RELEVANT WESTSIDE GUIDE FOR THE 50+

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Ways to Leave Your Clutter How To Outsmart A Scammer

Aging Solo, but Not Alone

AGING JOYFULLY RESOURCES FOR 2024 - 2025

Get Social | Healthcare | Housing | Finance Legal | Insurance | Community Resources

SMC Emeritus, a noncredit program of Santa Monica College for adults 55+, offers over 140 FREE classes at the Emeritus Campus and convenient locations throughout the community. Come acquire new skills, learn healthy living strategies, express your artistic side, and meet others who share your interests. We are currently offering in-person, online, and hybrid classes.

We are committed to lifelong learning and welcome you to the Emeritus family.

• Computer • Health and Wellness • Home Economics • Music

• Political Science • Studio Arts • Theater Arts

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: 310-434-4306 Website: smc.edu/emeritus Office: 1227 Second St., Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Barry Snell, Chair; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez, Vice Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff; Dr. Nancy Greenstein; Dr. Tom Peters; Rob Rader; Dr. Sion Roy; Alyssa Arreola, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President

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COME TRAVEL WITH US! We offer exclusive group travel opportunities for adults of all ages.

These high-quality packages are available at competitive prices, and are a safe way to travel, make new friends, and see the sights. Relax, the planning is already done for you!

Travelers can sign up for local one-day trips, multi-day trips internationally or within the United States.

Visit our website and click on Adventures for complete itineraries and reservation forms for all trips.

BOOK NOW 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, 90401 310-394-9871 wiseandhealthyaging.org/adventure

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AGING SOLO,

BUT NOT ALONE

by Molly Davies, LCSW

Solo aging is a newer phrase being used to describe people who are aging alone for any reason, whether that be due to divorce, being unmarried or unpartnered, widowed, childless, or being estranged from family.

For some, aging solo is an intentional lifestyle choice and for others it was never planned. Whatever the reason, those who are aging solo do not have to go it alone!

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR SOLO AGERS TO AGE WELL. CREATE MULTIGENERATIONAL FRIEND GROUPS.

An important way to insulate someone from aging solo is to have a support system.

There will be times when we all need help and support from others as we age, and having a solid group of friends is a good way to stave off isolation, loneliness, and have built in support from people who care about you when you need it.

HAVE AN ADVANCED HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE.

Consider having an advanced health care directive that outlines your wishes in the event you become ill and are not able to communicate your medical treatment wishes. You can appoint someone to make decisions, and if you don’t have anyone to appoint, you can still outline your wishes so that medical providers will know how to treat you.

GET SOCIAL.

Find and join events and activities in your community. Parks, libraries, and recreation centers specifically for older adults (Like The Club at WISE), host all kinds of social, educational, and festive gatherings where you can engage with others. If you like to travel, some tour companies specialize in travel for older adults and friends (consider WISE Adventures!).

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Work hard, play hard, be fearless and try to forgive old friends and keep making new friends.

- Ronny R.

VOLUNTEER.

Stay engaged by volunteering at an organization that is doing something that you are passionate about, or just plain needs help in your community. Volunteering is a great way to make friends of all ages, give back, and keep your brain sharp. You can also give back through local civic engagement, like joining or participating in local government through neighborhood councils and weigh in on what matters to you in the community.

GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT.

When you need it, connect with WISE for case management to help navigate complicated medical and social service systems. Or think about peer counseling to get added support through life’s bumps in the road.

ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM!

The benefits of aging solo are resoundingly freedom – the freedom to do what you want when you want to. It may just be that solo aging is the ultimate in independence, and balanced with community connections, it really can be the best of both worlds.

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Aging Solo but Not Alone

By Molly Davies, LCSW

Letter from the President

By Molly Davies, LCSW

LET'S GET SOCIAL YOLO: You only live once, so date after 50

By Nikki Davis, MBA

CON

Get Lit

By Nikki Davis, MBA

Jump In The Volunteer Pool

By Nikki Davis, MBA

HEALTHCARE There Must Be 15 Ways To Leave Your Clutter

By Ellen Satkin, LCSW

SUPPORT SERVICES Four Habits For A Healthy Brain

By Miriam Caiden, PhD

What On Earth Is Care Management?

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by Anat Louis, PsyD

HOUSING RELATED What To Know About Long-Term Care Before You Need It

By Rachel Tate, MSW

Nursing Home Checklist

FINANCIAL & LEGAL How To Outsmart A Scammer

By Miles McNeeley, LCSW

INSURANCE COMMUNITY RESOURCES LET’S EAT

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Miriam Caiden, PhD Molly Davies, LCSW Nikki Davis, MBA Anat Louis, PsyD Miles McNeeley, LCSW Ellen Satkin, LCSW Rachel Tate, MSW COVER DESIGN: Kelli Stauning, MS SPECIAL THANKS: Danielle Brinney ABOUT RELEVANT! The 2024/25 Relevant! Westside Guide for the 50+ is published biennially by Wise & Healthy Aging. Relevant! is available online at wiseandhealthyaging.org. Our headquarters is located at 1527 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Wise & Healthy Aging is a 501(c) (3) non- profit community-based, social services organization. To distribute the Guide free of cost, we sell advertising space. While we appreciate the paid listings in the Guide, their inclusion does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of products or services by Wise & Healthy Aging.

Always be a vigilant consumer.

Verify information and seek references where appropriate.

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AGING

JOYFULLY

As we head into the year 2024, Wise & Healthy Aging is excited to bring you Relevant!, our new Westside Guide for the 50+. Since its launch in 2015, the Guide has proven to be a trusted resource for our Westside community. Now with its new name, look and format, Relevant! includes articles, information, and resources to better address the diverse needs of older adults as they age.

In this new edition, adults aged 50+ share insights about what they would tell their younger selves. Their advice translates into how one can age more joyfully – teaching us through reflection and humor about the importance of emotional and physical health.

While exercise and diet play a huge role in maintaining one’s physical and mental health, a growing body of research shows that social connections are equally important. So, whether you’re aging solo (page 4), dating after 50, (page 10), volunteering (page 20), or becoming digitally literate (page 18), there are many things that older adults can do to get connected, live with a sense of purpose, and remain ‘relevant’, vibrant, members of our communities.

Finding ways to age joyfully is even more important as the population of adults aged 60+ continues to rise, reaching a projected 24% of the population in the City of Los Angeles by 2030. This growth, coupled with the fact that more people are living longer, means that even more support will be needed for older adults and for those who care for them.

How do older adults – most of whom want to remain in their homes – get the support they need? A care manager, or a social worker for older adults can help the person get access to programs and services that they or their loved ones didn’t know they could get (page 37).

We also know that as people live longer, the numbers of older adults who will need longterm care will continue to rise. But how do you know what type of facility is best for your loved one and which one to choose? See what you need to know on page 44.

Just as longevity brings challenges, it also brings opportunities to engage and contribute.

You can count on Wise & Healthy Aging to be there as a one-stop resource to help you and yours to age joyfully.

Molly Davies, LCSW

President & CEO, Wise & Healthy Aging

What makes you different when you’re young is what makes you interesting later. Embrace it.

- Kathy K.

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LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE.

LET US HELP.

Serving Older Adults for over 50 Years Care Management Connecting seniors to services to help them maintain independence at home Social Programming Fitness, social, travel programs, workshops, classes & hot lunches to promote wellness Adult Day Center Care and activities for older adults with memory loss & respite for the caregiver Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Investigate complaints and advocate for elders in nursing homes & care facilities HOTLINE: (800) 334-WISE (9473) Elder Abuse Prevention Protect seniors from becoming victims of financial, physical and emotional abuse

1527 4th Street | Santa Monica (310) 394-9871 wiseandhealthyaging.org

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LET'S GET SOCIAL

YOLO You Only Live Once, So Date After 50

by Nikki Davis, MBA

Attractive widower, 5’11”, 175 lbs. love dogs, movies, travel.

You: Looking for life partner, beautiful inside and out, happy, mature, loves life.

Serious inquiries only.

Remember when ads like this permeated the personals sections of newspapers and magazines? Nowadays, it’s often your online presence and credentials that get you a date, so you’ll probably need to get past any reticence to become your own best salesperson.

Dating after 50 can be fulfilling and scary.

Forty-eight percent of 18–29-year-olds have used a dating app, but that number drops significantly for the 50+ to just 16%. Today, it’s about swiping right or left on a dating app instead of flipping through want-ads, but the objective remains the same: finding companionship.

While technology may pose a challenge for

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older adults to enter the dating game, when used wisely it can enhance the process and open possibilities previously unthinkable. First, if you choose to go online, you can find a wide pool of prospective companions beyond the local community.

Second, looking and posting can be free… depending on the site you choose. Lastly, with online dating, you can filter the non-negotiables to find matches with similar interests, world and political views, religious beliefs, and desires in life.

With the readiness to get started, take comfort knowing that 54% of Americans say that relationships that begin online are just as successful as those that begin in person.

LET'S GET SOCIAL DATING TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW CATFISH: When a person takes information and images, typically from other people, and uses them to create a new identity for themselves. In some cases, a catfisher steals another individual’s complete identity—including their image, date of birth, and geographical location— and pretends that it is their own.

SITUATIONSHIP: A situation that lies somewhere between a friendship and a committed relationship. It is usually non-exclusive and lacks the expectations and commitments of a fullfledged relationship.

GHOSTING: When someone abruptly cuts off contact without giving that person any warning or explanation for doing so.

DATERVIEW: A type of date where you are bombarded with questions that make it seem like you’re in a job interview instead of a romantic setting.

TEXTATIONSHIP: A type of relationship where partners communicate solely through text messages and never meet face-to-face.

LOVE HAZE: Describes a state of being deeply in love, to the extent that one may not notice their partner’s flaws. Although this isn’t anything new, it’s important to keep an eye out for both warning signs and positive signs to evaluate the relationship’s compatibility and overall health.

Let’s explore how to make dating after 50 fun and safe.

OPEN UP: If you want to date, do it. Open yourself up to the idea of finding a new partner to share life experiences. Yes, it may be intimidating not being with Janet or Dave who you lost 12 years ago, but would they want you to remain alone forever? Ever wonder how celebs get so many dates? They’re visible to EVERYONE. Sign up for a dating app, join a social group, and/or volunteer…Find the best way for you to get out there, if you don’t you probably won’t be found.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT: Before jumping in, reflect

on what you want from a relationship. Is it casual dating, or marriage? Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “do you want to get married”? If you do and they don’t, asking early prevents months, if not years, of wasted effort and miscommunication. List your deal breakers, nice-to-haves, and “absolutes” for a relationship and stay true to yourself to mitigate golden years of misery.

DATE DIFFERENT: Did you only date blonds in the 70s?

We all have types but consider dating someone who embodies the qualities and characteristics you’re looking for – not just the physical. Maybe they don’t look like Burt, Denzel, or the Pam’s (Grier or Anderson). Maybe they’re not rich but living comfortably; perhaps they enjoy country not classical music. Ask yourself how much this matters. Is their heart in the right place? Do they make you happy?

BE SAFE: The internet is rife with fraudsters and honey bun-

nies who will prey on your vulnerabilities. Keep yourself safe by remembering: Video Chat – Do they refuse to video chat? – If you hear that their video camera is always broken, there’s something up!

Don’t get sucked down the rabbit hole of their dysfunction.

Move on.

Meet “Offline” – Do they give excuses why they can’t meet in person like a sick friend/family member, a car accident, or al-

ways working? If someone refuses to meet in person, they’re fake (or have issues that you don’t want to deal with).

Move on.

Meet in Neutral Locations – Don’t invite anyone to your home or workplace. Meet in a neutral location such as a coffee shop in broad daylight with others around.

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LET'S GET SOCIAL No Nudes EVER – This should go without saying but just don’t send them. Many fraudsters will blackmail you after getting the pics…and with today’s internet culture, you never know where the pics may end up.

Think highly of yourself. Don’t be a cheap date.

Don’t Be Fooled – Be aware that some photos can be fakes! Photoshop and artificial intelligence can fabricate images of gorgeous partners who are little more than fake manipulators looking to steal your heart and money.

- Joan A.

Don’t Send Money – This isn’t a relationship; this is a sugar momma/daddy deal. If you aren’t looking to sponsor a thief or sugar baby, don’t send money, gift cards, or expensive gifts unless you’re certain the relationship is legit and mutual. Also, do not co-sign or sign any documents without getting legal advice from a lawyer.

Background Checks – Sounds invasive but something to consider, and plenty of services provide details on all of us. It’s better to know about a prospective love’s sketchy past now than later. If they are on the up-and-up, there’s nothing to worry about.

