Aging in Place: Local Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers

For many families, aging in place is about more than simply remaining in a longtime home. It is about having access to the right information, services, health resources, transportation, nutrition, caregiver support, and community connections that can make continued independence possible.

I recently attended an informative Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® presentation, “Aging in Place: Community Supports for Older Adults and Caregivers,” presented by Aneliza Del Pinal, CEO of Sourcewise.

Sourcewise has served Santa Clara County for more than 50 years and is the county’s designated Area Agency on Aging. Its mission centers on helping older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers find and navigate the services they need while maintaining independence, dignity, and choice.

You Don’t Have To Navigate Aging Alone

One of the strongest messages from the presentation was simple:

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Families may find themselves trying to manage several challenges at once, including:

• Preparing meals or maintaining proper nutrition
• Managing complex health needs
• Understanding Medicare
• Finding reliable local services
• Balancing caregiving responsibilities with their own needs
• Making a home safer and more suitable for aging in place

Sourcewise helps connect Santa Clara County residents with programs and community resources that address many of these concerns.

Support That Goes Beyond One Service

The presentation highlighted a broad network of programs, including:

Nutrition

Services can include congregate meals, home-delivered meals, nutrition screening, CalFresh enrollment assistance, nutrition education, and farmers market vouchers.

Support for Family Caregivers

Caregivers may be able to access information and referrals, case management, support groups, respite services, and training.

Aging in Place and Supportive Services

Sourcewise provides information and awareness services along with programs related to aging in place, care management, Veterans Directed Care, community supports, assessments, person-centered care planning, and ongoing counseling and support.

Medicare Guidance

Through Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy services, residents can receive guidance related to Medicare, plan comparisons, appeals, and certain low-income assistance programs.

Reducing Isolation

Programs such as Digital Link, intergenerational activities, and community ambassador initiatives are designed to help older adults remain connected rather than becoming socially isolated.

Employment and Independence

Sourcewise also provides workforce-development resources for older adults, including job training, skill development, counseling, and résumé assistance.

Serving More Than 100,000 People

According to Sourcewise’s presentation, the organization served approximately 101,000 individuals during fiscal year 2025–2026.

Its recent work also includes efforts around an Aging and Disability Resource Connection, Veterans Directed Care, expanded partnerships related to prevention and home-modification access, and expansion of its Older Adult Digital Link program.

For families who may not know which program they need, the best starting point may simply be a conversation with a Community Resource Specialist.

Santa Clara County Resources

For residents of Palo Alto, Los Altos, and elsewhere in Santa Clara County, Sourcewise can help identify services that may be appropriate for an older adult, caregiver, or adult with disabilities.

Sourcewise
Community Resource Specialists: (408) 350-3200, Option 1
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mysourcewise.com

Sourcewise describes its support as confidential and available to Santa Clara County residents.

What About Menlo Park and Atherton?

Because Menlo Park and Atherton are in San Mateo County, residents there should use San Mateo County’s local aging-services network rather than Santa Clara County Sourcewise.

San Mateo County Health – Aging and Disability Services serves as the county’s Area Agency on Aging and connects residents with programs for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.

San Mateo County Aging and Disability Services:
1-844-868-0938

A Helpful Conversation To Have Before You Need It

One takeaway I found especially valuable is that families do not have to wait for a crisis before learning what resources are available.

Whether someone is beginning to think about aging safely at home, caring for a parent or spouse, navigating Medicare, looking for meal support, or simply trying to understand what help exists locally, knowing where to start can make the process much less overwhelming.

These organizations exist to help connect people with the right resources.

Source and Attribution: This article was independently curated from the November 5, 2026 Aging in Place: Community Supports for Older Adults and Caregivers presentation by Aneliza Del Pinal, CEO of Sourcewise; educational materials provided by Sourcewise; and the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® recap of the presentation.

Services, eligibility requirements, contact information, and program availability may change. Please contact Sourcewise or the appropriate county agency directly for current information.

Jackie (Jaleh) Schoelerman

Silicon Valley Luxury Real Estate Advisor

Local Expertise. Global Reach. Exceptional Results.

Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

Proudly serving Palo Alto • Menlo Park • Atherton • Los Altos

(650) 855-9700
[email protected]
CalRE #01092400