Help for senior citizens on the Central Coast abounds

We wish to thank the Women’s Legacy Fund for its report, “What Do Women Need? Issues Impacting Women in San Luis Obispo County in 2015.”

Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo is proud to have contributed data to the report and to help shine a light on some of the realities faced by women in our area.

Pages 26 and 27 of the report discuss issues many older women face with loss of independence and lack of affordable care alternatives. It is often a shock for women and their loved ones to discover the high cost of care facilities and in-home care. With few affordable options, many women choose to remain at home without adequate help, living in fear and in danger of serious and avoidable health consequences such as broken bones from falls, malnutrition and depression.

Fortunately there are some simple things we can all do to help. There are many wonderful agencies that provide meals, home repair services, transportation and more. Those agencies always have a need for volunteers. Find more information about senior services at the Area Agency on Aging by calling 800-510-2020.

When help at home is no longer an option, the Ombudsman program provides placement information to help choose a care facility. After placement, the program provides advocacy, complaint investigation/resolution and education on residents’ rights.

All Ombudsman services are provided at no charge.

Long Term Care Ombudsman Services of San Luis Obispo County can be reached at 785-0132 or Ombudsmanslo.org.

This story was originally published December 20, 2015 at 4:47 PM with the headline "Help for senior citizens on the Central Coast abounds."