EDUCATION

FITNESS

1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/club-wise

1527 4th St., 1st Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 wiseandhealthyaging.org/club-wise

Emeritus – Santa Monica College 1227 2nd St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 434-4306 www.smc.edu/emeritus Emeritus is a free lifelong learning program from Santa Monica College designed for adults 55+, offering over 140 different classes in the fields of Sudio Arts, Computers, Health, Home Economics, Literature, Music, Political Science and Theater Arts.

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Santa Monica Family YMCA 1332 6th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 OLDER ADULTS (310) 393-2721 RECREATION CENTERS www.ymcasm.org Beverly Hills Active Adult Club (BHAAC) 471 S. Roxbury Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 285-6840 www.beverlyhills.org/living/ seniorprograms/seniorservices/

Claude Pepper Senior Citizen Center 1762 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 559-9677 ClaudePepper.SeniorCenter@Lacity.org

1527 4th St., 1st Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 857-1527 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/club-wise Culver City Senior Center 4095 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6700 www.culvercity.org Felicia Mahood Multipurpose Center 11338 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025 (323) 937-5900

LET'S GET SOCIAL

THE CLUB

Join The Club for ages 50+ and access a line-up of classes, events, workshops, and trips.

Whether you’re looking to get fit, learn a new skill, travel, or just have fun, The Club has got you covered with inperson and virtual content. Sign Up Today!

Santa Monica: 1527 4th St. | Baldwin Hills: 3650 W. MLK Blvd.

Sign up today!

310-394-9871

wiseandhealthyaging.org

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LET'S GET SOCIAL OLDER ADULTS RECREATION CENTERS (con’t) Gunther-Hirsh Family Center 330 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 761-8800 www.fsla.org BAR Center at the Beach 201 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291 (323) 937-5900 www.jfsla.org Malibu Senior Center 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 456-2489, ext. 357 www.malibucity.org Pico - Robertson Family Resource Center 8838 W. Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 247-0534 www.jfsla.org Westchester Senior Center 8740 Lincoln Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 649-3319 Westchester.SCC@lacity.org Westminster Senior Citizen Center 1234 Pacific Ave. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 392-5566 PARKS / RECREATION CENTERS (listed by city) Beverly Hills Beverly Cañon Gardens 241 N. Cañon Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 285-2408

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Beverly Gardens Park 22 blocks along Santa Monica Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 288-2220 Coldwater Canyon Park 1100 N. Beverly Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 285-6850

Carlson Park 10400 Braddock Dr. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6650 Culver City Park 9700 Jefferson Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6650

Greyston Mansion & Gardens 905 Loma Vista Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 285-6830

Culver/Slauson Park 5072 S. Slauson Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 253-6650

La Cienega Community Center/Park 8400 Gregory Way Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 285-6810

Culver West Alexander Park 4162 Wade St. Culver City, CA 90066 (310) 253-6650

La Cienega Tennis Center 325 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (310) 285-6825

El Marino Park 5301 Berryman Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 253-6650

Roxbury Park Community Center 471 S. Roxbury Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 285-6840

Fox Hills Park 5809 Green Valley Circle Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 253-6650

Will Rogers Memorial Park 9650 Sunset Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 285-1000

Lindberg Park 5041 Rhoda Way Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 253-6650

Culver City Blair Hills Park 5950 Wrightcrest Dr. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6650 Blanco Park 5801 Sawtelle Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6650

Syd Kronenthal Park 3459 McManus Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6650 Tellefson Park 11057 Washington Pl. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6650 Veterans Memorial Park 4117 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 253-6650

LET'S GET SOCIAL Los Angeles Cheviot Hills Recreation Center 2551 Motor Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 837-5186 Crestwood Hills Recreation Center 1000 Hanley Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 472-5233 Glen Alla Dog Park 4601 Alla Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90292 (310) 276-1604 Holmby Park 601 Club View Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 276-1604 Palms Recreation Center 2950 Overland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 838-3838 Palms.RecreationCenter@lacity.org Malibu Charmlee Wilderness Park 2577 Encinal Canyon Rd. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 457-7247 Los Flores Creek Park 3805 Las Flores Canyon Rd. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 456-2489 Legacy Park 23500 Civic Center Way Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 317-1364 Malibu Bluffs Park 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 317-1364

Malibu Community Pool 30215 Morning View Dr. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 589-1933

Santa Ynez Recreation Center 17005 Palisades Circle Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 459-4083

Malibu Equestrian Park 6225 Merritt Dr. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 317-1364

Temescal Gateway Park 15601 W. Sunset Blvd.

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 454-1395

Michael Landon Community Center 24250 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 317-1364 Trancas Canyon Park 6050 Trancas Canyon Rd. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 317-1364 Marina del Rey Burton W. Chace Park 13650 Mindanao Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (424) 526-7910 Fisherman’s Village 13737 Fiji Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 821-1081 Yvonne B. Burke Park 4350 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Pacific Palisades Palisades Recreation Center 851 Alma Real Dr. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 454-1412 Palisades.RC@lacity.org Rivas Canyon Park 14703 Oracle Pl. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 548-7643

Will Rogers State Historic Park 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 230-2017 www.parks.ca.gov Playa del Rey Del Rey Lagoon 6660 Esplanade Pl. Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 (310) 836-0140 Titmouse Park 415 Culver Blvd.

Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 (310) 836-1040 Vista Del Mar Park Vista Del Mar Blvd. & Century Blvd.

Playa Del Rey, CA 90293 (310) 836-1040 Santa Monica Camera Obscura 1450 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 496-3146 www.smconservancy.org Airport Park 3201 Airport Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8411 www.santamonica.gov

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LET'S GET SOCIAL Annenberg Community Beach House 415 Pacific Coast Highway (pool) Santa Monica, CA 90402 (310) 458-4904 www.annenbergbeachhouse.com Ashland Park 1650 Ashland Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8300 Barnard Way Linear Park 2440 Barnard Way Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8411 Chess Park 1652 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8411 Clover Park 2600 Ocean Park Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8411 Colorado Center Park 26th Street and Broadway Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (866) 311-7266 City of Santa Monica - Community Gardens (310) 458-2213 www.santamonica.gov The Cove Skatepark 1401 Olympic Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 458-8237 Crescent Bay Park 2000 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 Douglas Park 2439 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 458-8411

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Euclid Park 1525 Euclid St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 458-8411

Ozone Park 720 Ozone St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (866) 311-7266

Goose Egg Park 600 Palisades Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90402 (866) 311-7266 www.santamonica.gov

Palisades Park Ocean Avenue (between Colorado Ave. and Adelaide Dr.) Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8411

Gandara Park 1819 Stewart St. Santa Monica, CA 90401

Park Drive Park 2415 Broadway Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 458-8411

www.santamonica.gov Hotchkiss Park 2302 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8300 Joslyn Park 633 Kensington Rd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8411 Los Amigos Park 500 Hollister Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8411 Marine Park 1406 Marine St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8411 Memorial Park 1401 Olympic Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90404 Miles Memorial Playhouse 1130 Lincoln Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 458-8634 www.MilesPlayhouse.org Ocean View Park 2701 Barnard Way Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 458-8411

Reed Park 1133 7th St. Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 458-8411 Rustic Canyon Recreation Center 601 Latimer Rd. (pool) Santa Monica, CA 90402 (310) 454-5734 RusticCanyon.RC@lacity.org Santa Monica Family YMCA 1332 6th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 393-2721 www.ymcasm.org Schader Park 1425 Cloverfield Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90404 www.santamonica.gov South Beach Park 3400 Barnard Way Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 458-8411 www.santamonica.gov Tongva Park 1615 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (866) 311-7266 www.santamonica.gov

Virginia Avenue Park 2200 Virginia Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 458-8688 www.santamonica.gov Venice Canal Park 200 Linnie Canal Venice, CA 90291 (310) 836-1040 Triangle Park Oxford Ave. and Marr St. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 839-9629 Venice Beach 1800 Ocean Front Walk Venice, CA 90291 (310) 396-6764

SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club 1210 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 395-1308 www.smbwc.org TELEPHONE REASSURANCE Friendly Phone Call Program (City of Culver City Telephone Reassurance Program) (310) 253-6716 www.culvercity.org TRAVEL/LEISURE

LET'S GET SOCIAL

Be fearless, reach for your dreams. You are the star of your own life!

- Nan H.

1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871

2024-2025 17

GET

LIT

Digitally LITerate!

by Nikki Davis, MBA

The world has changed in the last 50 years, with many of us hardly remembering a world without HDTV, YouTube, and electric cars.

In a flash, technological advancements have accelerated, creating amazing opportunities to connect to services via Wi-Fi and Blue Tooth technology. In fact, using GPS to get to your next destination and streaming your favorite TV shows has become the norm. Today you can use an App to call anyone around the globe to deliver your pizza, groceries, and prescriptions, not to mention finding out what your friends are up to through social media.

Now, in what is referred to as the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), increasing interconnectivity and smart automation have taken digital technology to a whole new level, continuing to change industry and society. And, while it’s a struggle to keep pace, there is no turning back.

Despite the fast pace of change in this digital age, many people who haven’t grown up with this technology are challenged with learning how to use their computers, much less with staying on top of the latest technological advances.

WHY GET DIGITALLY LIT?

Prior to 2020, many older adults had not crossed the “digital divide.” Then, the pandemic changed everything. Lockdowns forced a new world on us all leaving digital casualties along the way, mostly in the form of older, lower income, and communities of color.

Work became “Tele-Work”; Doctor visits were “Tele-Health”; and visits with friends and family were “Tele-Conference.”

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LET'S GET SOCIAL

YOU’RE NOT TOO OLD FOR DIGITIAL LITERACY

We may think older adults are immune or apathetic about digital literacy – but no! WISE polled older adults engaged in digital literacy training to gauge what they wanted to learn. Here’s what they told us:

Older adults want to learn to use a computer to: • Access the Internet, especially news

• Make doctor’s appointments

• Email

• Write a book

• Shop

• Watch YouTube

• Look for a job

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? KEEPING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE – The pandemic brought the use of apps, websites, and YouTube videos for exercise to the forefront, engaging many people including older adults.

ENABLING INDEPENDENT LIVING and a chance to age in place with devices that automate, order, and send alerts to emergency officials and loved ones to keep people safe, connected, active and cared for.

SMART HOME TECH ASSISTANTS can send reminders to take medication and feed the dog.

And how about REDUCING SOCIAL ISOLATION with virtual pets, video portals for communicating, and of course, Zoom!

For those yet to retire, continued ENGAGEMENT IN THE WORKFORCE ONLINE is a way to keep money coming in.

Data collected from our WISE Connections digital literacy post-course surveys show that: • Over 80% of participants were age 66+ • Over ¾ had earned a college degree • 50% represented communities of color • And while 70%+ were not working or looking, nearly a quarter were looking for work.

The 21st Century has brought tremendous innovations in technology that can benefit all generations. If you’re looking to learn more about the digital world, find a class at Wise Connections and begin your journey to be digitally lit!

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LET'S GET SOCIAL

JUMP IN THE VOLUNTEER POOL

by Nikki Davis, MBA

When you ask a volunteer why they volunteer, they almost always tell you it’s because they saw a particular need and wanted to help.

Volunteering is nothing new. It traces back to medieval Britain when volunteers operated more than 500 hospitals to aid the poor and sick. In the U.S., Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer firehouse following a 1736 fire that burned several

buildings in Philadelphia. The rest is history. People helping people comes in many forms. From home building and food service to virtual mentorship and personal assistance. There are many ways to give one’s time and talent. Just look around.

You might ask, “why would I work for free?”

Because the satisfaction you get from volunteering is often the best pay you will ever receive.

What’s in it for you? Let’s dive in: #1 HUMILITY: While we cannot control every aspect of our existence, we can practice greater awareness of our surroundings. Humble acts of service shift the focus from you to others and cultivate a path to mental and physical wellbeing.

#4 NEW FRIENDS: Studies have shown that those with the most social interaction in their community experience the slowest rate of memory decline. Start a book club, walking group or quilting bee.

er alike can benefit from each other’s fresh perspectives and insights for greater understanding and mutual respect.

#7 REKINDLED PASSION: Did you have a passion when you were young? Revisit it. Whether it’s working on hot rods, dancing, or crochet, someone shares your enthusiasm and wants to learn. Find a group or club (hint: The Club at WISE) to lend your expertise and engage others in the process.

