SERVING THE NEEDS OF SENIORS
IN
INYO AND MONO COUNTIES

568 W. Line Street
P. O. Box 1799
Bishop, CA 93515

(760) 873-6364
(800) 510-2020
(760) 873-5103 Fax
imaaa@qnet.com E-mail
Contact: Charles Broten, Director

Introduction

The purpose of this information is to give you an outline of the services and assistance available to older persons in Inyo and Mono Counties through IMAAA/IMSP. Many other agencies provide services and IMAAA can link or refer you to these agencies.

Background

The Inyo Mono Area Agency on Aging, IMAAA, is concerned with all matters that relate to the needs of older persons in Inyo and Mono Counties. IMAAA is a joint-powers agency created by the Inyo and Mono County Supervisors and designated by the California Department of Aging, CDA, to plan, deliver, and administer services for older persons and certain disabled adults. IMAAA is one of nearly 700 local area agencies across the nation, which provide access to senior services.

Services of the Inyo Mono Senior Program (IMSP)

IMSP is operated through the Inyo County Administrator’s office and funded by IMAAA.

Information and Assistance

When you don’t know where to turn, turn to IMAAA/IMSP first. Please call us for access to and information on all resources and services for older adults in Inyo and Mono Counties and surrounding areas. Call toll free (800) 510-2020 or call (760) 873-6364 in the Bishop area.. Website at: www.countyofinyo.org/imaaa/index.htm

It is our job to know what services and resources are available. If we do not know immediately, we’ll find out and get back to you.

Linkages/Care Planning

As its name implies, Linkages and MSSP programs link vulnerable seniors and disabled adults to services, which enhance their ability to maintain independence. A Services Counselor will assess an individual in their home, develop and monitor a care plan to access services to meet individual needs, provide caregiver respite, etc.

Linkages serves people of all income levels and can be accessed directly by the senior, family, friends or health care professionals on behalf of their client. MSSP provides similar services to Medi-Cal eligible persons with functional impairments.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)

HICAP uses paid and volunteer staff to provide unbiased counseling and information regarding Medicare, obtaining prescription medications, long-term care and supplemental health insurance coverage.

Senior Employment Program – Title V

Persons 55 and over, who meet income criteria, can obtain community service jobs and skill training to prepare for regular employment.

Assisted Transportation

For seniors who need transportation but cannot ride the Inyo Mono Transit bus due to physical limitations, escorted rides to essential services can be arranged by appointment. Call IMSP at (760) 873-6364 or 1-800-510-2020.

Medical Transportation Services

Many medical services needed by residents must be obtained outside the Inyo Mono area. We may be able to schedule rides to out-of-area medical appointments if you have no public or private alternative. Requires 7-10 day advance notice.

In-Home Caregiver Services

A variety of services to assist older persons in their homes are available.  In-home services include:

• Respite Care to aid the primary caregiver of a senior at home through Day Care or relief workers. Also Caregiver Counseling and education.
• Homemaker Aide and Personal Care Services, such as laundry, household cleaning and bathing assistance in the homes of eligible seniors.
• Emergency Response System (ERS) devices are placed in the homes of eligible frail elderly persons and can be used to summon assistance.
• Home delivered Meals
• Linkages and MSSP

Senior Center Activities

Come join "the open membership Clubs" at your Senior Center. From Healthy Lifestyles Club to Dancing, Movie, and Card and Board Games Clubs, senior centers in Inyo and Mono Counties offer peer-managed clubs to help you celebrate a more active social life. If you don’t find what you want, we’ll help you form a like-minded group into a club for you. Contact your senior center or the Outreach Specialist at 873-6364 or 1-800-510-2020.

The senior centers listed offer additional activities such as health screening, AARP meetings, monthly birthday parties, classes, bingo, Income Tax assistance, community education on aging related issues and volunteer opportunities.

Nutrition

Senior centers serve well-balanced noon meals. Many persons on restricted diets can partake. Monthly menus are available. Call 24 hours in advance for your reservations. A donation for lunch is requested. Home-delivered meals are available to those unable to attend senior centers due to functional or cognitive problems.