Aging and Disability Resource Center

We are a one-stop information system designed to connect seniors and people with disabilities to the health & human resources in and out of our local area. We want to help you find the services you need to live a healthy, independent life.

Our Mission & Programs

The Del Norte InfoCenter is dedicated to inform and refer all residents to the appropriate services needed to achieve healthy, independent lifestyles. Our Center Located in Crescent City, the northern most rural ocean-side town just south of the Oregon border includes Senior Information & Assistance, Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and a Caregiver Registry for seniors and people with disabilities.

DEMOGRAPHICS

• According to the California Department of Finance 2005 Projections 5,147 persons age 60+ reside in Del Norte County, representing 17.9% of the County's population. This percentage is higher than the state average.
  
  Age distribution of these seniors is:
  Under 60: 23,561
  Over 60: 5,147
  60 - 69 years: 2,465
  70 - 79 years: 1,644
  80 - 89 years: 848
  90 - 100 years: 190
  
  Geographic distribution of the senior population is:
  77% Crescent City census division
  4.5% Klamath census division
  18.5% Smith River census division
  
  
• Population growth for the over 60 age group is expected to increase 26% by 2010, and by 69.3% in 2020 (based on 2000 Census estimates), resulting in a senior population of 7,642 in Del Norte County.
• Almost 7% of the over 65 population has income at or below poverty level; 158 persons received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) "aged" benefits during September 2006. California's SSI average payment for "aged" recipients is $513/month.
• The need for personal assistance with daily activities increases with age, calling for the development and expansion of community based services. These activities include: going outside the home, preparing meals, using the phone, light housekeeping, and keeping track of money or paying bills
• Nearly 2000 people over age 65 in Del Norte County have a disability (including functional impairments: sensory, physical, mental, self care, and going outside of home).
• 11% of the 65+ population have some level of cognitive impairment and an estimated 4% of the same population has severe dementia. On average one out of every two people over the age of 85 have some form of dementia.
• 905 people over age 60 act as caregiver for another senior.
• Almost 2% of the senior population is residing in an institution.
• Eighty Del Norte County elders have primary responsibility for their grandchildren.
• Nearly 14% percent of Del Norte County's senior populations are non-white. The two largest ethnic groups represented are Native American at 5% and Hispanic at 4.4%.

In response to the growing senior & disabled population, the Area 1 Agency on Aging (A1AA) applied for and received a Federal Aging & Disability Resource Grant in order to streamline access to local long term care services. With these funds and the support of the California Department of Aging, the A1AA has increased hours of operation and cross-trained existing staff to assist additional clients with the challenges of the Medicare Modernization Act. We have partnered with the Del Norte Health Care District and the local Health Clinic to establish a Wellness Center (slated to open in April, 2007) which will bring together primary medical services and social services under the same roof. During the planning stages, local physicians expressed frustration with the current "silo" approach and felt strongly that residents would benefit from the marriage of these entities. With the co-location of these programs, clients will have the opportunity to receive both medical and social service assistance in a single visit, thus reducing the need for multiple appointments.

It has long been a frustration of local providers that referrals to needed support systems seldom result in actual access to services due to lack of client follow-up, transportation, struggles with child and eldercare and the need to enter multiple systems. It is hoped that this co-location will further the goal of streamlining access. The Del Norte Wellness Center site is accessible by local transportation and is centrally located near the local hospital, physician groups and the Del Norte Senior Center. The Wellness Center project allows for ease of expansion and it is expected that other social and medical programs will follow in the very near future.

Contact Marianne Nix for more program information - 707-442-3763