#5 HAPPY AND HEALTHY: Lead a dance class, serve lasagna at the senior center, belt out an aria in the choir. When you get active, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is lower, as chemical changes in the #3 BELONGING: At some brain enhance your mood, #8 A WISER MIND: You are never too old to learn. Volpoint in your life you may thinking, and learning. unteering opens the door ask, “why am I here?” “What is my purpose?” Volunteer- #6 GENERATIONAL CON- to new challenges and experiences that will keep ing lets you find something NECTEDNESS: Boomers, your brain sharp (dare I say, you care about and do it. GenX, Millennials, GenZ, RELEVANT!) with boundMake your mark! can’t we all just get along? less learning opportunities Absolutely! Young and old- and fulfillment. #2 LONELY NO MORE: Inactivity can contribute to loneliness, not to mention isolation. Do not stagnate in a pool of loneliness, step out and help out!

If you are an older adult considering volunteer work, it is worth exploring the many opportunities. So, no more wading in the shallow end of life. Jump in!

For more information on volunteering with Wise & Healthy Aging, call 310.394.9871, or email volunteer@wiseandhealthyaging.org.

20 RELEVANT!

Awarded for providing world-class care.

EXCELLENCE FOR YOU. We’re honored to be recognized for providing high-quality care to our communities.

This commitment to your well-being is at the heart of our award-winning care.

For more information, visit

providence.org/saintjohns

2024-2025 21

HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY CLINIC Yo San University Community Clinic 13315 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 577-3006 www.yosan.edu HEALTHCARE SERVICES Cancer Support Community Los Angeles 1990 S. Bundy Dr. Ste. 100 Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 314-2555 www.cancersupportla.org Los Angeles County Public Health Office of Senior Health 3530 Wilshire Blvd., 8th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 351-7825 www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/aging Westside Family Health Center 3861 Sepulveda Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 450-2191 www.wfhcenter.org HOSPITALS/ MEDICAL CENTERS Find a Health Center on findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov Cedars-Sinai 8700 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90048 (310) 423-3277 www.cedars-sinai.org

22 RELEVANT!

Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital 4650 Lincoln Blvd.

Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 823-8911 www.cedars-sinai.org Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center 6041 Cadillac Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90034 (323) 857-2000 www.kp.org/westlosangeles Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Medical Offices 3782 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90008 Kaiser Permanente Culver Marina Medical Offices 12001 W. Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066 Kaiser Permanente Inglewood Medical Offices 110 N. La Brea Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 Kaiser Permanente Playa Vista Medical Offices 5300 McConnell Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90066 Kaiser Permanente Santa Monica Medical Offices 1450 10th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 Kaiser Permanente Venice Medical Offices 5971 Venice Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90034

Providence Saint John’s Health Center 2121 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 829-5511 www.providence.org/saintjohns Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center 757 Westwood Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90095 (310) 825-9111 www.uclahealth.org UCLA Health 1250 16th St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 319-4560 www.uclahealth.org UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center 1250 16th St Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 825-9111 www.uclahealth.org/santa-monica

HEALTHCARE

Peer Counseling Support Groups

Call for more information Peer Counseling Support Groups Call for more information Bereavement Group Caregiver Support Group

A safe, confidential space to share your ups and downs and to get support, education, and resources to help you deal with the challenges of caring for your loved one.

This group provides a safe, confidential place to grieve the loss of a loved one and an Caregiver Support Group opportunity to address one's own emotional needs.

Ca

A safe, confidential space to share your ups and downs and to g Women's Group Mondays, 2 - 3:30of pmcaring for and resources to help you deal with the challenges

A safe place for women to share the pain and pleasure of life, and to provide and receive emotional support.

Bereavement Group

Ca

place grieve Men's Group This group provides a safe, confidential Thursdays, 11 -to 12:30 pm the loss

Confidential andopportunity trusting environments in whichone's men can talk emotional about personalneeds. issues in to address own their lives, covering both physical and emotional concerns.

Women's Group From Collecting to Decluttering

Call for more information

A safeprogram place for women to share the pain and pleasure of life, an A step-by-step, 15-week to assist and support participants in gaining control over acquiring and saving too many things. emotional support.

Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins. Some groups may have a fee. Fees may be adjusted based on ability to pay.

Men's Group

T

Call 310-394-9871, ext. 289 From Collecting to Decluttering

Ca

Confidential and trusting environments in which men can talk Individual peer counseling is available.

Peer counselors receive extensive training and lives, are supervised a mental health professional. their coveringby both physical and emotional concerns.

Wise & Healthy Aging, a non-profit social services organization, advances the dignity and quality of A step-by-step, 15-week program to assist and support particip life of older adults through leadership, advocacy, and high-quality innovative services.

over acquiring and saving too many things.

wiseandhealthyaging.org

1527 4th Street | Santa Monica

Pre-registration is required. No drop-ins. Some groups 2024-2025 23 may be adjusted based on ability to pay.

HEALTHCARE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

YO SAN UNIVERSITY BLOUNT CO MMUNITY CLIN I C

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services 4760 S. Sepulveda Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 390-6612 www.didihirsch.org Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health 24/7 Help Line dial 988 Access Line (800) 854-7771 Outpatient Services General Intake (310) 966-6509 www.dmh.lacounty.gov Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health - Genesis Program 550 S. Vermont Ave., 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90020 (213) 351-7284 Geriatric Evaluation Networks Encompassing Services Intervention Support (GENESIS)

Your Westside Partner for Aging Healthy & Well Call 310.577.3006 CONVENIENTLY LOCATED OPEN DAILY 13315 W. WASHINGTON BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90066

yosan.edu/clinic Yo San University is a teaching and healing facility. All patients are holistically treated by supervised interns.

NURSING

VETERANS SERVICES

Step Up 1328 Second St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-6889 www.stepup.org

Remedy Home Health Care 9836 White Oak Ave. Ste. 209 Northridge, CA 91325 (800) 554-8575 www.RemedyCares.com

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center 11301 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90073 (310) 478-3711

Clare Matrix 909 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405 (866) 452-5273 www.clarematrix.org

SPECIALIZED CARE

1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871, Ext. 289 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ peer-counseling

24 RELEVANT!

Gonda Diabetes Center UCLA 200 Medical Plaza, Ste. 530 Los Angeles, CA 90095 (310) 825-7922 www.uclaheatlh.org Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Care at UCLA 710 Westwood Plaza, Room C-224 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769 (310) 794-3665 www.eastonad.ucla.edu

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Eligibility/Enrollment Questions (888) 816-0803 Pharmacy (800) 952-4852 VISION National Eye Institute - Eye Diseases Health and Research Information (301) 496-5248 www.nei.nih.gov

THERE MUST BE 15 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR CLUTTER

by Ellen Satkin, LCSW Throw it away, Jay Take it to the curb, Herb Drop it in the can, Jan. Just listen to me, Bring it to the alley, Sally Put it in the bin, Ken And set yourself – free.

Remember to recycle, Michael Don’t have to be a hoarder, Porter Learn new ways to be free.

Give it up, Chuck You can let it go, Flo Enjoy your space, Grace You’ll have time to just be.

Sign up for the workshop, mate You don’t want to wait, Kate Meet friends along the way, Fay And you’ll set yourself - free!

WISE Offers Help and Support for the 50+ to Declutter If you or someone you care about is struggling with excessive clutter, Wise & Healthy Aging holds a 15-week inperson workshop and support group called ‘From Collecting to Decluttering’ (C2D), several times each year.

The C2D workshop creates a supportive, engaging community for older adults as they work to gain control of all their “stuff.”

“People in the group know that they are not alone, and feel respected, heard and understood as they work to deal with letting go of their clutter,” says Anat Louis, PsyD, Vice President of Care Management at WISE.

For more information, call: 310. 394.9871, ext. 289.

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HEALTHCARE

26 RELEVANT!

HEALTHCARE

2024-2025 27

SUPPORT SERVICES

CARING FOR A LOVED ONE IS HARD. DON'T DO IT ALONE. Join our Caregivers Support Group Get mutual support and help Learn about available resources and programs Reduce Caregiver stress Share and listen to individual Caregiver experiences

"Find comfort in the company of others who understand your journey." - Unknown The Peer Counseling Program at WISE now offers an inperson Caregiver Support Group. If you are looking for a safe, confidential space where you can share the ups and downs of caring for your loved one, you will find it here.

This in-person group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

To reserve your place in this support group, please call: (310) 394-9871, ext. 289 28 RELEVANT!

SUPPORT SERVICES 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ adult-day Daily socializing with peers in a safe, enjoyable environment with trained and caring staff (a Veterans benefit).

CARE MANAGEMENT Independence at Home 3800 Kilroy Airport Way, Ste. 100 Long Beach, CA 90806 (866) 421-1964 www.IndependenceAtHome.org Jewish Family Service LA 330 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (877) 275-4537 www.jfsla.org or services@jfsla.org Safely Home Again LLC Concierge Services for Home and Lifestyle 11693 San Vicente Blvd., #143, Los Angeles, CA 90049 310-405-5758 www.safelyhomeagain.com madeline@safelyhomeagain.com

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Relax, have fun and enjoy the ride!

- Pat S.

1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ care-management Services to support “aging in place” for disabled adults and seniors.

CAREGIVER RESOURCES Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Chapter 3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 500 Los Angeles, CA 90034 (323) 309-8821 and (800) 272-3900 24/7 www.alz.org/socal Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group (Culver City Senior Center) (310) 253-6729 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles 4221 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 400 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Helpline (844) 435-7259 www.alzheimersla.org Beverly Hills - Parking Permit Program (Caregiver) (424) 389-5482 www.beverlyhills.org In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) (888) 944-4477 (Toll-Free) (213) 744-4477 (Application Line) www.dpss.lacounty.gov/ The County’s IHSS Program helps pay for caregiver services.

In-Home Supportive Services Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC) (877) 565-4477 www.pascla.org A back-up attendant program for temporary, replacement homecare workers.

Los Angeles Department on Aging Caregiver Support Groups 221 N. Figueroa St., Ste. 500 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 482-7252 www.aging.lacity.org

USC Family Caregiver Support Center/ LACRC 3715 McClintock Ave. Los Angeles, CA. 90089 (800) 540-4442 www.fcsc.usc.edu/ The USC Family Caregiver Support Center helps family caregivers living in LA County who are providing informal care to someone with a chronic medical condition.

Wise & Healthy Aging Caregiver Support Groups 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ Wise & Healthy Aging Loss Grief Support Group 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ peer-counseling

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SUPPORT SERVICES IN-HOME CARE 24Hr HomeCare 5901 Green Valley Circle, Ste. 470 Culver City, CA 90230 (866) 311-6265 www.24hrcares.com Dynamic Nursing Services, Inc. 14260 Ventura Blvd. Ste. 300 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 613-2795 jeff@DynamicNursing.com JFS CARE 4601 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 120 Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 383-2273 (855) 455-2273 www.jfscare.org/ Remedy Home Health Care 9836 White Oak Ave., Ste. 209 Northridge, CA 91325 (800) 554-8575 RemedyCares.com INFORMATION & REFERRAL

CLEAR YOUR MIND AND FEEL GREAT Don't wait to start your healing journey. Emotional Freedom Technique, Tapping/EFT, can help clear limiting beliefs, release negative thought patterns and help you overcome fears and phobias.

Amy Piper | Tapping For Truth Phone: 248-891-4660 Email: amy@tappingfortruth.com

City of Los Angeles Department of Aging 221 N. Figueroa St., Ste. 500 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 482-7252 www.aging.lacity.org Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department Information and Assistance (800) 510-2020 www.lacountyad.org

Offering appointments both in-person and over Zoom.

30 RELEVANT!

Los Angeles County Information Services 211 www.211la.org

SUPPORT SERVICES Wise & Healthy Aging Information & Referral 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871, Ext. 464 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ care-management.

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE California Telephone Access Program 425 W. Broadway #105 Glendale, CA 91204 (800) 806-1191 www.californiaphones.org Nancy’s Tech Help for Older Adults Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 365-9951 nancy@nancystechhelp.com

Affordable Connectivity Program (877) 384-2575 www.getinternet.gov

CEMETERY & FUNERAL SERVICES Cemetery and Funeral Bureau Office (916) 574-7870 www.cfb.ca.gov

HOSPICE To find Hospice visit www.medicare.gov Bridging Transitions Birgitta Kastenbaum, Death Doula/ Midwife, Transition Coaching, Grief Tending, Ritual Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 699-7591 www.bridgingtransitions.net

City of Santa Monica Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary (FD #2101) 1847 14th St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 458-8717 woodlawn.cemetery@santamonica.gov

Live slow, die old.

-Phil S.

Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary 6001 W. Centinela Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 641-0707 (800) 576-1994 www.hillsidememorial.org

Caring for a loved one who is at risk of wandering off can be an overwhelming experience.

Ease your stress and keep your loved one safe with L.A. Found’s tracking bracelets!

How does it work?

