 

CA Parks and Recreation District 

Offi ce 85 

Capps Congresswoman Lois 13 

Care and Counseling Center 79 

Caregiver Training 25 

CARE Program 63 

Caring Callers 69 

Catholic Charities 64 

Cayucos Senior Citizen Center 86 

Cayucos Senior Citizens Club 90 


Index 

Cemeteries and Funerals 21 

Cemetery and Funeral Bureau 22 

Central Coast Assistive Technology 

Center 35 

Central Coast Caregivers 68 

Central Coast Commission for 

Senior Citizens 14 

Central Coast Dental Society 56 

Central Coast Driver’s Safety 

Evaluation Program 90 

Central Coast Literacy Council 26 

Central Coast Senior Center 86 

Central Coast Senior Placement 64 


Services 58 

Certifi ed Home Health Agencies 65 

CHW 56 

City Recreation Departments 85 

Client Care Consultants 7 


Center 7,19 

Comfort Keepers 85 

Commission on Aging 14,15 

Commission on Aging, San Luis 

Obispo County 15 

Community Care Licensing 17 

Community Counseling Center 80 

Community Health Centers 57 

Congressman William Thomas 14 

Congresswoman Lois Capps 13 

Conservatorship of Estate and 

Person 74 

Conservatorship of the Person 74 

Consumer Complaints 13,14,15 

Consumer Credit Counseling 

Services 48 

Consumer Product Safety 51 

Contractors State License Board 16 

Cooperative Extension 25 

Cooperative Extensions 26 

Country Care Convalescent 

Hospital 58 

Creative Mediation Services 76 

Credit Counseling 39 

Creekside Career Center 32 

Crescent Health Care 69 

Cuesta College 26 

Cuesta Family Medical Center 57 

D 


Pharmacy 35 

Danish Convalescent Hospital 58 

Death Certifi cates 21 

Debtors Anonymous 48 

Dental Board of California 16 

Department of Corporations 16 

Department of Motor Vehicles 16 

Department of Public Health 17 

Department of Rehabilitation 56 

Department of Social Services 11 

Depression 77 

Depressive Support Group 82 

Dept. of Consumer Affairs 16 

Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 90 

Diabetes & Nutrition Education 

Center 51 

Direct Assistance Program 63 

Disabled Discount Pass 83 

Disabled Veterans’ Exemption 41 

Disabled Veterans Pass 83 

Disaster Preparedness 23 

District Attorney’s Offi ce 15 

Domestic Partnerships 73 

Door-to-Door Service 87 

Driver’s Safety Evaluation 

Program 88 

Driver Safety Offi ce 90 

Durable Power of Attorney for 

Assets 73 


E 

Easter Seal Society 35 

Economic Crime Unit 15 

Education 25 

El Camino Homeless 

Organization 11 

Elder Abuse Advocacy and Outreach 

Project 29 

Eldercare Locator 7 

Elderhostel 25 

Eldertreks 83 

Election Division 13 

Emergency Preparedness 23 

Emergency Response Systems 33 

Emergency Rooms 10 

Emeritus Classes 25 

Employment Development 

Department 32 

Employment Discrimination 32 

Enrichments, Inc. 36 

EOC Health Screening 54 

Equipment 33 

Estrella Career Center 32 

F 

Fair Employment & Housing 

Dept. 32 

Fair Oaks Pharmacy 35 

Family Home Care 58 

Federally Subsidized Housing 59 

Federal Trade Commission 22 

FeinsteinSenator Dianne 13 

55 Alive/Mature Driving Course 88 

Financial Matters 38 

Financial Planner 40 

Finding an Attorney 71 

First Gov for Seniors 17 

Fishing Licenses 83 

Fitness Resource Guide 83 

Fitt Medical 35

Five Cities Christian Women’s Food 

Distribution 51 

Five Cities Meals on Wheels 50 

Fixed Route Service 87 

Food and Drug Administration 51 

Food and Nutrition 49 

Food Bank Coalition of SLO 

