Finding Local Help and Resources Related to Aging

One of the most common frustrations I hear voiced by baby boomer children of aging parents and from elders themselves in Marin is about how confusing it is to try and find answers and information on resources.

I about a wonderful, new online senior housing resource we have here in Marin called Lucille’s List. 

This week I am listing more local, aging-related, helpful web sites, print publications and telephone help lines provided by North Bay agencies and our county government.

• 457-INFO. This is the Division of Aging and Adult Services help line which is staffed on weekdays. You can call and ask questions about anything related to aging in Marin and they will either have answers immediately or find answers and get back to you.
• Choices for Living 2012. This annual publication is another resource produced by Marin’s Division of Aging and Adult Services. In addition to information on specific kinds of housing available for seniors in Marin, there are helpful articles on topics such as how to evaluate a residential care home, evaluating skilled nursing facilities, and information on local housing assistance agencies.
• Whistlestop Directory of Services for Older Adults in Marin County 2012. Every two years, Whistlestop updates their directory listing information about all kinds of services including care managers, counseling services, seniors’ clubs, volunteer opportunities, support groups, financial services, recreation and more.
• The Whistlestop Express. This newsletter is packed full of useful information, entertaining articles and local flavor.  Download your copy from their website, pick up a copy in the last Friday issue of the Pacific Sun each month, or call them to sign up for a subscription to be mailed to your home. 
• Whistlestop also has an Information and Referral “Help Desk” at 415-456-9062 staffed by volunteers who will work to help you find answers and resources.
• Born to Age 2012. This is an annual directory that contains very useful articles on a variety of aging-related topics and listings for most of the resources available to seniors throughout Marin and Sonoma.
• Marin Network of Care: Seniors and People with Disabilities. This searchable database is another service provided by the Marin County Division of Aging and Adult Services. Its easy to use format allows readers to search for information on everything from legal services, safety and in-home services to employment, education, end of life and counseling assistance and more.

In addition to these fine resources, I believe there is a need in Marin for an interactive, vibrant online community information and resource exchange web site where grassroots citizens can exchange tips, ideas and personal testimonials about how they are navigating the terrain of growing older in Marin. Perhaps one will emerge in the future.