L.A. Found provides a voluntary system of trackable bracelets for at-risk individuals. The bracelet emits a radio frequency (RF) signal every few seconds, making it easy to locate your loved one quickly.

WE GOT YOU Sometimes those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or autism get lost.

L.A. COUNTY IS HERE TO HELP.

KEEP YOUR LOVED ONE SAFE. If your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, or any cognitive impairment and is mobile, they may qualify for a

FREE L.A. FOUND TRACKING BRACELET ELIGIBILITY: BE A LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENT. HAVE A COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (ALZHEIMER’S, DEMENTIA, AUTISM OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY) AND BE PRONE TO WANDERING. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION WITH THE L.A. FOUND PROGRAM. HOW TO APPLY: REGISTER AN ACCOUNT AND SUBMIT APPLICATION TO HTTPS://LAFOUND.AD.LACOUNTY.GOV/ SEND AN EMAIL TO LAFOUND@AD.LACOUNTY.GOV CONTACT US AT 1 (833) 569-7651 A MEMBER OF THE L.A. FOUND TEAM WILL CONTACT YOU

How to Report a Missing Person CALL 9-1-1 Tell the operator that the missing person has dementia, Alzheimer’s or autism and is part of the L.A. Found Program.

Provide the 6-digit radio frequency # that starts with 218.

Provide status of the last time device battery was checked or replaced.

If the operator is unaware of the program, ask them to contact the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team.

SCAN ME FOR DETAILS

2024-2025 31

SUPPORT SERVICES City of Santa Monica City of Santa Monica

WOODLAWN WOODLAWN Cemetery Cemetery Mausoleum Mausoleum Mortuary Mortuary

FD #2101 FD #2101

Helping families honor, Helping families honor, remember, and celebrate life. remember, and celebrate life.

● ● Traditional Traditional Burial Burial ● ● Green/Natural Green/Natural Burial Burial ● ● Cremation Cremation ● ● Crypts Crypts & & Cremation Cremation Niches Niches ● ● Funeral Funeral Planning Planning & & Mortuary Mortuary Services Services ALL ALL IN IN ONE ONE LOCATION LOCATION

1847 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 1847 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 phone: (310) 458-8717 (on-call - 24/7) | woodlawn.cemetery@santamonica.gov phone: (310) 458-8717 (on-call - 24/7) | woodlawn.cemetery@santamonica.gov

GREEN/NATURAL BURIAL in WOODLAWN’S ETERNAL MEADOW GREEN/NATURAL BURIAL in WOODLAWN’S ETERNAL MEADOW an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial

With traditional burial practices each With traditional burial practices each year, millions of pounds of concrete burial year, millions of pounds of concrete burial vaults, metal from caskets, and toxic vaults, metal from caskets, and toxic embalming fluid are placed in the ground embalming fluid are placed in the ground that are either imperishable or hazardous. that are either imperishable or hazardous.

In green/natural burial, only caskets In green/natural burial, only caskets made of decomposable materials such as made of decomposable materials such as wood or wicker with no lacquers or wood or wicker with no lacquers or metals, organic burial shrouds, and metals, organic burial shrouds, and biodegradable urns are used. There are biodegradable urns are used. There are no cement vaults encasing caskets and no toxic embalming fluid is used. Woodlawn’s green/natural no cement vaults encasing caskets and no toxic embalming fluid is used. Woodlawn’s green/natural burial section is Eternal Meadow. Consisting of native Southern California grasses and wildflowers, burial section is Eternal Meadow. Consisting of native Southern California grasses and wildflowers, Eternal Meadow also provides habitat for the region’s native birds and pollinator insects, like the Eternal Meadow also provides habitat for the region’s native birds and pollinator insects, like the endangered Monarch butterfly. Green burial nurtures the natural growth cycles of the meadow, endangered Monarch butterfly. Green burial nurtures the natural growth cycles of the meadow, fosters a greater union with nature, and is a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one. fosters a greater union with nature, and is a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one.

For more information, contact Woodlawn Cemetery’s office at (310) 458-8717.

For more information, contact Woodlawn Cemetery’s office at (310) 458-8717.

32 RELEVANT!

SUPPORT SERVICES

FOUR HABITS FOR A HEALTHY BRAIN

By Miriam Caiden, PhD

Although dementia typically occurs in older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. In fact, a major report summarizing 10 years of studies from around the world on dementia and memory loss found that up to 40% of cases could actually be prevented by making changes that included a healthy diet, regular exercise, and dealing with depression and social isolation.

So, while you might be wondering how this is going to help a loved one who already has dementia, you should know that the same recommendations in the report for helping to prevent dementia can also help to slow its progression. This is true for anyone who wants to start now to develop the habits that can help maintain a healthy brain throughout life.

2024-2025 33

SUPPORT SERVICES Habit #1: SOCIALIZE!

Social isolation has long been linked to cognitive decline. Socializing forces our brains to focus and to process information quickly. It also provides important emotional and mental health support. Isolation, on the other hand, has long been associated with depression as well as worsening physical conditions (heart disease, diabetes) that can affect our brains. So, go ahead and call a friend for a coffee date! Or become a member of our Diner at WISE for lunch!

Habit #2: EXERCISE!

Physical exercise has long been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress. But exercise also produces substances called neurotrophins that work to protect brain cells and help our brains form new connections. Aerobic exercise stimulates blood flow in the brain and is associated with helping to retain memory and reduce the risk of strokes. More studies are also underway looking at the anti-inflammatory properties of exercise to prevent dementia or slow cognitive decline.

What kind of exercise is best? Pretty much any kind! So, take that early-morning walk, or join the Club at WISE for tai chi or Zumba, and enjoy the social benefits, too!

34 RELEVANT!

Habit #3: EAT WELL!

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are well known. But new research is looking at a version called the MIND diet (Harvard School of Public Health, 2023). Basically, this involves eating lots of leafy greens, whole grains, lean poultry, and fish, plenty of legumes, drinking enough water, and avoiding ultra-processed, high saturated fat, and high sodium foods.

Habit #4: MANAGE YOUR STRESS (AND GET SOME SLEEP)!

Stress and sleep deprivation have a negative effect on attention, cognition, mood, and quality of life, according to researchers at the Harvard School of Medicine and the Columbia University School of Psychiatry. But stress is also a part of life, and “good stress” (planning for pleasant events) can enrich our lives. The secret is to manage it. One way to do this is to concentrate on things we can control, and work to make our lives more efficient.

Another is to take time out for relaxation, mindfulness, and recovery. Exercise and socializing can also help. For a good night’s sleep, it is helpful to schedule a fixed bedtime, reduce technology use for a period of time before going to bed, and try to maintain a dark, comfortable (not too hot, not too cool) environment. Avoiding stimulants before bedtime is also helpful.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Where to start?

For those who may already be doing some or many of these things, keep it up! For others this may require lots of changes. If it seems overwhelming to try all these things at once, then just pick one and start somewhere! If you slip into old habits... well, try again!

Buckle up for your next adventure. It might get scary at times, but it will be okay.

- Kelli S. Useful Resources | Further Reading

Brain’s Health:

Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care: 2020 Report of the Lancet Commission. Livingston, et al. Retrieved via NIH National Library of Medicine:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exercise-and-brainhealth/

h t t p s : // w w w . n c b i . n l m . n i h . g o v /p m c /a r t i c l e s / PMC7392084/

Harvard School of Public Health. (2023) Diet Review: The Mind Diet:

Diet:

Socializing:

https: //www.hsph.har vard.edu/nutritionsource/ Harvard School of Public Health. (2021). 3 Ways to Build healthy-weight/diet-reviews/mind-diet/ Brain-Boosting Social Connections: Stress and Sleep: Harvard School of Public Health. (2021) Protect Your https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/3-ways-to-build- Brain from Stress: brain-boosting-social-connections-202109082585 https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress Exercise: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). PhysColumbia School of Psychiatry. (2022). How Sleep Depriical Activity Boosts Brain Health: vation Impacts Mental Health: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/physih t t p s : // w w w . c o l u m b i a p s y c h i a t r y . o r g /n e w s / cal-activity-brain-health/index.html how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health#:~:text=Sleep%20helps%20maintain%20 Cleveland Clinic. (2022). How Exercise Protects Your cognitive%20skills,to%20perceive%20the%20world%20 accurately.

2024-2025 35

SUPPORT SERVICES VeteA Ben rans efit!

CUSTOM WORKOUTS FOR YOUR BRAIN Our enrichment program provides a supportive setting that promotes brain health through engaging activities that stimulate the mind, body and soul.

Individuals in the early stage of memory loss benefit from the latest research to maximize cognitive ability and lessen the impact of stress and depression.

For more information and to schedule a complementary sample day, call (310) 394-9871.

1527 4th Street, 2nd Floor | Santa Monica, CA 90401 wiseandhealthyaging.org/adult-day 36 RELEVANT!

SUPPORT SERVICES

WHAT ON EARTH IS CARE MANAGEMENT?

by Anat Louis, PsyD

No matter where you fall in the 50+ age range, every person ages differently and has different needs. And, while there is no cookie cutter approach to addressing those needs, everyone deserves a healthy living environment, the opportunity for social connections, and a balanced active lifestyle to live their best life.

HOW CARE MANAGEMENT CAN HELP

Social workers for older adults are often referred to as Care Coordinators or Case Managers. They are contacted when a person needs some level of help to remain as independent as possible to stay living in their home as long as possible. The care manager’s role is to assist with coordinating their client’s care and connecting them to available and appropriate services. This can be via an in-person home visit, office visit, or over the telephone. Depending on the circumstance, and with the client’s permission, the care manager may also engage with the family, and/or other professionals to ensure that their client is receiving the right care and services.

2024-2025 37

SUPPORT SERVICES

CARE MANAGEMENT (CON’T)

Because each person’s needs vary depending on their living situation, finances, medical, and support systems, care manager’s determine which program or organization can best help and connect their client accordingly. Some clients’ needs may be more complex and require “wrap around” services that involve multiple agencies providing support. Typically, the higher the person’s care needs are, the more resources and support systems will be needed.

To determine the type of care a client needs, the Care Manager meets with the client, usually in their home, to learn more about their background, find out what they are looking for and to complete an assessment of their ability to care for themselves and live independently. An assessment is just a structured conversation to learn about the client’s needs and preferences. For example, does the client need help with bathing, dressing, grooming, shopping, cooking, and/ or maintaining their finances?

Care Managers can also connect clients with complex medical and/or mental health needs to long-term support services (LTSS). Because long-term care services are often offered through state and county programs, clients often need the help of a care manager to navigate the process and help translate the information they receive.

38 RELEVANT!

VICTORIA M: At 78-years old, Victoria M was at risk of losing her apartment when her work as an aesthetician came to a standstill during the pandemic. Fearing eviction, and unaware that she could apply for unemployment benefits, Victoria took out two separate loans to pay her rent.

Once lockdown restrictions had lifted, Victoria faced some health challenges that prevented her from working as much as she had before the pandemic. That’s when Victoria reached out to WISE and with our care manager’s help, got a housing voucher and was connected to services that helped address her financial situation. Now, Victoria can pay her rent, and is working to pay off her loans.

SUPPORT SERVICES WHERE TO FIND A CARE MANAGER

Care managers can be found in the following settings: hospitals, hospice care, community-based organizations (such as a senior center), and health clinics. In hospitals, social workers are more clinically based, licensed and/or have a nursing background.

Social workers/care managers from community-based organizations usually have limitations due to funding sources and are short term and provide service for up to six months or less. Private social workers, which the client pays for their time and services, have less limitations since the client drives what they want to pay for.

SERVICES A CARE MANAGER COORDINATES • Accessing government assistance (if qualified) • Nutrition services • Transportation services • Housing resources • Disability & mental health resources • Referring and connecting to other organizations • And much more CARE MANAGEMENT IS A GREAT SERVICE TO HELP OLDER ADULTS STAY LIVING AT HOME FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS SERVICES TO STAY IN THEIR HOME, PLEASE CONTACT:

310-394-9871 Laugh more often when things go wrong.

Learn why it went wrong and fix that if you can.

- John C.

2024-2025 39

SUPPORT SERVICES

We Take Care of You Like Family The Right Choice for Your Loved One . . .

Daily socializing with peers A safe, enjoyable environment Trained, caring staff Customized activities English & Spanish

The Right Choice for You . . .

