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Self-Help Probate Resources

Probate Resources

This section tells you about programs and services that can help you. Please contact them directly.

Click on a link below for more information:

The Public Guardian/Conservator

The Court sometimes appoints the Public Guardian of Santa Clara County as conservator for an adult who cannot care for him/herself or his/her finances. The Court can also appoint the Public Guardian as trustee for an elderly, mentally ill, or incapacitated person when no friend or relative can be trustee.

If you are worried about an elderly, mentally ill, or incapacitated adult, you can ask the Public Guardian for help. For more information or to ask for help, call: (408) 755-7610 . If you think there is financial abuse, call the APS (Adult Protective Services) hotline: 1-800-414-2002.

The Public Administrator

The Santa Clara County Public Administrator handles estates for decedents (people who die) when no family member or other person can do it. The Public Administrator can take control of the decedent’s estate right away to make sure that nothing gets lost.

The Public Administrator can:

  • find (locate) family,
  • make burial arrangements,
  • manage assets,
  • pay creditors,
  • pay administration costs, and
  • distribute the rest of the estate to the decedent's heirs or beneficiaries.

If the decedent leaves a Will, the Court may also appoint the Public Administrator as executor. But, only if the original executor can’t or does not want to serve. For more information, call: (408) 755-7610 .

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) helps elder and dependent adults who may have been hurt by abuse or neglect. APS services are free if you need them.

Services include:

  • investigation,
  • assessment,
  • counseling,
  • help developing a service plan,
  • case management, and
  • referrals to community agencies.

APS wants to help adults:

  • protect their own interests,
  • increase their personal strengths, and
  • set up support systems.

If you are worried about someone because you think there is physical, emotional or financial abuse, call the APS hotline: 1-800-414-2002.

In cases of financial abuse, APS works with the Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST). FAST helps the DA prosecute these cases.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gives money to:

  • low-income seniors (65 years old and over),
  • the blind, and
  • people with disabilities.

Whether or not you can get SSI depends on how much money you make and what you own. If you get Social Security, you may also be able to get SSI. To see if you or a family member can get SSI, call or visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in your area:

For Santa Clara (except Gilroy) call: (800) 772-1213
For Gilroy, call: (408) 842-4485

Or, go to the Social Security District Office: 280 So. 1st Street Room 244, 2nd Floor San Jose, CA 95113

Social Services Agency Medi-Cal helps pay for medical care for:

  • low-income seniors,
  • the blind, and
  • people with disabilities.

Anyone who can get SSI can also get Medi-Cal. For more information on Medi-Cal and Adult/Elder Services, go to the Medi-Cal section of this website.

For information and application forms, contact: Social Services Agency Medi-Cal Eligibility Unit at  (408) 758-3800.

Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

Here is a list of places to get help for a person with a developmental disability in Santa Clara County:
 

Organization Services Provided
AbilityPath
Tel: (650) 259-8500
Information, referrals and legal help for people with developmental disabilities. 

Easter Seals Northern California
Tel: (925) 266-8400

Comprehensive therapeutic services to help individuals w/disabilities gain greater independence and mobility. Therapeutic services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy.
Op-Community

Blog about people with disabilities and other helpful information and resources:

Greater Opportunities
Tel: 408-248-4464
Serving the Developmentally Disabled. Several centers in Santa Clara county with services like:
  • training in self-care and community safety,
  • pre-academic and leisure activities, and
  • structured day programs for adults (18 years and over) with developmental disabilities.

Get a referral from San Andreas Regional Center.

Hope Services
30 Las Colinas Lane San Jose, CA 95119

Tel: (408) 284-2850

Provides job training, sheltered workshop experience and counseling in several centers located in Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.

In addition, provides

  • training in self-care,
  • community safety,
  • pre-academic activities and
  • leisure activities

depending on the individual's program plans.

Manages the Senior Activity Center, which provides special structured day programs to developmentally disabled adults age 50 and over.

HIP Housing Accessible, low cost housing. Qualifying persons include:
  • adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities
  • low-income seniors
  • people with HIV/AIDS and
  • persons with very low income
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley-Health Program 
Tel: (408) 280-2420
Provides free legal advice and representation to individuals in Santa Clara County who identify as living with mental health disabilities.

Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE)

1880 Pruneridge Ave.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Tel: (408) 245-3400

Special instructional classes in speech and language development, occupational skills and behavior management for autistic people or people who have a developmental disability. There are 3 residential homes for adults 18-59+ years of age, in Sunnyvale and in San Jose, and 2 homes in Cupertino for children 3-18 years of age. Call for more information on if you qualify.

Parents Helping Parents
1400 Parkmoor Ave

Suite 100
San Jose, CA 95126
Tel: (408) 727-5775

For parents of children with special needs (like Down's Syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, autism, attention deficit disorders and premature birth, to name a few). You can find:
  • information,
  • training,
  • mentoring,
  • parent to parent contacts,
  • referrals,
  • networking and support groups,
  • a lending library, and
  • information on helpful technological devices and other local resources.

