Inyo County California

The purpose of the ESAAA Advisory Council is  to be a principal advocate body on behalf of older individuals within a planning and service area, and shall provide advice and consultation on issues affecting the provision of services provided locally to older individuals.

Please follow the below link for more information, including meeting agenda and minutes.

Suggested Donations for Various Services

The Older American's Act allows us to offer clients the opportunity to donate to our program. Services provided through ESAAA are funded with state and federal dollars, but the demand for these services exceeds the amount of money we receive annually.  Funds donated by our clients increase our ability to serve seniors in our county.  We do realize that some people are in situations that make it difficult or impossible to donate to our program, and we will not deny service for this reason. The following is a short description of how much each service costs Inyo County, along with the suggested donation.  Costs include wages, travel, and administration, as well as the cost of food products for the meal program.

Senior Center and Home-Delivered Meals         

The cost of these services ranges between $8.25 to $8.75 per meal.

Recommended donation:   $5.00

Transit Passes                                                                                          

ESAAA receives a discounted fare rate as a result of bulk purchasing of 10-punch and monthly transit passes for people who cannot afford the regular price.

Recommended donation:   50%of Actual Cost

Assisted Transportation Services                         

Assisted transportation services vary in cost depending on the destination and duration of the trip. Clients will receive a statement that itemizes the actual cost.  For example, the cost to provide an assisted transportation service from Bishop to Reno is approximately $387.00.

Recommended donation:   50%of Actual Cost

When a senior is enrolled for services, ESAAA will send a monthly statement, which will itemize services received and specify the suggested donation for the month. This statement is NOT a bill, but only an itemized statement of services used so that the senior can determine what amount, if any, they wish to donate.  Donations can be forwarded by mail or can be given directly to a program employee.  

Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)

This service is provided to caregivers in both Inyo and Mono counties by Inyo County through the ESAAA program.  FCSP is available to unpaid caregivers of individuals over the age of 60 and to caregivers of individuals of any age who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related disorder with neurologic and organic brain dysfunction.  Services include caregiver assessments, support/counseling and respite. 

To learn more about these services call: 760-873-6364

CDA contracts with the network of Area Agencies on Aging, who directly manage a wide array of federal and state-funded services that help older adults to live as independently as possible in the community; promote healthy aging and community involvement; and assist family members in their vital care giving role.  The Area Agency on Aging in our region is ESAAA, which encompasses both Inyo and Mono counties.  ESAAA is governed by the Inyo County Board of Supervisors (BOS), who has designated the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer the ESAAA services.  HHS oversees a contract with the County of Mono through which Mono County employees serve Mono County seniors.  In Inyo County, HHS staff directly serve Inyo County seniors. 

What Services are Available 

Information and Assistance (I&A)

This service is provided to residents in both Inyo and Mono counties by Inyo County through the ESAAA program.  I&A provides individuals with information on services available within the communities; links individuals to the services and opportunities that are available; and to the extent possible, provides follow up to ensure that the individual is satisfied with the outcome of the referral.  This service is available to seniors and caregivers, who can remain anonymous and can refuse further follow-up.

Telephone Reassurance

This service is provided to residents in both Inyo and Mono counties by Inyo County through the ESAAA program.  Telephone reassurance is available to seniors who have been assessed to need regular contact and safety checks for the purpose of providing reassurance and support

Assisted Transportation and Transportation 

Transportation services are provided in both Inyo and Mono Counties through ESAAA by both counties.  Transportation services include the provision of bus passes to seniors in order to provide access to community resources.  In addition, individuals who have been assessed as needing assistance with transportation as a result of physical or cognitive difficulties are able to receive assisted transportation services. Assisted transportation is primarily used to access out of area medical care, however assistance with accessing local medical and other support services is also available.

To learn more about these services call: 760-873-6364

As COVID-19 and the seasonal flu continue to pose dangers to seniors’ health, we hope this resource will help seniors stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. 

This guide covers what is needed for home-proofing, best daily/weekly practices, how to disinfect packages and mail, step-by-step protocols for deep-cleaning, and safety advice from health experts.

Legal Assistance is provided to the region through a contract with a local agency and/or attorney’s office.  Services include legal advice, counseling and/or representation by an attorney or other person acting under the supervision of an attorney.