Peace of mind The break/respite you need Caregiver support groups Open Monday-Friday Some scholarship days

Call for a complimentary “sample” day (310) 394-9871

1527 4th Street, 2nd Floor • Santa Monica, CA 90401 wiseandhealthyaging.org/adult-day

40 RELEVANT!

SUPPORT SERVICES

2024-2025 41

HOUSING RELATED AFFORDABLE HOUSING

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department www.lahd.lacity.org Affordable Housing Roster and Resources

Beverly Hills Rent Stabilization Division (310) 285-1031

Santa Monica Rent Control 1685 Main St., Room 202 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8751 www.santamonica.gov

Community Corp. of Santa Monica 1423 Second St., Ste. B Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-8487

EMERGENCY HOUSING Culver City Homeless Info Line (310) 253-6767

Los Angeles County Information Services 211 www.211la.org Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority - Year Round Shelter Program (800) 548-6047 or 211 www.lahsa.org

HOME MODIFICATIONS AND REPAIRS City of Los Angeles Housing Department - Handyworker Program (213) 808-8803 (866) 557-7368 (Toll-free) Free minor home repairs and safety devices.

42 RELEVANT!

Culver City Rent Control (310 253-5790 www.culvercity.org Federal Housing Assistance (FHA) Resource Center (800) 225-5342 www.hud.gov Housing Rights Center (800) 477-5977 www.housingrightscenter.org Tenant and landlord counseling, fair housing education, and complaint investigation.

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles 1550 W. 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 (800) 399-4529 Santa Monica Office: 1640 5th St., Ste. 124 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 899-6200 www.lafla.org Los Angeles County Housing Resource Center (877) 428-8844 www.housing.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles Housing Department 1200 W. 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 (866) 557-7368 www.housing.lacity.org Malibu - Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Commission (310) 456-2489, Ext. 232 www.malibucity.org Santa Monica Rent Control Board 1685 Main St., Room 202 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8751 www.smgov.net/RentControl Santa Monica Renter’s Rights Tenant Helpline (310) 394-0848 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 300 N. Los Angeles St., Ste. 4054 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 894-8000 (213) 894-8133 (TTY) (Toll- Free, Public Housing) (800) 955-2232 www.hud.gov

HOUSING AUTHORITIES City of Beverly Hills - Community Development Department 455 N. Rexford Dr. 1st Floor Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 285-1141 City of Malibu - Planning Department 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 456-2489, ext. 485

HOUSING RELATED City of Santa Monica Housing Division 1901 Main Street, Suite B Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 458-8702 Housing Authority/Section 8 (310) 458-8740 www.santamonicagov/housing

SENIOR LIVING The British Home 647 Manzanita Ave. Sierra Madre, CA 91024 (626) 355-7240 rosario@britishhome-ca.us

Culver City Housing Division (310) 253-5780 www.culvercity.org/services/homeless-human-services/housing-services Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (626) 262-4510 (Section 8 Program) (626) 262-4511 (Public Housing Program) www.hacola.org Los Angeles City Housing Authority 2600 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90057 (833) 422-5248 (213) 252-5313 (TDD) www.hacla.org

Welbrook Senior Living - Santa Monica 1450 17th St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (424) 282-3002 www.welbrookmemorycare.com Welbrook Memory Care in Santa Monica is a luxurious boutique, state of the art community dedicated to caring for those with dementia at all stages.

Westmont of Culver City 11141 Washington Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 736-4118 www.westmontofculvercity.com Westmont Living’s newest luxury community is under construction and projected to open in the Spring of 2024! Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care.

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority 811 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 225-6581 www.lahsa.org

REFERRAL SERVICES Find and compare Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes on www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare California Registry (800) 777-7575 www.calregistry.com ElderCare Locator (800) 677-1116 www.eldercare.acl.gov

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE BEFORE YOU NEED IT

By Rachel Tate, MSW

When it comes to looking at options for care in a nursing home or residential facility, the task can be daunting. Often, this isn’t even a consideration by most of us until we or our loved one has a medical emergency and decisions about care need to be made quickly.

Planning and understanding the types of care that are available in advance can make a stressful situation much easier to handle.

For most individuals considering a facility, whether short or long term, there are two main types: skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.

Understanding the difference in levels of care can be the first step to ensuring a good fit for placement.

44 RELEVANT!

HOUSING RELATED

SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES A skilled nursing facility (SNF) provides 24-hour skilled nursing and other rehabilitative services which can include, but is not limited to, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Individuals are admitted under the care of an assigned physician and the facility is required to develop an individualized plan of care with the resident (or their representative), the physician, and facility staff. The care plan should include elements necessary to help the individual attain or maintain their highest feasible level of functioning. This includes plans for recreation and social activities!

WHAT DOES A NURSING HOME COST? Medicare only covers a skilled nursing facility stay for a very limited time. Most skilled nursing facilities accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, private pay, and other insurances. It is important to understand what types of payment the facility accepts prior to admission. The cost of skilled nursing care can be high. And, even if you or your loved one do not qualify for Medi-Cal at time of admission, choosing a facility that accepts Medi-Cal could prevent having to move again at a later time.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES Assisted living or board and care facilities are licensed as residential care facilities for the elderly in California. They can range from small six bed private homes to large multistory high-rises. These facilities provide care and supervision in a non medical environment. Ideally, these facilities are best suited for individuals who cannot live on their own, but do not require 24-hour nursing care. Importantly, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living and most individuals pay privately or through long-term care insurance. Some buildings accept SSI payments for those who qualify. While the type of care and payment are important, it’s important not to lose sight of how you or your loved one will feel living in this type of facility. One that is close to home could allow for more frequent visits from family and friends. A personal visit to the location is critical. Request a tour of the facility and make sure to be on the lookout for activities, interactions between residents and staff, and the suitability of the overall environment. Consider if the location seems comfortable, homelike, and safe. Does the facility offer things that are important to you or your loved one?

WHILE THESE ARE COMPLEX DECISIONS, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THE WISE & HEALTHY AGING LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM WEBSITE PROVIDES INFORMATION AND A FACILITY LOCATOR TO HELP MAKE SEARCHING FOR FACILITIES EASIER. PLEASE VISIT: WWW.WISEOMBUDSMAN.ORG OMBUDSMAN REPRESENTATIVES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION AT: 800-334-WISE (9473).

2024-2025 45

NURSING HOME CHECKLIST The following are markers of good care.

GENERAL INFORMATION Medicare certified?

Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in CA) certified?

Offers the needed level of care (skilled, custod al, etc.) or special services (dementia, ventilator, rehabilitation)?

LIVING SPACES The nursing home is free from overwhelming, unpleasant odors.

The nursing home appears clean and well kept.

The temperature in the nursing home is comfortable.

Bed available?

The nursing home has good lighting.

Located close enough for friends and family to visit?

Noise levels in the dining room and other common areas are comfortable.

Is the nursing home listed on The National Nursing Home Watch List? Check the stateby-state list at nursinghomeabuseadvocate. com/watchlist/

Smoking is not allowed or is restricted to certain areas of the nursing home.

Furnishings are sturdy, yet comfortable and attractive.

Check the violation STAFF status of any California The relationship between nursing home at calthe staff and the residents longtermcarecompare. appears to be warm, poorg or cdph.ca.gov lite and respectful.

APPEARANCE OF RESIDENTS Residents are clean, appropriately dressed for the season or time of day.

Residents are well groomed.

46 RELEVANT!

All staff wear nametags.

Staff knocks on the door before entering a resident’s room and refers to residents by name.

The nursing home offers a training and continuing education program for all staff.

The nursing home does background checks on all staff.

The guide on your tour knows the residents by names and is recognized by them.

There is a full-time registered nurse (RN) in the nursing home at all times other than the administrator or director of nursing (required for SNFs with 100+ beds).

Staff appear to be assisting residents.

Certified nursing assistants (CNA) work with a reasonable number of residents.

CNAs are involved in care planning meetings.

There is a full-time social worker on staff.

The nursing home’s management team has worked together for at least one year.

Are staff open to your questions?

HOUSING RELATED RESIDENTS’ ROOMS Residents may have personal belongings and/or furniture in their rooms.

Each resident has storage space (closet and drawers) in his or her room.

Residents have access to a telephone and television.

MENUS AND FOOD Residents have a choice of food items at each meal. (Ask about whether favorite foods are served.)

Nutritious snacks are available upon request.

Staff helps residents eat and drink at mealtimes, if help is needed.

How many residents to a room?

ACTIVITIES Water pitchers can be reached by residents.

There are policies and procedures to protect resident’s possessions.

HALLWAYS, STAIRS, LOUNGES & BATHROOMS Exits are clearly marked.

There are quiet areas where residents can visit with friends and family.

Residents, including those who are unable to leave their rooms, may choose to take part in a variety of activities.

The nursing home has outdoor areas for resident use and staff helps residents go outside.

Care plan meetings are held at times that are convenient for residents and family members to attend whenever possible.

The nursing home has corrected all deficiencies (failure to meet one or more federal or state requirements) on its last state inspection report.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Cost per month Insurance contribution Medicare contribution Medi-Cal contribution

The nursing home has an active volunteer program.

Check out the posted activities calendar.

The nursing home has SAFETY AND CARE smoke detectors and The nursing home has sprinklers. an emergency evacuaAll common areas, resition plan and holds regdents’ rooms, and doorular fire drills. ways are designed for Residents get preventive wheelchair use. care, like a yearly flu shot, There are handrails in to keep them healthy. the hallways and grab Residents may still see bars in the bathrooms. their personal doctors.

Make note of other things you observe on your visit!

Wise & Healthy Aging 310.394.9871 wiseombudsman.org

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HOUSING RELATED

48 RELEVANT!

FINANCIAL & LEGAL ENERGY / UTILITY ASSISTANCE City of Los Angeles - Utility Tax Exemption Unit P.O. Box 53233 Los Angeles, CA 90053 (844) 663-4411 City of Malibu’s Senior Citizen Utility Tax Exemption 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd. Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 456-2489, ext. 223 City of Santa Monica’s Billing Office - Utility Fee Waiver 1717 Fourth St., Room 150 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8224 Low-income customers may qualify for a waiver of the fixed bimonthly fee portion of the City’s water and sewer.

Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector (Utility User Tax Senior Citizen Exemption) 500 W. Temple St., Room 462 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 893-7984 www.ttc.lacounty.gov Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Low Income Discount Rate P.O. Box 515407, Room L63 Los Angeles, CA 90051 (800) 906-4651 (213) 989-3177 www.ladwp.com/lowincome

Southern California Edison CARE Program (discount electric rates) (800) 447-6620 www.sce.com/care Energy Assistance (free appliances and installation of energy-efficient appliances) (800) 205-8596 www.sce.com Medical Baseline Allowance (discounts on regular use of electronic life support equipment) (800) 655-4555 www.sce.com/medicalbaseline

FINANCIAL PLANNING To find a Financial Planner visit www.letsmakeaplan.org INCOME TAX COUNSELING California State Controller’s Office Property Tax Postponement (800) 952-5661 www.sco.ca.gov/public_services.html State of California Franchise Tax Board (800) 852-5711 www.ftb.ca.gov

SoCal Gas CARE Program (20% discount on monthly gas bill) (800) 427-2200 www.socalgas.com/assistance/care Energy Savings Assistance Program (no-cost energy-saving home improvements and repairs) (800) 331-7593 www.socalgas.com Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (utility bill assistance) (866) 675-6623 (916) 263-1402 (TDD/TTY) www.socalgas.com FIDUCIARY SERVICES RKO Fiduciary Services, LLC 149 S. Barrington Ave. No. 840 Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 453-4203 info@fidservices.com

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FINANCIAL & LEGAL INCOME TAX COUNSELING (continued)

Joslyn Senior Center El Segundo, CA 90245 (310) 524-2705

Wise & Healthy Aging - Tax-Aide Counseling (AARP) - Main Location 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 wiseandhealthyaging.org/ community-resources Open year round, also available during tax season at other sites.

Rogers Park Center Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 412-5504

Claude Pepper Senior Citizen Center Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 559-9677 Culver City Senior Center Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 253-6700 Felicia Mahood Multipurpose Center Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 479-4119

Always strive to find work that will provide enduring satisfaction and deep personal meaning.

That is infinitely more important than money and material success.

- Paul V.

50 RELEVANT!

Roxbury Park Community Center Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 285- 6840 Westchester Senior Citizen Center Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 649-3319 PUBLIC BENEFITS California Lifeline Program (866) 272-0357 Provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible households.

Medi-Cal Dental Program (800) 322-6384 www.denti-cal.ca.gov Dental Services are currently provided as one of the many benefits under the Medi-Cal program.

Department of Public Social Services 11110 W. Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 258-7400 www.dpss.lacounty.gov The following programs are offered at this location; CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Relief, Medi-Cal, and START. LIC BENEFITS Go Direct (877) 874-6347 www.godirect.org You are required by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to switch to electronic payments.

