Video: New IHSS Rules

This 30-minute video explains changes to the IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) program that may impact recipients and providers regarding overtime and travel time pay, and presents general information on the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements and how they will be applied in California. Most recipients and providers will not be impacted at all, as overtime and travel time does not apply in their individual situation. The real impact applies to providers who work more than 40 hours each work week, providers who work for multiple recipients, or providers who travel directly from one recipient’s home to another on the same day.

You'll also find this and many other helpful videos about IHSS on the state's IHSS Recipient/Consumer Education Videos page: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/PG3154.htm.

Posted on behalf of Brad Parks, Adult & Children Services Division Chief, 
Santa Barbara County Dept. of Social Services

Valentine's Day Outing

On February 13, seniors and their caregivers can join in a free outing to the Santa Ynez Valley aboard the Clean Air Express. Celebrate Valentine's and Senior Appreciation Day with this stress-free luxury coach ride to Solvang, where you can enjoy Danish pastries, fine dining, wine tasting and sightseeing!

There is a limit of 40 seats available, so register at https://smartride.org/s/seniorappreciation. The first 15 people to sign up will receive a $15 restaurant certificate to use for the day! For questions, call Traffic Solutions at 805-895-6589. 

And remember, the Clean Air Express offers service between the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara every Saturday. For schedule information go to CleanAirExpress.com.

Posted on behalf of Alice Villarreal Redit, Resident Services Supervisor,
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara

Festival of Hearts

The Festival of Hearts benefit luncheon on February 13 features art, wine, and a live auction with the glamor of old Hollywood. Proceeds benefit the HEART Program, subsidizing the cost of adult day services for low-income aging and dependent adults at the Friendship Center. 

The Festival of Hearts takes place Saturday, February 13, 2016, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Reagan Room at the Fess Parker Hotel, 633 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara.

Let's celebrate the 17th year of the Festival and the 40th year of services at the Center!

Tickets are $100 per person, available at www.friendshipcentersb.org. For more information, call (805) 969-0859. Please feel free to distribute this printable flyer. 

Posted on behalf of Heidi Holly, Executive Director, Friendship Center

 

CCLTS State Budget Call

You are invited to join our call-in discussion of the proposed 2016-17 state budget on January 15. 

Click here for an agenda (the call-in number and PIN are shown at the top of the page).

For further information, you may contact Jack Hailey, Government Action and Communication Institute (GACI), at (916) 966-6643 or jack@gacinstitute.org.

Collaborative Web page: http://www.ccltss.org 

Posted on behalf of the California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports

Grant Writing Workshop

A 2-day grant writing workshop comes to UCSB February 18-19, offering proven strategies to identify funding sources and develop winning proposals. Students will receive CEUs, a certificate of completion, and materials to take home. See the full course description here. Sponsored by the Institute for Strategic Funding Development, the workshop costs $499 including a $50 early-bird registration discount. Registration can be accomplished online or by phone at (877) 414-8991.

Posted on behalf of Deborah Holmes, LCSW, Chief Program Officer, CALM

Scam Stopper Event in Spanish

A Senior Scam Stopper event in Spanish is coming to Santa Barbara on February 4. Click here for a flyer.

Thanks to Senator Jackson and the City of Santa Barbara for bringing us this terrific event! We are very happy that our Spanish-speaking older adults will now have the opportunity to learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous individuals.

What: Senior Scam Stopper Seminar in Spanish
When: Thursday, February 4^th, 2016 // 6:30pm-8:00pm
Where: Franklin Neighborhood Center (Multipurpose Room), 1136 E. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Posted on behalf of Cheri Jasinski, Office of Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson

ABLE Act Helps Savers

The Able Act lets Americans with disabilities set aside money for disability-related expenses without being penalized by losing health or other public benefits. You can read or listen to the story here.

Posted on behalf of Erin Weber, District Rep., 3rd District County Supervisor Doreen Farr

CarFit Training & Clinic

CarFit improves safety by helping older drivers adjust the "fit" of their cars. CarFit events for drivers and staff are being offered by the Automobile Club this February.

Driver Opportunity

Attend the FREE CarFit Clinic February 27 in Santa Barbara. Click here for a flyer. CarFit Clinic participants go through a one-on-one check highlighting:

How well they “fit” their personal vehicle.

Modifications to improve their “fit”.

Information on local community resources. 

Staff Opportunity

Attend the FREE 2-day CarFit Coordinator Training February 26-27 in Santa Barbara. Click here for a flyer. Trained professionals will teach you and/or your staff how to lead a driver through the 20-minute CarFit 12-point checklist. You will learn to recommend adjustments to make their vehicle “fit” better and enhance their safety. This is a Train-the-Trainer program, which will provide you with skills, resources and assistance on:

Training other technicians to support your CarFit clinic.

Marketing templates to advertise your CarFit clinic.

Obtaining materials to  host your CarFit clinic.

Hosting a CarFit clinic benefits your organization by providing additional resources and programs you can offer in your community.

Posted on behalf of Barbara Finch, Children & Adult Network Director, Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services

VOCA Grant RFP

New funding opportunities to support victims of elder/dependent adult abuse are available from the California Office of Emergency Services. Here are links to the Victims of Crime Act Elder Abuse grant proposal request (2016-17 Elder Abuse Program (XE) RFP), the request for proposals for underserved populations (2015-16 Unserved/Underserved Victim Advocacy and Outreach (UV) Program and Unserved/Underserved Victim Advocacy and Outreach (XV) Program RFP) and for proposals to serve victims with disabilities (2015-16 Victims With Disabilities (XU) Program RFP).  These are the grants we have been waiting for as they are targeted towards our populations.

http://www.caloes.ca.gove/cal-oes-divisions/grants-management/search-for-grants. 

Posted on behalf of Brad Parks, Division Chief for Adult Services, 
Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services

Sleep Quality and Alzheimer's

There's growing evidence that a lack of deep sleep can leave the brain vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. Read or listen to the story here.

Posted on behalf of Donna Beal, Vice President of Program Services and Advocacy, Alzheimer's Association California Central Chapter