SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Senior Information Guide

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
2007-2009 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SENIOR INFORMATION GUIDE 33