FINANCIAL & LEGAL National League of Cities (NLC) Prescription Drug Discount Card (800) 552-8159 www.caremark.com/nlc/ Discounts only available at participating pharmacies.

Federal Housing AdministrationHousing Counseling Agency Locator (800) 569-4287 LEGAL Bet Tzedek Legal Services 3250 Wilshire Blvd. 13th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90010 (323) 939-0506 www.bettzedek.org Culver City Senior Citizens Association - Free Legal Counseling (310) 253-6700 Disability Rights California (Free legal services for the disabled) (213) 213-8000 www.disabilityrightsca.org Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles 1550 W. 8th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 800-399-4529 Santa Monica Office: 1640 5th St., Ste. 124 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 899-6200 www.lafla.org Los Angeles County - Dispute Resolution Program 211 www.dcba.lacounty.gov The Los Angeles County Dispute Resolution Program provides LA County residents with an alternative to resolve disputes without having to engage with the formal judicial system.

Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder (800) 201-8999 www.lavote.gov The Recorder’s Office is responsible for recording legal documents that determine ownership of property, as well as maintaining files of birth, death, marriage and real estate records for Los Angeles County.

Public Counsel 610 S. Ardmore Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90005 (213) 385-2977 www.publiccounsel.org Public Counsel provides a wide variety of legal services to low-income individuals, nonprofits and small businesses.

State Division of Workers’ Compensation 320 W. 4th St., 9th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 576-7335 (800) 736-7401 (Information and Assistance Unit) www.dir.ca.gov/dwccommunityresources.

BAR ASSOCIATIONS Beverly Hills Bar Association 9420 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. B100 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 601-2422 www.bhba.org Culver Marina Bar Association 15303 Ventura Blvd., #900 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (310) 853-2907 Los Angeles County Bar Association 444 S. Flower St., Ste. 500 Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 627-2727 www.lacba.org

Santa Monica Bar Association 2461 Santa Monica Blvd., #529 Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 450-9289 (310) 581-5163 (Arbitration) www.smba.net CONSUMER PROTECTION California Department of Real Estate 320 W. 4th St., Ste. 350 Los Angeles, CA 90013 (877) 373-4542 www.dre.ca.gov Department of Consumer Affairs - California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) 6001 Bristol Parkway Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 410-0024 www.bar.ca.gov The BAR Field Office will answer general consumer questions and complaints and help identify locations of licensed Smog Check stations.

Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Business Affairs - Small Claims Advisors (800) 593-8222 www.dcba.lacounty.gov Free help for Small Claims Court litigants is available to individuals and businesses suing or being sued in a Los Angeles County Small Claims Court.

Medical Board of CaliforniaPhysician and Consumer Information Unit (800) 633-2322 www.mbc.ca.gov License Verification, General Licensing, Application and Complaint Information for health care consumers.

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FINANCIAL & LEGAL CRIMINAL/CIVIL LAW

ELDER ABUSE

LICENSING & COMPLAINTS

California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) (800) 777-9229 www.victims.ca.gov Helps pay bills and expenses that result from certain violent crimes.

Adult Protective Services (APS) Central Intake (213) 351-5401 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor

Attorney Complaint Hotline (The State Bar of California) (800) 843-9053 www.calbar.ca.gov

Los Angeles City Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program 251 E. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014 (213) 215-5048 www.helplacrimevictims.org Law Office of Los Angeles County Public Defender (213) 974-2811 (800) 801-5551 (TDD) www.pubdef.lacounty.gov Santa Monica City AttorneyConsumer Protection Division 1685 Main St., Room 310 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8336 (310) 458-8696 (TDD) www.smconsumer.org

Don’t stay in a job you don’t like or that doesn’t appreciate you. Actually, the same goes for relationships.

- Linda L.

52 RELEVANT!

Santa Monica, CA 90401 (800) 334-9473, Ext.160 www.wiseombudsman.org Department of Mental Health-Public Guardian 320 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 974-0515 www.dmh.lacounty.gov The Public Guardian provides the legal process of conservatorship to persons unable to properly care for themselves or who are unable to manage their finances.

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE SMART LAW - Information Line (866) SMARTLAW www.smartlaw.org Lawyer Referral Service The State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service 845 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 765-1000 www.calbar.ca.gov

State of California - Civil Rights Department 320 W. 4th St., 10th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90013 (800) 884-1684 (800) 700-2320 (TTY) www.civilrights.ca.gov The Department of Fair Employment and Housing protects Californians from employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination, and hate crimes.

Consumer Reporting Industry Opt-In or Opt-Out request (888) 567-8688 www.OptOutPrescreen.com Opt out of firm offers of credit or insurance.

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) 1828 Sawtelle Blvd.

West Los Angeles, CA 90025 311 www.ladbs.org File a complaint regarding code violations.

Los Angeles Housing Department Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) 1200 W. 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017 (866) 557-7368 www.lahd.lacity.org The Rent Stabilization Ordinance protects tenants from excessive rent increases.

FINANCIAL & LEGAL U.S. Postal Inspection Service (877) 876-2455 www.uspis.gov Report mail-related crime Utilities Fraud Hotline (California Public Utilities Commission) (800) 649-7570 www.cpuc.ca.gov File a complaint about your phone, water, or electric company.

To keep from feeling pressure and anxiety about ‘making the right choice’, try approaching decisions and choices as learning opportunities.

NOTARY PUBLIC

TENANT ASSISTANCE

California Secretary of StateLos Angeles Office 300 S. Spring St., Room 12513 Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 897-5310 www.sos.ca.gov

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles 1102 S. Crenshaw Los Angeles, CA 90019 800-399-4529 www.lafla.org

PROBATE Probate Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court 111 N. Hill St., Room 429 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 974-5471 www.lacourt.org/probate

Santa Monica Office: 1640 5th St., Ste. 124 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 899-6200 Santa Monica Rent Control Board 1685 Main St., Room 202 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8751 www.smgov.net/RentControl

- Cesca B.

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FINANCIAL & LEGAL

54 RELEVANT!

FINANCIAL & LEGAL

HOW TO OUTSMART A SCAMMER

by Miles McNeeley, LCSW

Since early in the week, Jane had been feeling distracted by sad news involving a close friend. Adding to her stress, she got a call that her brother was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

asked to confirm “remote access.” In her haste to get the issue resolved, she followed their instructions without thinking about the possibility that she had just given scammers access to her smart phone.

As Jane made travel plans to go see her brother, she was looking for a confirmation email from the airline when she saw a message that her bank account had been frozen. The email had her bank’s official logo and looked professional. Frazzled, she called the phone number on the email and got connected to customer service. She was told that the fraud on her account was committed via online banking, and that they needed to access her account to resolve the issue. She was instructed to download an application on her smartphone and to hit “yes” when

Emails like the one Jane got are one of thousands sent out by scammers each day pretending to be a trusted business while intending to catch people off guard.

Just like Jane, victims of scams commonly report that they were feeling emotionally distressed or overwhelmed at the time they received the scammer’s initial email.

Although fraud tactics are constantly evolving, the following is a list of some of the most common scams and tips on how to avoid them.

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FINANCIAL & LEGAL LOTTERY AND SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS: You receive a letter or an email message that claims you’ve won a foreign lottery or online sweepstakes. The letter may appear to be from a government agency, a bank, a well-known national company, or a company you have never heard of. Regardless, to claim your winnings, they want a check or wire transfer from you to cover taxes, fees, shipping costs, or insurance. While an offer to play a foreign lottery can be tempting, it’s also illegal. If a sweepstakes run by an American company is legitimate, you won’t have to pay to enter or to win. That’s the law. No federal government agency runs or supervises a lottery.

ROMANCE FRAUD : Not everyone using online dating sites is looking for love. Scammers create fake online profiles using photos of other people — even stolen pictures of real military personnel. They profess their love quickly. And they tug at your heartstrings with made-up stories about how they need money — for emergencies, hospital bills, or travel. Why all the tricks? They’re looking to steal your money. Scammers may also reach out through email, Facebook, and on dating websites. An online love interest who asks for money is a scam artist. Remember, these scammers do not want to get to know you, they want to get to know your bank account.

IDENTIFY THEFT: Someone gets your personal information and runs up bills in your name. They might use your Social Security or Medicare number, your credit card, or your medical insurance – along with your good name. How would you know? You could get bills for things you didn’t buy or services you didn’t get. Your bank account might have withdrawals you didn’t make.

You should check your bank account regularly to ensure there is no suspicious activity and your credit report to ensure that no unauthorized accounts are in your name.

GRANDPARENT SCAM/IMPOSTER SCAM : You get a call or an email. It might say you’ve won a prize. It might seem to come from a government official or from someone you know – your grandchild, a relative or a friend. Typically, it’s from someone claiming to be your grandchild and that they are in jail in a foreign country. Whoever it comes from, the request is the same: wire money to help someone you care about. No government agency will ever ask you to send money through a bank wire or cryptocurrency. Hang up or delete the email immediately.

RED FLAGS OF SCAMMERS (NATIONAL FRAUD INFORMATION CENTER): - A promise that you can win money, make money, or borrow money easily.

- A demand that you act immediately or else miss out on this great opportunity.

- An attempt to scare you into buying something.

- Insistence that you wire money, buy gift cards, make a payment or transaction using cryptocurrency or Bitcoin, or have a courier pick up your payment.

56 RELEVANT!

IRS & OTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITY SCAMS: The IRS continues to warn the public to be alert for telephone scams. These callers claim to be with the IRS. The scammers often demand money to pay taxes. Some may try to con you, saying that you’re due a refund. The refund is fake to lure you into giving them your banking or other private financial information. These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They may even know a lot about you.

They may alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. They use fake names and bogus IRS badge numbers. If you don’t answer, they often leave an “urgent” callback request.

Delete it. These scams ramp up during tax time. Remember, the IRS does not cold call citizens.

FINANCIAL & LEGAL Follow your first instinct, because it’s usually right!

- Danielle B.

HOW CAN I AVOID BEING SCAMMED? - Check your bank statements and check your credit report. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

- Protect your information. Where would they find your credit card or Social Security number?

- Protect your personal information by shredding documents before you throw them out, by giving your Social Security number only when you must, and by using strong passwords online.

- If you do answer the phone and the person is selling something, hang up.

- Don’t wire money to cover travel, medical emergencies, hotel bills, hospital bills, visas, losses from a temporary financial setback. In fact, it’s a good idea to never wire money period, unless you know the person and you know for certain that they are in trouble.

- Don’t access credit card or bank accounts online using free public WiFi these are generally not secure.

- Don’t send money to tide someone over after a mugging or robbery, and don’t do anyone a favor by making an online purchase or forwarding a package to another country.

- Don’t answer the phone if you don’t recognize the number. If it’s someone who needs to talk to you for a legitimate reason, they will leave a message.

- Social media: If you are on sites like Facebook, make sure that your privacy settings don’t allow strangers to view your information.

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ELDER JUSTICE

Created by Wise & Healthy Aging and funded in part by the City and County of Los Angeles Area Agencies on Aging.

1

Recognizing the Signs…

PHYSICAL ABUSE

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

• Unexplained signs of injury like bruises, welts, scars, broken bones or sprains

• Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior that you witness

• Over or under medication

• Someone isolates an elder; refusing to allow access to visitors, mail, phone, etc.

• Broken eyeglasses • Signs of being restrained, like rope marks on wrists.

• Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the person alone.

• Drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly.

• Physical or chemical restraints for caregiver’s convenience

• Uncharacteristic behavior such as withdrawal or changes in alertness SEXUAL ABUSE • Bruises around breasts or genitals • Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases or unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding • Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing NEGLECT BY CAREGIVERS OR SELF-NEGLECT • Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration • Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores • Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding • Poor hygiene, lack of clean or appropriate clothing • Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, fire hazards) • Desertion of the elder at a public place

2

FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION • Significant or unauthorized withdrawals from the elder’s accounts • Sudden changes in the elder’s financial condition • Items or cash missing from the household • Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies • Addition of names to the elder’s signature card at the bank • Unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has money to pay for them • Financial activity the elder couldn’t have done, (ATM withdrawals by a bedridden account holder) • Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions • Unusual change in spending habits SCAMS • Constant phone calls from various phone numbers • Elder/adult suddenly wiring money • Large accumulation of lottery mail • Elder/adult secretive about a relationship with someone they have not met in person

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How to

Report Abuse or Neglect • Dial 911 to report elder abuse or neglect to the Police NOW if the abuse is immediate and life-threatening.

• Elder Abuse Hotline Call (877) 477-3646 to report allegations of abuse when you are unsure of where to call.