To be eligible for services through ESAAA, an individual must be 60 years of age or older, or, for services outlined under FCSP, an unpaid caregiver of a senior or of a person of any age as outlined above under FCSP.  The Older Americans Act requires that ESAAA target low income, isolated and underserved seniors.  Seniors are provided an opportunity to donate to ESAAA to help offset the cost of services, but this is a voluntary donation and a person’s inability to donate will not disqualify them from services. 

Click Here To Contact The Contracted Senior Legal Service Provider In Inyo County. 

About

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman mission is to advocate for the dignity, quality of life, and quality of care for all residents in long term care facilities. 

We are located at 682 Spruce Street, Bishop, CA. If you have any questions you can contact us at 760-872-4128

How We Help 

Long-Term Care Ombudsman representatives make unannounced visits to long-term care facilities to assist residents with issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety and personal preferences. Problems can include, but are not limited to: 

• Violation of residents' rights or dignity
• Physical, verbal, mental, or financial abuse
• Poor quality of care
• Dietary concerns
• Medical care, therapy, and rehabilitation issues
• Medicare and Medi-Cal benefit issues
• Improper transfer or discharge of a resident
• Inappropriate use of chemical or physical restraints

Education

The Inyo County Health & Human Services Ombudsman Program offers trainings and in-services for long term care facilities. 

We offer topics in: 

• Residents; Rights
• Elder Abuse and Mandated Reporter
• Aging

Volunteer Opportunities 

Our volunteers change lives. Becoming a Certified California Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a rewarding process that includes 36 hours of training. After completing the training and passing a background check you will be required to complete a supervised internship.    

Who Can Get These Services 

All residents of Long-Term Care facilities regardless of age.

To Report Abuse In a Long-Term Care Facility 

Inyo County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office:                          Phone: 760-872-4128 Fax: 760-873-4250

Statewide Ombudsman 24-Hour Crisisline: 1-800-231-4024               

California Department of Public Health: 1-800-344-2896

California Department of Social Services: 1-559-243-8080

Resources:  

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

To Find Ombudsman Services in a Different County 

HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) offers free, one-on-one Medicare counseling. Trained volunteer counselors can answer your questions and help you understand your Medicare rights and benefits, including how to appeal denials of coverage; Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap policies); Medicare Advantage plans; employee and retiree coverage; and long-term care insurance. Legal help and representation at Medicare appeals or administrative hearings are also available.

Please connect with Jamie Flippin at 760.267.1191 for questions or more information.

You can also visit https://cahealthadvocates.org/about-us/about-hicap/

Nutrition services are available in both Inyo and Mono Counties through ESAAA.  Each county provides these services directly to their residents.  The available services include meals that comply with Dietary Guidelines for Americans and meet a minimum of one-third of recommended Dietary Reference Intake.  Meals are available in congregate settings, as well as to home-bound or isolated individuals through home delivery services.  The ENP also provides nutrition education and counseling to seniors in both communities. 

No cost to seniors, age 60 and over, $9.00 for non-seniors. Donations are accepted.

The centers are open from 8am - 1pm daily, M-F. 

Lunch is served between 12-12:30pm

Who Can Get These Services

Congregate Nutrition Sites

•  Persons 60 years of age or older regardless of income level
• Spouses accompanying eligible participants
• Persons with a disability who live with an eligible participant
• Volunteers who provide services during meal hours

To Lean More About Congregate Meal Sites And Days Of Operation Please Visit The Senior Center Tab.

Home-Delivered Meals

• Persons 60 years of age or older who are homebound because of illness, incapacity, disability, or are otherwise isolated regardless of income level
• Spouses and caregivers of eligible participants if it is beneficial to the participant
• Persons with a disability who live at home with a participant

To learn more about these services call: 760-873-5240

Bishop Senior Center

682 Spruce St, Bishop, CA 93514

(760) 873-5240

Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 1:00pm

Big Pine Senior Center

150 Dewey St, Big Pine, CA 93513

(760) 873-5240

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 11:30am to 1:00pm

Lone Pine Senior Center

138 Jackson St, Lone Pine, CA 93545

PO Drawer A, Independence, CA 93526

(760) 876-5518

Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 1:00pm

Tecopa Senior Center

405 Tecopa Hot Springs Rd, Tecopa, CA 92389

(760) 852-4264

Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:00pm

Mono County

Antelope Valley Senior Center 

399 Mule Deer Rd, Walker, CA 96107

(530) 495-2323

Hours: Monday to Friday - 7:00am to 3:30pm