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Additional Programs & Resources

Aging & Independence Services, along with community partners, have developed a variety of resources to support community members, service providers, and other individuals in need of support. To request hard copies of these materials, please email HealthierLiving.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 858-495-5500.

New! Personal Care Services Options Guide
A Guide for Older Adult Medi-Cal Members in San Diego County including those with Dementia

Personal care services help Medi-Cal members who are older adults (55+) and/or people with disabilities continue to live in their communities by providing support in performing essential Activities of Daily Living. The Personal Care Services Guide was created to help professionals such as social workers, clinic staff, and hospital discharge planners navigate and access the various options that exist.

Caregiver Handbook

If you are taking care of a loved one or someone is caring for you, this handbook will help. It is designed both as a road map and document file for your journey. This guide was developed by the Caregiver Coalition of San Diego, a diverse group of agencies, private, public, professional, non-profit, and for profit that serve families caring for their loved ones.

Dementia Communication Card

Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate with others. This can become increasingly challenging and frustrating for the person living with dementia and their caregivers. The Dementia Communication Card is designed to help caregivers facilitate positive and compassionate interactions between the person with dementia and members of the community.

Dementia-Friendly Activities Toolkit

Families and caregivers play a critical role in helping people with dementia to stay engaged. This toolkit includes activities and resources that support the needs of people living with dementia and make it easier for them to remain engaged in pleasurable and interesting activities. When using this toolkit, remember to be flexible with the activities and adjust as needed. Track what works and doesn’t work to improve your next activity. Use and share this toolkit in your community:

Dementia-Friendly Tips & Elder Abuse Prevention

 Every part of the community has a unique role in supporting those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The resources listed below are designed to support sectors in their work towards becoming more dementia-friendly. In a “dementia-friendly” community, people with dementia live as independently as possible and continue to experience a sense of inclusion and dignity.

Fall Prevention Guide

The San Diego Fall Prevention Task Force has developed a Fall Prevention Guide which includes important fall facts, questions to ask your healthcare provider, steps on how to get up from a fall, and a home safety checklist. 

Feeling Fit Club

The Feeling Fit Club is a functional fitness program designed for older adults of all abilities. The goals of the program are to offer a safe, comfortable environment for older adults to engage in physical activity as well as to help older adults develop and maintain their level of physical fitness. In addition to learning about the benefits of exercise, health, and fitness components, this program encourages social interaction, fun, and help to build self-esteem. 

Get Connected Guide

Feeling a sense of connection and belonging is important for all of us and can positively impact our health. The Get Connected Guide provides resources and strategies to help you get connected, whether you feel lonely, want to build connections to prevent loneliness, or are trying to help someone you know become more socially connected. Use and share this tool in your community:

Project C.A.R.E

Project C.A.R.E. keeps seniors living alone from being totally isolated. It provides referrals to community resources, assistance with completing a Vial of Life, reassurance calls, and other services. Project C.A.R.E. identifies and supports frail older adults and/or individuals with physical or mental disabilities to prevent social isolation, loneliness, neglect and abuse. Project C.A.R.E. is a safety net program for older persons and persons with disabilities and operates by maintaining effective contact and empowering individuals to remain as independent as possible in a safe environment.

Ride Well to Age Well Guide

The Age Well Transportation & Community Connections Team created the Ride Well to Age Well Guide as a way to catalog transportation options throughout San Diego County by region. The guide also explains how to download and use mobile applications such as Lyft, and provides a glossary of common transportation terms.

Tai Chi Classes

San Diego County is home to several evidence-based Tai Chi programs that are proven to help older adults reduce their risk of falling.

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance (TCMBB) is a modified version of the Yang style of Tai Chi that commonly is done using either 108, or, in the "short form," 24 different positions. TCMBB further simplifies the traditional style and has only 8 essential positions, moving in a slow, flowing, and controlled fasion. This program was developed by Dr. Fuzhong Li at Oregon Research Institute and was designed especially for older adults to reduce their risk of falls. Evidence suggests that participating in TCMBB can reduce falls and fear of falling; and increase functional balance and physical performance.

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (TCAFP) utilizes the Sun style of Tai Chi. Movements are taught to both left and right sides and with turns to move forward and backward to improve mobility and offer a variety of combinations. This program has been shown to improve movement, balance, strength, and flexibility; offer relaxation; and decrease pain and falls and is appropriate for people with or without arthritis, and those at a higher risk of falling. 

For questions about any of these programs, email HealthierLiving.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov or visit HealthierLivingSD.org.