• Adult Protective Services, County of Los Angeles Call (888) 202-4248 if you suspect elder abuse in the community.

Call (213) 351-5401 if you are outside of Los Angeles County.

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman at Wise & Healthy Aging Call (800) 334-9473 if you suspect abuse occurring at a skilled nursing, assisted living, or board and care facility. wiseombudsman.org Statewide Ombudsman after-hours crisis line (800) 231-4024.

• National Elder Fraud Hotline Assistance with reporting at federal, state and local levels and referrals to fraud resources (833) 721-8311.

60 RELEVANT!

3

RESOURCES GENERAL INFORMATION • City of Los Angeles Department of Aging aging.lacity.org (213) 482-7252

• County of Los Angeles Aging & Disabilities Department Information & Assistance ad.lacounty.gov (800) 510-2020

• Los Angeles County Information and Referral: 211la.org or Dial 211 • City of Los Angeles Information & Referral lacity.gov/myla311 (213) 473-3231

LEGAL ASSISTANCE • Bet Tzedek Legal Services www.bettzedek.org (323) 939-0506

• California State Attorney General ag.ca.gov (800) 952-5225

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles lafla.org (800) 399-4529

• Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office Elder Abuse Hotline (877) 477-3646

• Los Angeles County Bar Assoc. Lawyer Referral & Information Smart Law smartlaw.org (213) 243-1525 • Los Angeles County District Attorney Elder Abuse Section (213) 257-2290

• Los Angeles County Public Administrator/ Public Guardian (213) 974-0515

• CANHR State Bar Certified Lawyer Referral Service (800) 474-1116 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE • National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 • Domestic Violence Hotline Southern California (800) 978-3600 Callers may receive help in 13 languages

• VINE – Victim Information and Notification Everyday (A service by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to notify you when the status of an inmate changes.)

(877) 846-3452 4

MENTAL WELLNESS • County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Older Adult Services ACCESS Center (Help regarding hoarding and other mental health issues) (800) 854-7771 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255 or Dial 988

• 24-Hour Friendship Line (For those who are lonely and need to talk) (800) 971-0016 • LA Found help for when a loved one goes missing due to a wandering from dementia lafound.lacounty.gov (883) 569-7651

• Wise & Healthy Aging Elder Abuse Support Groups wiseandhealthyaging.org (310) 394-9871

• Los Angeles County District Attorney Victim Assistance (800) 380-3811or (626) 927-2500 da.lacounty.gov/victims MEDICARE OR MEDI-CAL FRAUD • California Attorney General Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (800) 722-0432 Online complaint form oag.ca.gov/dmfea • Center for Health Care Rights/California Health Advocates cahealthadvocates.org

• Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) Medicare and healthcare counseling (800) 434-0222

• Department of Health Services for Medi-Cal fraud (800) 822-6222 • U.S. Health & Human Services TIPS Hotline to report Medicare fraud (800) 447-8477 SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION • Fraud Hotline (800) 269-0271 SSA.gov CREDIT CARD FRAUD • If you are a victim of identity theft, or want to avoid becoming a victim, call these agencies to freeze new accounts being opened in your name.

Also, for disputes regarding your credit record.

• Experian.com (888) 397-3742 • Equifax.com (800) 525-6285

• TransUnion.com (800) 680-7289

• Free Annual Credit Report annualcreditreport.com (877) 322-8228 MAIL FRAUD • U.S. Postal Inspection Service Report Mail Fraud uspis.gov (877) 876-2455

• Opt-out from unsolicited mail, pre-approved credit card and insurance offers (888) 567-8688

• Direct Marketing Association Inc. Remove name from mailing and emailing list dmachoice.org TELEPHONE FRAUD • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Telemarketing fraud and identity theft (877) 382-4357 Do Not Call Registry Stop telemarketers from calling you. donotcall.gov (888) 382-1222 INTERNET CRIME/SPAM • Internet Crime Complaint Center Make a complaint online.

IC3.gov BROKER/INVESTMENT FRAUD • Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF) dfpi.ca.gov (866) 275-2677 • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) BrokerCheck Check the background of a broker or brokerage. brokercheck.finra.org (800) 289-9999 CONSUMER ISSUES • California Department of Consumer Affairs Check licenses for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals dca.ca.gov (800) 952-5210

• California Department of Insurance Insurance concerns insurance.ca.gov (800) 927-4357

• California Department of Real Estate Real estate concerns dre.ca.gov (213) 620-2072

• California Public Utilities Commission Utility complaints cpuc.ca.gov (800) 649-7570

• Contractors State License Board Concerns regarding licensed and unlicensed contractors cslb.ca.gov (800) 321-2752 • Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs Landlord/tenant issues, housing discrimination, consumer complaints dcba.lacounty.gov (800) 593-8222

Protecting yourself Do:

DoN’T:

• Stay active with your local senior center. It can be a valuable source of information.

• Plan for your care as you age. Identify reliable people who can provide assistance if needed.

• Review your finances regularly. Be extremely cautious when selecting “trustworthy” individuals to help manage your affairs when needed.

• Participate in community activities. Volunteering is a great way to have contact with others and make friends.

• Use the resources in this guide to get support.

• Don’t put off preparing your future physical and financial needs.

• Don’t accept personal care from anyone in exchange for property or assets without a lawyer or trusted advocate to witness the transaction.

• Don’t allow others to keep details of your finances from you.

• Don’t give out personal or financial information to people you don’t know, especially over the phone.

• Don’t sign legal documents that you do not understand.

1527 4th Street • Santa Monica, CA 90401 wiseandhealthyaging.org • (310) 394-9871 Wise & Healthy Aging is a nonprofit, social services organization recognized for its wide range of innovative support services designed to meet the needs of a diverse clientele within Los Angeles and San Bernadino counties.

COPYRIGHT © 2024 WISE & HEALTHY AGING

INSURANCE California Department of Insurance 300 S. Spring St., South Tower Los Angeles, CA 90013 (800) 927-4357 (Help) (800) 967-9331 (Licensing Hotline) www.insurance.ca.gov Employee’s Health Insurance Services Inc. P.O. Box 27 Del Mar, CA 92014 (858) 481-8990 www.ehisinc.com MEDICARE AND MEDI-CAL Center for Healthcare Rights 520 S. Lafayette Park Pl., Ste. 214 Los Angeles, CA 90057 (213) 383-4519 (800) 824-0780 www.healthcarerights.org Covered California (800) 300-1506 www.coveredca.com Determine eligibility and apply online for Medi-Cal. Employee’s Health Insurance Services, Inc. P.O. Box 27 Del Mar, CA 92014 (858) 481-8990 ehisinc@sbcglobal.net Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) (at Culver City Senior Center) 4095 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6700

64 RELEVANT!

Medi-Cal (800) 541-5555 www.benefitscal.com Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Care Options (800) 430-4263 Office of the Ombudsman (888) 452-8609 www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov Medicare (800) 633-4227 (877) 486-2048 (TTY) www.medicare.gov Medicare Counseling (HICAP) at Wise & Healthy Aging 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ community-resources Report Medicare Fraud (800) 633-4227 www.medicare.gov SCAN Health Plan 3800 Kilroy Airport Way, Ste. 100 Long Beach, CA 90806 (310) 780-2304 www.scanhealthplan.com

Stay focused on your goals and aspirations and don’t let mistakes get the best of you.

-Steve E.

SOCIAL SECURITY & SSI Social Security Administration 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. 300 Los Angeles, CA 90064 (800) 772-1213 (800) 325-0778 (TTY) www.ssa.gov Social Security Fraud Hotline (800) 269-0271 (866) 501-2101 (TTY) www.oig.ssa.gov/report/ STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE State Disability Insurance Program 888 South Figueroa St., Ste. 200 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (800) 480-3287 www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/ Americans with Disabilities Act Information Line (800) 514-0301 (833) 610-1264 (TTY) www.ada.gov UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program (800) 300-5616 (Customer Service) (800) 815-9387 (TTY) www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/

INSURANCE

Make Medicare Work For You Get help to make sense of it all

HICAP, the State’s registered Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program provides unbiased information, counseling and assistance on Medicare and related health care coverage including: Original Medicare Parts A & B Medicare Prevention Services Medicare Part D Drug Benefit Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO Medicare Supplement Insurance Long-Term Care Medi-Cal & Medicare Savings Dual Eligibility: Medicare + Medi-Cal

Meet with our HICAP Volunteer Counselor:

Steve Miller

Tuesdays | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Call to schedule a nocost appointment: (310) 394-9871

A WISE Collaboration with wiseandhealthyaging.org 1527 4th Street, 2nd Floor | Santa Monica, CA 90401

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL Animal Control (Beverly Hills) (310) 285-7387 Animal Services (Culver City) (310) 837-1221 City of Los Angeles - Department of Animal Services 221 N. Figueroa St., Ste. 600 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (888) 452-7381 www.laanimalservices.com Department of Animal Care and Control (County of Los Angeles) (818) 991-0071 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Santa Monica Police Department - Animal Control Unit (310) 458-8595 DISABILITY SERVICES Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Line (800) 514-0301 (833) 610-1264 (TTY) www.ada.gov California State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Westchester Branch: 5120 Goldleaf Circle Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 298-2529 (562) 584-8265

66 RELEVANT!

City of Culver City Disability Services (310) 253-6716 www.culvercity.org Disability Community Resource Center 12901 Venice Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 390-3611 www.dcrc.co Disability Rights California 350 S. Bixel St., Ste. 290 Los Angeles CA 90017 (213) 213-8000 (866) 833-6712 (Toll-free) (877) 669-6023 (TTY) www.disabilityrightsca.org Network of Care for Behavioral Health losangeles.networkofcare.org Online information portal for people concerned with behavioral health.

Westside Regional Center 5901 Green Valley Circle, Ste. 320 Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 258-4000 www.westsiderc.org

EMERGENCY SERVICES A Complete List of Non-Emergency Contacts by City (right) Los Angeles County Specific Needs Disaster Registry snap.lacounty.gov Register online to enhance the efficiency of first-responder agencies to assist you or a loved one with disabilities in an emergency.

Los Angeles Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team (213) 893-9840 www.cert-la.com The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training.

Malibu City - non-life threatening Emergency & Traffic Hotline (310) 456-9982 SMAlerts (310) 458-2263 www.santamonica.gov SMAlerts allows the City of Santa Monica to provide you with critical information in an emergency situation.

Stop taking yourself and the world so seriously. Learn to laugh and roll with life easier.

- Nikki D. WISE & Healthy Aging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. To distribute the Guide free of cost, we sell advertising space. While we appreciate the paid listings in the Guide, their inclusion does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of products or services by WISE & Healthy Aging. Always be a vigilant consumer. Verify information and seek references where appropriate.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES EMPLOYMENT California State Employment Development Department (800) 300-5616 www.edd.ca.gov Senior Community Service Employment Program (877) 872-5627 www.dol.gov America’s Job Center of California (888) 226-6300 www.211la.org

Step Up delivers compassionate support to people experiencing mental health conditions to help them recover, stabilize, and integrate into the community.

The Giving Spirit 11693 San Vicente Blvd., #113 Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 943-6460 www.thegivingspirit.org

Assistance for the HOMELESS

The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps 1533 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 451-1358 www.santamonica.salvationarmy.org

Chrysalis 1853 Lincoln Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 401-9400 www.changelives.org

Upward Bound House 1104 Washington Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 458-7779 www.upwardboundhouse.org

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority 811 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 683-3333

Venice Community Housing 200 Lincoln Blvd.

Venice, CA 90291 (310) 399-4100 www.vchcorp.org

The People Concern 2116 Arlington Ave., Ste. 100 Los Angeles, CA 90018 (310) 264-6646 www.thepeopleconcern.org

HOT LINES

St. Joseph Center 204 Hampton Dr. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 396-6468 www.stjosephctr.org Step Up on Second 1328 Second St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-6889 www.stepup.org

Alzheimer’s Association Helpline (800) 272-3900 California Poison Control System (800) 222-1222 www.calposion.org City of Los Angeles Sanitation Customer Care Center (800) 773-2489 Domestic Violence Safety Plan Hotline (800) 799-7233 Elder Abuse Hotline (833) 401-0832

Environmental Protection Hotline (Malibu) (310) 456-2489 ext. 3 Identity Theft Resource Center (888) 400-5530 www.idtheftcenter.org Los Angeles County Information Services 211 www.lacounty.gov National Cancer InstituteInformation Service (800) 422-6237 www.cancer.gov National Institute on Aging (800) 222-2225 www.nia.nih.gov Santa Monica Police Department- Graffiti Removal (310) 458-2231 Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 LIBRARIES Beverly Hills Public Library 444 N. Rexford Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 288-2222 www.beverlyhills.org Donald Bruce Kaufman - Brentwood 11820 San Vicente Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 575-8273 www.lapl.org Julian Dixon Library 4975 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 559-1676 www.lacountylibrary.org

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Life happens whether you are enjoying it or not, so focus on enjoying everything you can.

