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Monthly Newsletter
October News
2023
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WISE Partners with Santa Monica Fire Department to Help Reduce Over-Utilization of 911 Calls |
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Last year, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) and WISE piloted a program where a WISE Care Manager helped to coordinate care and services for older adults who frequently called the Fire Department for help with non-urgent, complex needs.
Given the success of this pilot, we are excited to announce that the SMFD has contracted with WISE to continue the collaboration! This program co-locates a WISE Care Manager at an SMFD station to assist clients referred by SMFD and when necessary, to respond with SMFD Emergency Medical Services to help get the person connected to the right resources and services, thereby avoiding an overdependence on 911, SMFD and local Emergency Departments.
“This new collaboration with the SMFD and WISE Care Management bridges a gap between first responders and social services to improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of the most vulnerable older adults in our community,” said Anat Louis, Vice President, Care Management at WISE.
The program provides the opportunity to better assist in connecting this population of older adults to the services they need, like medical care, mental health services, safe and accessible housing, and/or other social supports. These clients are at risk of self-neglect, malnutrition, cognitive decline, injury, medication mismanagement, hoarding, and fall risks that can all lead to housing insecurity, especially when they have a health condition that requires short-term care outside their home. In addition, the program helps to keep paramedics, firefighters, and emergency room resources available for higher levels of emergency calls.
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WISE San Bernardino Ombudsman Program
Educates Inland Empire Communities During
Senior Advocacy Week
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During the 7th Annual Senior Advocacy Week (September 25th – 29th), Tabatha Sabastian, Director of WISE Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services in San Bernardino County and our ombudsman team were invited to join Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus for the 50th District, to educate the community on what ombudsman do to advocate for the rights of residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities. (Pictured left: Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assembly Majority Leader and Mary Visor, Advocate)
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During the 7th Annual Senior Advocacy Week (September 25th – 29th), Tabatha Sabastian, Director of WISE Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services in San Bernardino County and our ombudsman team were invited to join Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assembly Majority Leader Emeritus for the 50th District, to educate the community on what ombudsman do to advocate for the rights of residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities. (Pictured left: Mary Visor, Advocate, and Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assembly Majority Leader)
Senior Advocacy Week began in 2017 by Assembly Member Reyes as a week-long series of events throughout the Inland Empire to listen to the issues impacting older adults and, together with community partners, provide information and resources that would help to address their concerns.
Our WISE San Bernardino County Ombudsman team of Advocates (Karena Dial, Cherie Fowler, Wayland Moyer, Jeanette Sanders and Mary Visor) each gave presentations at various Inland Empire locations to explain their role as advocates for resident’s rights in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Their presentations also educated attendees on how they monitor these facilities and how ombudsman staff address, investigate and work to resolve residents’ complaints. Miles McNeeley, Vice President of our WISE Elder Abuse Prevention program, was also on-hand to address the issue of fraud and how older adults can avoid becoming victims of scams.
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Each member of our WISE Ombudsman team received a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly that was signed by Assembly Member Reyes for their dedication and commitment to serving the needs and protecting the interests of the senior community. |
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‘The Club’ Helps Adults Aged 50+
Keep Active and Engaged!
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When it comes to getting connected and finding community, The Club (formerly Club WISE) at Wise & Healthy Aging offers adults aged 50+ the opportunity to keep their bodies and minds healthy and to give back through various volunteer opportunities at WISE.
“The Club is designed to promote the mental and physical health of seniors to help them remain active,” says Nikki Davis, Vice President of Program Administration. “Social programs, activities and classes all help to prevent loneliness and isolation."
Serving as the “Senior Center” at WISE, The Club gives members the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and to take part in fitness classes, book clubs, arts and crafts, lectures and discussion groups, local, domestic and international trips, and also provides hot lunches through its Diner program. (Recent day-trippers enjoying their time at SoFi Stadium, pictured above.)
If you or your family member is looking to stay active and get connected, you can check out our classes and program schedule and get more information on The Club by clicking on the button below.
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From Collecting to Decluttering Workshop
Starts January 2024
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The Peer Counseling Program at WISE will start it's popular "From Collecting to Decluttering" Workshop this coming January to help older adults gain control of their "stuff".
An orientation will take place on Jan.10th, from 1:30 - 3pm. The in-person 15-week workshop will begin on Wednesday, January 17 and take place each Wednesday, thereafter from 1:30 to 3pm, through April 24.
For More information and/or to sign up, call:
(310) 394-9871, ext. 289.
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Newport Beach’s Balboa Island & Fashion Island, December 7th |
Join us on December 7th for a day at Newport Beach with The Club! We'll explore Balboa Island, enjoy shopping on Fashion Island, and take an optional whale watching tour! |
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Wise & Healthy Aging, a non-profit, community-based social service organization, advances the dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy and high-quality, innovative services. |
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