County 51 

Food Safety and Inspection 

Service 51 

Food Stamps 39 

Franchise Tax Board 48 

French Hospital Medical Center 57 

G 

General Relief 39 

Gentiva Health Services 69 

Gentiva Independent Living 70 

Golden State Mobile Home Owners 

League 15 

Governor of California 13 

Grandparents as Parents Support 

Group 81 

Grass Roots II 51 

Gray Panthers 17 

Greyhound Bus Lines 87 

Greyhound Reservations Center 90 

Greyhound Terminals 90 

Grieving Process 77 

Grocery Shopping Assistance 50 

Grover Beach, City of 13 

H 

Handicap License Plate/Placard 88 

HARC Mercantile, Ltd. 36 

Head Injury Support Group 81 

Health Insurance Counseling 46 

Healthplus Pharmacy 35 

Health Services 53 

Hearing 33 

Hearing Center 36 

Hearst Cancer Resource Center 56 

Helen Keller National Center for 

Deaf- Blind Youth 36 

Heritage Ranch Senior Center 86 

HICAP 16 

Hiring In Home Help 65 

HIV Care Consortium 56 

HMO Complaint Hotline 16 

Home-Delivered Meals 50 

HOME Care-Giver Services 68 

Home Health Equipment 33 

Home Instead Senior Care 68 

Home IV/Enteral Therapy 65 

Homeowner’s Assistance 41 

Homeowner’s Property Tax 

Exemption 40 

Home Safety Evaluation 33 

Homestead Declaration 62 

Home Visitors 66 

Hospicelink 22 

Hospice of San Luis Obispo County, 

Inc. 22 

Hospice Partners of the Central 

Coast 22 

Hospital Meal Programs 50 

Hotline of San Luis Obispo County 7 

House of Representatives 13 

Housing Authority of the City of 

Paso Robles 64 

Housing Authority of the City of San 

Luis Obispo 64 

Housing Options 59 

Huntington’s Disease 82 

I 

IHSS Public Authority 67 

Immigration 74 

In-Home Supportive Services 68 

Independent Living Aids 36 

Independent Living Resource Center 

(ILRC) 67 

In Home Care Solutions 65 

Index 

Internal Revenue Service 48 

International Cemetery & Funeral 

Association 22 

J 

Jan-Stemper-Brown 62 

Joint Tenancy of Assets 73 

K 

Kidney Foundation, Central 

Coast 56 

L 

Labor Standards Enforcement/ 

Industrial Relations 32 

League of Women Voters 14 

Levels of Care 59 

Liberty High 26 

Libraries 15 

LifeFone 37 

Life Line 37 

Life Steps Foundation, Inc. 8 

Lighthouse, Inc. 37 

LinCare 35 

Lindamood-Bell Learning 

Processes 36 

Linkages Care Management 7 

Linkages Program - LifeSteps 

Foundation 19 

Link to Life 37 

Lions Sight Conservation 

Foundation 37 

LivHOME 8 

Loaves and Fishes/Atascadero 52 

Loaves and Fishes/Paso Robles 52 

Long Distance Travel 87 

Long Term Care Ombudsman 57 


Services of SLO County 29 

Low Cost Rentals 59 

Low Vision Program Services 34 

LS&S Group, Inc. 37 

Lucia Mar Adult Education 26 


Index 

Lumeta 16 

Lymphedema Therapy Program 58 

M 

Maldonado Abel 13 

Manic Depressive & Depressive 

Support Group 82 

Marian HomeCare & Hospice 22 

Marian HomeCare Services 22 

Marian Home Health & Hospice 69 

Marian Home Infusion 69 

Marian MC Home Care 66 

Max Care 35 

Maxi-Aids 36 

Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter 11 

McCarthy, Congressman Kevin 14 

Meat and Poultry Hotline 

(USDA) 51 

Med-Stop 57 

Med-Works Care Center 57 

Medi-Cal 44 

Medi-Cal Dental Care 56 

Medical Baseline 63 

Medical Board of California 16,56 

Medical Society 58 

Medicare 42 

Medicare Advantage 43 

Medicare Assignment 42 

Medicare Fraud 44 

Medicare Savings Account 43 

MediGap 43 

Med World HME,Inc. 35 

Memory Disorders Program 66 

