Contra Costa Senior Legal Services

These days, many events for seniors are conducted virtually using the video conferencing platform Zoom. Click on the link below to download instructions on how to access Zoom. These instructions were written specially for seniors. https://www.ncoa.org//instructions-for-accessing-your-vir/

Enjoy our latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp//contra-costa-senior-legal-services-jan

Today we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

UPDATE ON COVID-19 VACCINATION: For seniors aged 75 & older, complete county form to sign up to receive your vaccination. https://forms.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx

Click to learn more about the Covid-19 Vaccine for seniors. https://www.ccsls.org//covid-19-vaccines-what-seniors-nee/

Happy Hanukkah to all! Don't forget to stay safe during this holiday season.

It's Giving Tuesday, a universal day of generosity. This year we are hoping to raise $800 to set up a virtual office for seniors in need of essential legal documents. Please help us reach our goal: https://www.classy.org/campaign/giving-tuesday/c312610

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

With the holidays approaching, we all want to celebrate and enjoy the season. It's important to remain mindful of your health needs and to protect yourself during the season. Click here to learn more about how to celebrate the holidays safely: https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/safer-celebrations

Open enrollment for Medicare and Covered California has begun. The enrollment period for Medicare and Medicare Drug Plans began on October 15 and extends through December 7, 2020, while the open enrollment period for Covered California insurance plans began on November 1 and extends through January 31, 2021. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C), the open enrollment period runs from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021.

Are you planning on voting by mail? You can drop your ballot at one of Contra Costa County's Official Ballot Drop Boxes. These boxes have been placed at locations all over the county. Check out this list of Outdoor Drop Boxes to ensure that you place your ballot in an official drop box. Click here for more information on Contra Costa County's Official Ballot Drop Boxes: https://www.cocovote.us/registrat/secure-ballot-drop-boxes/

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence affects every age group, including older adults. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, call Contra Costa Senior Legal Services at 925-609-7900 so we can help you. Learn more about domestic violence among seniors: https://acl.gov//protecting-rights-and-preventing-abuse/el

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer found in older women. While half of all new breast cancer cases are found in women age 60 and older, elderly women can have good outcomes when they receive proper treatment and care. Click here to learn more about breast cancer: https://www.cancer.org///how-acs-fights-breast-cancer.html

Are you registered to vote? With the November 3rd election approaching, it is important to register to vote. The deadline to register to vote in California is October 19, 2020. Californians can now register to vote online. Click here to learn more: https://www.cocovote.us/registration-and-/register-to-vote/

Flu season is fast approaching. Seniors can be especially vulnerable to influenza. Makes sure you know how to protect yourself from the flu. Click here to learn more: https://cchealth.org/flu/

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services can help you obtain an advance healthcare directive (AHCD) through one of our free virtual clinics. An AHCD is a simple, straightforward document document used to record your express wishes in the event that you become incapacitated and are unable to communicate. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.ccsls.org/2020/08/25/ccsls-legal-clinics-update/

September is Healthy Aging Month - read more about it: https://www.washingtoninformer.com/national-health-aging-m/

November 3, 2020 is election day and it's important to understand your rights as a voter. The Americans with Disabilities Act gives equal rights and privileges to voters who have a disability. Click here to learn more about your rights as a voter: https://www.cocovote.us/registration-and-/my-voting-rights/

If you need a place to keep cool during the upcoming heat wave Contra Costa Employment & Human Services Department is opening their offices. Details: PLACES TO KEEP COOL. Thursday-Friday, August 13-14, and Monday-Tuesday, August 17-18, 2020, from 1 to 5 p.m.: EHSD District Office4545 Delta Fair Blvd, Antioch... EHSD District Office400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill EHSD District Office1305 Macdonald, Richmond See more

With states, counties, and cities all setting different coronavirus reopening policies, it can be hard for seniors to know whether it is safe to venture outside their home. In choosing to socialize with others and participate in trips and activities outside the home, each senior must decide what level of risk they can accept and what precautions they will take. Older adults must balance their physical health with their need to maintain mental health and well-bring. Seniors should develop an individual strategy to protect themselves, consider individual risk, and follow basic precautions when leaving the house. Learn more about how to stay safe: You’re a Senior. How Do You Calculate Coronavirus Risk Right Now? https://www.nytimes.com//seniors-coronavirus-reopenings.ht

How did so many scammers from around the world find this one elderly man? Good article on how elder fraud works. An innocent act puts a person on a suckers list under a category (e.g., sweepstakes lover) so scams are highly customized. $3B in elder fraud a year in the US. #fraud #scams #elder #elderly #scammers #cybercrime https://www.cnn.com//data-broker-suckers-lists-/index.html

CCSLS celebrates PRIDE!