City: Santa Barbara, CA

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (800) 510-2020 (regional toll-

Address: 528 S. Broadway

Description: The Older Americans Act (1965) and its subsequent amendments in 1973 gave birth to Area Agencies on Aging, a network of federal, state, and local agencies, all working together to help seniors maintain independence and dignity in the environments they choose. At the local level, the Area Agency on Aging works in tandem with other public and private agencies to provide senior citizens with a wide range of services. The Area Agency on Aging for the Santa Barbara region is the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens. The organization, which is based in Santa Maria, provides information over the phone and through its website and publishes the Senior Resource Directory. Its programs include home-­delivered meals, senior lunches, in-­home support services, respite for caregivers, information and referral, transportation services, legal assistance, senior day care services, senior citizen centers, home repair, and peer counseling. Senior Connection is a special service of the Area Agency on Aging. The staff can give you information, refer you to appropriate programs and services, and help you with just about any question you have relating to senior citizens.