Almaden Resident
News
New center provides one-stop shopping for seniors
By Monica Heger
The Almaden area just became the site of the largest one-stop resource center for seniors in San Jose. The Office on Aging relocated Oct. 26 to the former Almaden Winery and offers legal advice and information on transportation, health, housing, nutrition and employment. The intent of the program, operated by the San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services department, is to hook up seniors with community resources that promote independent living. Seniors can access information over the help line or in person.
Jerry Clodius, the president of the Almaden Senior Advisory Council, is glad to see the center re-open in Almaden.
The elderly population is increasing, and centers like this one are invaluable, he said.
A report put together by five local county agencies found Santa Clara County has the highest number of senior citizens of any Bay Area county. From 1990 to 2010, the report projected, the number of senior citizens in the Bay Area will increase by 93 percent, from 242,000 to 467,000.
Since the opening of the Almaden senior center and library, the membership of the Almaden Senior Advisory Council has grown to 1,100, Clodius added.
"We are only serving a fraction of the seniors out there," Clodius said. "Seniors need help. They want help. They just don't know where to turn. Here is a place where everything is available. Not just the specific thing they want, but lots of other information."
Some of the information available at the center includes listings of senior housing in and around San Jose, information on adult education programs and safety information.
"I don't know of [any other] center like this in San Jose," said Tina Fong-Erling, a gerontology supervisor with the Office on Aging. "The population is definitely aging. We have a spectrum of different people that need this type of service--seniors, young adults taking care of their parents, seniors taking care of a grandchild or disabled child."
Wong-Erling said down the road she hopes to add workshops, bringing in guest speakers to talk about Medicare, Alzheimer's, housing and other topics important to seniors. The center will also have a computer lab, and Wong-Erling hopes to be able to recruit and train volunteers to help staff the center.
She emphasizes that the resource center is not just for those ages 50 and older. The center is open to all San Jose residents. Professionals specializing in senior care as well those who run senior apartment complexes will also find the center useful, she said.
Senior Cappy Brazeau said the center will be a great place particularly for those who do not know what resources are available to them. She said frequently seniors reach retirement age and do not know what else is out there. She said she would be using the center find out more about safety and information in case of a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
"It's certainly a nice awareness," Brazeau said.
The Office on Aging Older Adult Services is at 5730 Chambertin Drive on the park grounds at the Old Almaden Winery. For information, call 408.979.7915. The aging services helpline is 408.979.7911.