Mental Health 77 

Mental Health Clinics 79 

Military Offi cer Association of 

America 14 

Mission Business Information 

Center 32 

Mission View Health Center 58 

Mobile Home Ombudsman 15 

Mobility Masters 35 

Money Management/Bill Paying 

Service 39 

Morro Bay, City of 13 

Morro Bay Dial a Ride 89 

Morro Bay Fire Department 69 

Morro Bay Senior Center 86 

Multiple Sclerosis Society 82 

Muscular Dystrophy Association 56 

N 

Na. Committee to Preserve Social 

Security and Medi 17 

Na. Hospice & Palliative Care 

Organization 79 

National Council on Aging 17 

National Council on Patient 

Information and Educat 17 

National Eye Care Project 34 

National Federation of the Blind of 

California 17 

National Institute on Aging 17 

National Multiple Sclerosis 

Society 56 

Nelson’s HealthPlus Pharmacy 35 

Nicotine Anonymous 82 

Nipomo Area Senior Center 86 

North American Cemetery 

Regulatory Assoc. 22 

North County Care 57 

North County Homeless 

Outreach 11 

Notary Public 71 

Nursing Home Placement 58 

Nutritional Health 49 

Nutrition Information 51 

O 

Offi ce of Emergency Services 24 

Offi ce of Privacy Protection 16 

One Stop Career Center 31 

Organ Donation 21 


Osher Lifelong Learning 

Institute 26 

Overpayments 38 

P 

Pacifi c Pulmonary Service 35 

Partners in Equestrian Therapy 85 

Paso Robles, City of 13 

Paso Robles Activity Center 86 

Paso Robles Central Coast Area 

Transit 89 

Paso Robles Transit (PRCAT) 89 

Passport Offi ces 85 

Peoples Kitchen 50 

Peppertree Counseling Services 80 

PG&E 63 

Physician Referral 58 

Pismo Beach, City of 13 

Placement Assistance 53 

Planning for Long Term Care 

Needs 46 

Polk Insurance Agency 48 

Postal Carrier Alert 66 

Post Polio Support 82 

Prado Day Center 11 

Preferred Provider Organization 43 

President George W. Bush 14 

Pristine Home Services 68 

Private Fee-For-Service Plans 43 

Private Industry Council 31 

Probate 72 

Probate Clerk at Superior Court 76 

Project Lifesaver 12 

Protection & Advocacy Inc. 76 

Public Defender Services 76 

Public Guardian 76 

Q 

Qualifi ed Medicare Benefi ciary or 

“QMB” 46 

Quality Caregivers 68

R 

REACH Program 64 

Recreation Departments 85 

Rehabilitation Department 31 

Renter’s Credit 41 

Renters’ Assistance 41 

Representative Payee 74 

Residential Care Facility for the 

Elderly 60 

Respite Care 18 

ResponseLINK 37 

ResponseLINK of the Central 

Coast 37 

Retired and Senior Volunteer 

Program 85 

Retired State Employees 14 

Retired Teachers Assoc. 14 

Retirement Communities 59 

Reverse Mortgages 60 

Revocable Living Trust (“RLT”) 72 

Ride On Transportation 89 

Runabout Van Service 89 

S 

“SLMB” 46 

Safe Return 12 

Safety repairs and modifi cations 62 

Salvation Army 11 

San Luis Coastal Adult School 26 

San Luis Obispo, City of 13 

San Luis Obispo County Clerk 

Recorder 13 

San Luis Obispo County Mental 

Health Services 79 

San Luis Obispo County Public 

Health Agency 56 

San Luis Obispo Literacy 

Council 26 


Meals-on-Wheels 50 

San Luis Obispo Senior Center 86 

Santa Margarita Senior Center 86 

Schwarzenegger, Arnold 13 

Scolari’s Market 50 

Secretary of State for Domestic 

Partnerships 76 

Senator Barbara Boxer 13 

Senator Dianne Feinstein 13 

Senior Centers 86 

Senior Citizen’s Center 86 

Senior Citizens Advisory 

Commission 14 

Senior Citizens Property Tax 

