Supportive Services for Seniors

This month’s meeting of the Santa Cruz County Parkinson’s Support Group will feature two presentations from local organizations which support Senior Citizens. Not all the work these organizations do is just for Seniors; we hope you will come and hear what Tara Ireland from the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, and Steve Matzie, from Senior Network Services have to say!

Tara Ireland is the Senior Programs Coordinator at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. (http://www.scvolunteernow.org/)
Last year, through her coordination efforts with Helping Hands, safety-related home repairs were provided at 236 homes in Santa Cruz County.
People with Parkinson's are at high risk of falling. Serious falls can lead to numerous injuries, including head injuries, broken hips, and other bone fractures. Complications from these injuries may require hospitalization or long-term rehabilitation. In some cases, falls can lead to death. It may be time for you to make some changes at your home. Learn how to get help by attending this month’s meeting.
Other Senior programs at the Volunteer Center include: File of Life - Emergency information when you need it most; Senior Tech Day - a way to get your technology questions answered; Transportation Program - offering free rides for seniors in need.
Steve Matzie will speak about Senior Network Services, (http://www.seniornetworkservices.org) which include: Health Insurance counseling and advocacy, Home Help Services, a Respite Care Registry, Assistance with Senior Housing, and Money management, among others.

Other Useful Websites:
California Parkinson's Support Network: http://www.calpd.info/
This website provides Parkinson's patients in California and their families and caregivers with a directory of key Parkinson's organizations from around the world and resources within California that offer information, care, and support for the Parkinson's community.
The Michael J Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org
The Michael J Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson's Research is dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for Parkinson's disease within this decade. Not only does the MJFF offer comprehensive information on PD through webinars and web links, it also provides services to assist volunteers all across the country to participate in important research.
The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation:
http://www.pdf.org
PDF is a national nonprofit dedicated to Parkinson's disease research, education and advocacy. PDF is working for the at least one million people in the US who live with Parkinson’s disease.