4170 Department of Aging
Program Descriptions

10 - NUTRITION

The Nutrition Program provides nutritionally-balanced meals, nutrition education, and nutrition counseling to individuals 60 years of age or older. In addition to promoting better health through improved nutrition, the program focuses on reducing the isolation of the elderly and providing a link to other social and supportive services such as transportation, information and assistance, employment, and education.

20 - SENIOR COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SERVICE

The federal Senior Community Service Employment Program, Title V of the Older Americans Act, provides part-time subsidized training and employment in community service agencies for low-income persons 55 years of age and older. The program also promotes transition to unsubsidized employment.

30 - SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AND CENTERS

This program provides supportive services including information and assistance, legal and transportation services, senior centers, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and elder abuse prevention programs, and in-home services for frail older Californians as authorized by Titles III and VII of the Older Americans Act. The services provided are designed to assist older individuals to live as independently as possible and access the programs and services available to them.

40 - SPECIAL PROJECTS

This program includes the community-based Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP provides personalized counseling, community education, and outreach events for Medicare beneficiaries. HICAP is the primary local source for accurate and objective information and assistance with Medicare benefits, prescription drug plans, and health plans.

45 - CDA MEDI-CAL PROGRAMS

This program includes oversight of the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) and Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CBAS is a community-based day health program that provides services to adults aged 18 or over with chronic medical, cognitive, or mental health conditions and/or disabilities that are at risk of needing institutional care. CDA certifies CBAS centers for participation in the Medi-Cal Program. Under a 1915(c) Medicaid home and community-based services waiver, MSSP provides health and social care management to prevent premature and unnecessary long-term care institutionalization of frail adults aged 65 or older who otherwise would be placed in a nursing facility.