Postponement 41 

Senior Community Service 

Employment Program 31 

Senior Connection 7 

Senior Health Screening 55 

Senior Legal Services Project 76 

Senior Legislature (CSL) 14 

Senior Living Consultants 61 

Senior Moments 19 

Senior Nutrition Program of San 

Luis Obispo County 50 

Senior Peer Counseling Program 80 

Senior Vans 87 

Service Establishment Charge 

Discount 63 

Sexual Assault and Prevention 

Recovery Center 10 

Shandon Community Center 86 

Shared Housing 59 

Shelter Services for Women 10 

Shelter Services for Women and 

Children 10 

Sierra Vista Hospital Medical 

Center 57 

Skilled Nursing Facilities 58 

SLO Downtown Trolley 88 

SLO Fresh Market 50 

SLO Hep C Project 57 

SLO Legal Alternatives 

Corporation 76 

Index 

SLO Regional Ride Share 87 

Small Claims 71 

Small Claims Advisor 76 

So. California Gas/The Gas 

Company 63 

Social Security Administration 38 

Social Security Disability 

Benefi ts 38 

Social Security Earnings Test 31 

Social Security Retirement 

Benefi ts 38 

Social Security Survivors 

Benefi ts 38 

Sonic Alert 36 

South Bay Community Center, 

Inc. 86 

South Bay Dial a Ride 89 

South County Homeless 

Outreach 11 

Special Income Tax Credit for the 

Elderly or Disabled 42 

Special Need Services 33 

State Controller 48 

State Department of Financial 

Institutions 16 

State Dept. of Consumer Affairs 16 

State Insurance Hotline 16 

Stemper-Brown 62 

Supervisor Harry Ovitt 13 

Supervisor Khatchik Achadjian 13 

Supplemental Security Income 

Program (SSI) 38 

Support Groups 77 

T 

Take Off Pounds Sensibly 82 

Tax Counseling for the Elderly 

(TCE) 41 

Telecare/Phone Friends 69 

Telephone Access Program 

(CTAP) 33 

Telephone Reassurance 66 


Television Caption Decoding 34 

Templeton Community Services 

District 86 

Templeton Hills Pharmacy 35 

Tenant/Landlord Assistance 62 

Therapeutic Recreation 85 

The Retired Offi cer Association 

(TROA) 14 

The Revocable Living Trust 

(“RLT”) 72 

The Villges 60 

Thomas Congressman William 14 

Tips on Shared Housing 59 


Assoc. 82 

Transportation 87 

Travel Medicine & Immunization 

Center 85 

Travel Options 83 

Tri-Counties Regional Center 7 

Tri County G.L.A.D. 82 

Trolleys 87 

Twin Cities Community Hospital 57 

U 

U.S. Forest Service 85 

U. S. Postal Service 69 

Unemployment Insurance Benefi ts 

Information 32 

United States Consumer Product 

Safety Commission 16 

United States Department of 

Justice 76 

United States Senate 13 

Universal Lifeline Telephone 

Service 33 

Urgent Care Centers 57 

U S Postal Service 69 

Utilities 63 

Utility Assistance 63 

Utility Taxes 64 

V 

Veterans’ Exemption 41 

Veterans’ Outpatient Clinic 57 

Veterans Health Benefi ts 45 

Veterans Service Offi ce 48 

Veterans Services 39 

Vial of Life 12 

Vial of Life Program 33 

Victim/Witness Assistance 

Program 75 

Villages 60 

Vineyard Hills Health Center 58 

Vision 34 

Volunteer 83 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 

(VITA) 41 

Volunteer Options 84 

Voter Registration 13 

W 

Waiting List Tips 59 

Wallace Home Medical 35 

Wandering 12 

Weatherization Services 63 

Wills and Intestate Succession 72 

Women’s Shelter & Resource 

Center 10 

Wright & Sanders 75 

YMCA 85 


Y 

Index

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Senior Information Guide

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