- Jean A.

Lloyd Taber - Marina del Rey Library 4533 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 821-3415 www.lacountylibrary.org

Palisades Branch Library 861 Alma Real Dr. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (310) 459-2754 www.lapl.org

West Los Angeles Regional Library 11360 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 575-8323 www.lapl.org

Malibu Library 23519 W. Civic Center Way Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 456-6438 www.lacountylibrary.org

Palms - Rancho Park Library 2920 Overland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 840-2142 www.lapl.org

Westchester - Loyola Village Library 7114 W. Manchester Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 348-1096 www.lapl.org

Mar Vista Library 12006 Venice Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 390-3454 www.lapl.org

Robertson Branch Library 1719 S. Robertson Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 840-2147 www.lapl.org

Westwood Library 1246 Glendon Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 474-1739 www.lapl.org

National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (888) 657-7323

Venice - Abbot Kinney Memorial Library 501 S. Venice Blvd.

Venice, CA 90291 (310) 821-1769 www.lapl.org

Santa Monica Public Library, Main 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8600 www.smpl.org

68 RELEVANT!

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Fairview Branch Library 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.

(310) 458-8600 Montana Branch Library 1704 Montana Ave. (310) 458-8682

Metro Reduced Fare Office - Senior Transit Access Pass (TAP) Card (213) 680-0054 www.metro.net Beverly Hills Dial-A-Ride Shuttle (310) 275- 2791

Ocean Park Branch Library 2601 Main St. (310) 458-8683

Beverly Hills Taxi Coupon Program (310) 981-9318 www.beverlyhills.org

Pico Branch Library 2201 Pico Blvd.

(310) 458-8684

City of Beverly Hills Transportation Planning 455 North Rexford Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 285-1128 transportation@beverlyhills.org

MUSIC THERAPY Music Mends Minds 2355 Westwood Blvd. #514 Los Angeles, CA 90064 (818) 326-0500 www.musicmendsminds.org PARKING ENFORCEMENT Enforcement Services (Culver City) (310) 253-5940 Parking Enforcement (Beverly Hills) (310) 550-4875 Parking Enforcement (Malibu) (800) 553-4412 Parking Enforcement (Santa Monica) (310) 458-8466 TRANSPORTATION Access Services (213) 270-6110 (800) 883-1295 Reservation Line www.accessla.org Access Services Inc. is a county-wide agency that provides shared ride, curb-to-curb transportation to serve the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the Los Angeles County.

City of Culver City Transportation Department 4343 Duquesne Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6500 www.culvercity.org Culver City - Dial-A-Ride Program (310) 253-6716 (310) 253-6580 (Schedule a Ride) Culver City Bus 4343 Duquesne Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6510 (310) 253-6500 Culver City Taxi Coupon Program 4095 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6716 Culver City Mobility & Traffic Engineering - Parking Permit Program 9770 Culver Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90232 (844) 357-4995

NON-EMERGENCY FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS

BY CITY Call 9-1-1 when there is a lifethreatening emergency that requires the immediate response of emergency services such as police, fire or paramedic.

 BEVERLY HILLS  Fire Department (310) 281-2700 Police Department (310) 550-4951

 CULVER CITY  Fire Department (310) 253-5925 Police Department (310) 837-1221

 MALIBU  Fire Department (310) 317-1802 Sheriff Department (310) 456-6652

 SANTA MONICA  Fire Department (310) 458-8652 Police Department (310) 458-8491

 WEST LOS ANGELES  Fire Department (310) 575-8569 Police Department (310) 444-0701

2024-2025 69

COMMUNITY RESOURCES Department of Motor Vehicles Culver City Office 11400 Washington Blvd.

Culver City, CA 90066 (800) 777-0133 www.dmv.ca.gov

Senior Beach Parking Permit 1444 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 www.parking@santamonica.gov

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (866) 237-0275 www.vaforvets.va.gov

VETERANS’ SERVICES

City of Los Angeles - Department of Transportation 100 S. Main St., 10th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 972-8470 www.ladot.lacity.org

Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877) 424-3838

West Los Angeles Vet Center 5730 Uplander Way, Ste. 100 Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 641-0326

LADOT Transit Services Cityride Program P.O. Box 866003 Los Angeles, CA 90086 (310) 808-7433 www.ladottransit.com/cityride The program offers participants reduced costs for individuals age 65 or older and qualified persons with disabilities in the City of Los Angeles and select areas of Los Angeles County.

Santa Monica Department of Transportation 1685 Main St. Room 115 Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 458-8291 www.santamonica.gov Department of Motor Vehicles Santa Monica Office 2235 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (800) 777-0133 www.dmv.ca.gov Santa Monica Bus Lines (Big Blue Bus) 1444 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 451-5444 www.bigbluebus.com

Department of Veterans Affairs (877) 222-8387 (Debt Management Center) (800) 827-0648 (Caregiver Support Line) (855) 260-3274 Los Angeles National Cemetery 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 268-4675 www.cem.va.gov Los Angeles Regional Benefits Office 11000 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90024 (800) 827-1000 www.benefits.va.gov/losangeles New Directions for Veterans 11303 Wilshire Blvd., Bldg. 116 Los Angeles, CA 90073 (310) 914-4045 www.ndvets.org VA Caregiver Support Line (855) 260-3274 VA Insurance Center (800) 669-8477 Veterans Administration (800) 827-1000 www.va.gov Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255

VIDEO SERVICES Living, Loving Legacies: Life Story Videos 310-804-4503 Los Angeles, CA www.livinglovinglegacies.com pearl.nancy@gmail.com VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES City of Beverly Hills Volunteering (310) 285-2258 volunteers@beverlyhills.org Meals on Wheels West 1823 A Michigan Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 394-5133 www.mealsonwheelswest.org Wise & Healthy Aging Volunteer Services 1527 4th St., 2nd Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871, ext. 552 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/ volunteer

Don’t spend time thinking about past failures or disappointments.

Continue pursuing your dreams.

- Danielle A.

70 RELEVANT!

LET’S EAT FOOD PROGRAMS Claude Pepper Senior Citizen Center 1762 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90035 (310) 559-9677 Culver City Senior Nutrition Program 4095 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 253-6726 (Home delivered meals program) (323) 937-5843 Culver Palms Meals on Wheels 4427 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 (310) 559-0666 www.mealsonwheelsculverpalms.org

Felicia Mahood Lunch Program 11338 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 479-4119

Roxbury Park Community Center 471 S. Roxbury Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (310) 285-6840

Meals on Wheels West 1823 A Michigan Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 394-5133 www.mealsonwheelswest.org

Venice Japanese Community Center 12448 Braddock Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 822-8885 www.vjcc.com

Oakwood Recreation Center 767 California Ave. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 452-7479

Westchester Senior Citizen Center 8740 Lincoln Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 649-3319

Penmar Recreation Center 1341 Lake St. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 396-8735

Westside Food Bank 1710 22nd St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 828-6016 www.wsfb.org

Senior Lunch Program (A program of Wise & Healthy Aging) 1527 4th St., 1st Floor Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-9871 www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/wisediner-program The Wise & Healthy Aging Diner Program offers healthy lunches served in welcoming group settings throughout the City of Santa Monica to older adults 60 and older.

Diner/ Senior Lunch Program (A program of Wise & Healthy Aging) Christine Emerson Reed Park 1133 7th St. Santa Monica, CA 90403 (310) 394-9871

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LET’S EAT

WESTSIDE FARMERS MARKETS Beverly Hills Farmers Market 9300 Civic Center Drive (between Third St. and Santa Monica) Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm (310) 285-6830 Brentwood Farmers Market 741 Gretna Greenway Brentwood, CA 90049 Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm Century City Farmers Market 10100 Santa Monica Blvd.

Century City, CA 90067 Thursdays, 10 am to 2 pm Culver City Farmers Market Main Street (between Culver Blvd and Venice Blvd) Culver City, CA 90232 Tuesdays, 2 pm to 7 pm (424) 287-2280 La Cienega Farmers Market 1835 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90035 Thursdays, 2 pm to 7 pm (424) 287-2280 www.lacienegafarmersmkt.com Malibu Farmers Market 23555 Civic Center Way Malibu, CA 90265 Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm (310) 428-4262 www.malibufarmersmarket.net Mar Vista Farmers Market Grand View at Venice Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066 Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm (310) 861-1444 www.marvistafarmersmarket.org

72 RELEVANT!

Marina Del Rey Farmers Market Via Marina at Panay Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm Motor Avenue Farmers Market Corner of Motor Ave and National Blvd.

Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm (310) 202-9002 www.motoravenuemarket.com The Original Farmers Market Third Street & Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Monday - Friday, 9 am to 9 pm Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm (323) 933-9211 www.farmersmarketla.com Pacific Palisades Farmers Market 1035 Swarthmore Ave. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Sundays, 8 am to 2 pm Playa Vista Farmers Market 12775 Millenium Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90094 Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm www.runwayplayavista.com Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Market 155-199 Arizona Ave. (between 4th & 2nd) Santa Monica, CA 90401 Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm (310) 458-8712 www.farmersmarket.smgov.net Santa Monica Main St. Farmers Market 2460 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 Saturdays, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm (310) 458-8712 www.farmersmarket.smgov.net

Santa Monica/Pico Farmers Market 2233 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405 Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm (310) 458-8712 www.farmersmarket.smgov.net Venice Farmers Market 500 Venice Blvd.

(Venice Blvd. & Venice Way) Venice, CA 90291 Fridays, 7 am to 11 am (310) 399-6690 www.venicefarmersmarket.com West Los Angeles Farmers Market 11338 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025 Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm (818) 300-3023 www.westlafarmersmarket.com Westchester Farmers Market 6200 W. 87th St. Los Angeles, CA 90045 Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm www.westchesterfarmersmkt.com Westwood Village Farmers Market 1083 Broxton Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024 Thursdays, 12 noon to 6 pm Marina Del Rey Farmers Market Via Marina at Panay Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm Motor Avenue Farmers Market Corner of Motor Ave and National Blvd.

Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm (310) 202-9002 www.motoravenuemarket.com

LET’S EAT The Original Farmers Market Third Street & Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 Monday - Friday, 9 am to 9 pm Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm (323) 933-9211 www.farmersmarketla.com

Santa Monica Downtown Farmers Market 155-199 Arizona Ave. (between 4th & 2nd) Santa Monica, CA 90401 Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm (310) 458-8712 www.farmersmarket.smgov.net

Pacific Palisades Farmers Market 1035 Swarthmore Ave. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Sundays, 8 am to 2 pm

Santa Monica Main St. Farmers Market 2460 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90404 Saturdays, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm (310) 458-8712 www.farmersmarket.smgov.net

Playa Vista Farmers Market 12775 Millenium Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90094 Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm www.runwayplayavista.com

Santa Monica/Pico Farmers Market 2233 Pico Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90405 Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm (310) 458-8712 www.farmersmarket.smgov.net

Venice Farmers Market 500 Venice Blvd.

(Venice Blvd. & Venice Way) Venice, CA 90291 Fridays, 7 am to 11 am (310) 399-6690 www.venicefarmersmarket.com West Los Angeles Farmers Market 11338 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025 Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm (818) 300-3023 www.westlafarmersmarket.com Westchester Farmers Market 6200 W. 87th St. Los Angeles, CA 90045 Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm www.westchesterfarmersmkt.com Westwood Village Farmers Market 1083 Broxton Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024 Thursdays, 12 noon to 6 pm

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FARMERS MARKET OFFICE

(818) 591-8161

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LET’S EAT

DINER

We understand the importance of good nutrition for health and well-being.

The Diner invites ages 60+ for a hot, nutritiously balanced lunch and to connect with others on weekdays. Santa Monica residents free of charge, membership required.

Two Santa Monica Locations: Ken Edwards Center @ 1527 4th St. and Reed Park @ 1133 7th St. Sign Up Today. Call 310-394-9871 wiseandhealthyaging.org

74 RELEVANT!

LET’S EAT

Offering a Wide Range of Services for the 50+

Adult Day Center Adventures (Travel) Caregiver Support Care Management The Club

Diner Elder Abuse Prevention Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Peer Counseling

CONTACT US: (310) 394-9871 wiseandhealthyaging.org 1527 4th Street | Santa Monica, CA | 90401 2024-2025 75

RELEVA NT W E S T S I D E

G U I D E

F O R

T H E

5 0 +

Wise & Healthy Aging is a non-profit organization that advances the dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy, and high-quality, innovative services.