Highlighted Topics

• 2008-09 Governor’s Budget—California Department of Aging (CDA)
• Be Prepared California
• Get Healthy California
• Health Care Reform
• Long-Term Care Guide
• Security Awareness Training
• Senate Recognizes Department of Aging for Health Promotion in Workplace

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• Tips to Prevent Heat Related Illness
• 2008 Economic Stimulus Rebate Information
  • Scams - An IRS Warning
• Medicare Fraud Toolkit to Assist Consumers in Protecting Their Medicare Benefits from Fraud and Abuse.
• Do you know, after February 17th, 2009, all full power television stations will broadcast in digital signals only ?
  
• Information for Homeowners Facing Forclosure

Upcoming Conferences & Events

• August 24-27, 2008 16th Annual National Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Conference

Linkages Program - (800) 510-2020

The goals of the Linkages Program are to:

• help frail elderly adults and adults with disabilities, age 18 years and older, remain in their homes,
• maximize their independence, and
• reduce the need for more costly out-of-home care.

The program accomplishes these goals by providing comprehensive care management. It is designed to help "fill in the gaps" by serving individuals who are not eligible for other care management programs. There are no income criteria for clients but they must have some difficulty with completing their daily activities to qualify for the program.

Linkages staff take a holistic approach in addressing client needs. The Linkages care manager begins assisting the client by completing an in-depth assessment of each person's situation in the home. Based on that assessment, the client, the family, and the care manager decide what the client needs and make a plan to meet those needs. This plan may include linking the individuals and their families to existing community services, such as:

• transportation
• meals
• in-home care
• housing assistance
• adult day care programs

The plan may also focus on obtaining adaptive devices, such as ramps, bath benches, medi-sets, and grab bars. Assistance, such as home repairs, counseling, or telephone reassurance, may be arranged to help Linkages clients remain independent.

Care managers follow up on the plan with the client on at least a monthly basis. This follow-up is provided to make sure the client is satisfied with the assistance received and to identify new needs. The care manager visits each client at least every three months.

There are 36 Linkages sites located throughout California. Each site serves approximately 100 elderly adults or adults with disabilities.