San Andreas Regional Center (SARC)
Tel: (408) 374-9960

Information and help for people with developmental disabilities. SARC helps people in Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Services include:
  • diagnosis and evaluation,
  • counseling and advocacy,
  • help finding a place to live in the community,
  • help going to (or leaving) a State Developmental Center,
  • coordinating services,
  • referrals to other agencies, and
  • payment for some services.
Santa Clara County Office of Education
1290 Ridder Park Drive San Jose, CA 95131-2304
Tel: (408) 453-6500
Special education programs for people with severe handicaps. The programs are for people from birth to age 22. Contact the school district you live in to get more information.
Social Vocational Services (SVS)
SVS Locations
Help with work skills and finding a job, for adults with developmental disabilities (with a referral from the San Andreas Regional Center or the Dept. of Rehabilitation), SVS also has a local behavior treatment program.
Special Olympics Northern California
Tel: (925) 944-8801
Athletic training and competition programs in various sports, for developmentally disabled children and adults.
United Cerebral Palsy Association Help for family members and people who have cerebral palsy, intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities.

Services for People with Brain Injury and/or Mental Impairment

Here is a list of places to get help for people with brain injury and mental impairment in Santa Clara County:
 

Organization Services Provided
Family Caregiver Alliance
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 930
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: (415) 434-3388 or (800) 445-8106
Services for people caring for adults who are brain-impaired (because of an accident or a disease such as Alzheimer's).
Regional Medical Center, Therapy Services
225 N. Jackson Avenue San Jose, CA 95116

Tel: (408) 729-2882
 

Rehabilitation services for patients recovering from spinal injuries, head trauma and brain injuries.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Rehabilitation Center

751 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95128

Provides training in independent living skills (in preparation for leaving hospital care) to clients recovering from spinal cord or head injuries.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
Locations in San Jose and Gilroy
Services that promote independence in jobs, housing and living at home. You can get:
  • counseling,
  • advocacy,
  • information,
  • referrals, and
  • loans of equipment for persons with disabilities in order to promote independence
Skills Plus Santa Clara Adult Education
1840 Benton St., Santa Clara, CA 95050
Tel: (408) 423-3500
The primary program is designed for stroke survivors and individuals who suffer from neurological disorders or physical disabilities. Taught by occupational therapists and speech therapists. Classes include:
  • mobility training,
  • upper body exercises,
  • memory training,
  • perceptual skills,
  • language skills,
  • listening skills, and
  • speech skills.

There are also independent living classes, like

  • basic food preparation,
  • leisure activities, and
  • arts and crafts.

For more help you can go to other listings, like veterans benefits and services, out-of-home placement for supervised care, etc.

Services for People with Mental Illness

Here is a list of places to get help for a person with mental illness in Santa Clara County:
 

Organization Services Provided

Community Solutions
Locations in San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy
Tel: (408) 842-7138

24-Hour Crisis Line: (877) END-SADV or (877-363-7238)

Programs include:
  • Behavioral Healthcare Services, individual, group and family counseling. Supportive Housing Services for Mentally Ill Adults and Sober living environment residence.
  • Prevention and Education Services, home based support for overburdened families with at least one child under 5 years old
  • Solutions to Violence Services, 24-hour Rape Crisis Line, support groups for assault survivors. Women’s Shelter for battered women.

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

Mental Health Advocacy Project
Tel: 408-280-2420

Information and advocacy for mentally ill people and people with developmental disabilities. The project wants to protect the legal rights of the mentally ill and developmentally disabled. You can get free legal advice, referral and representation for:
  • daily living problems (like care and treatment,
  • education and employment (information and referral only)
  • public benefits
  • economic rights,
  • housing rights,
  • consumer issues (information and referral only)
  • discrimination
  • general legal questions

Call or stop by the office.

Momentum for Mental Health

Contact information

Serves adults in the Santa Clara County community who are living with serious mental health or substance use conditions. They provide

  • outpatient care
  • residential treatment programs
  •  community programs
  • supportive services
    • employment services
    • independent and supportive housing

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Clara County

NAMI National website
1150 S. Bascom Ave, Ste 24,
San Jose, CA 95128
Tel: (408) 453-0400

Services include:
  • information and referrals,
  • advocacy for the mentally ill, and
  • a library of helpful information for sale or to look at.

You may have to pay a fee.

Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services 
Tel: (800) 704-0900 
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department provides screening and referrals for mental health treatment for families who receive Medi-Cal benefits.

Services and Benefits for Veterans

Here is a list of places to get help for a veteran in Santa Clara County:
 

Organization Services Provided
Office of Veterans Services, Santa Clara County
Tel: (408) 918-4980
Help getting state and federal benefits for veterans and their families.

American GI Forum

San Jose Chapter
2212 Quimby Road San Jose, CA 95122
Tel:(408) 238-1820

Vida Nueva helps adult males and their families return to productive lives. Bilingual staff provides peer-level recovery resources. The 120-day minimum program is for men 18 years or older who have had at least 72 hours of abstinence who require no nursing care and who agree to abide by the program regulations. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00pm.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Respite Care Respite Care is a program that pays for care for a short time when family caregivers need a break, need to run errands, or need to go out of town for a few days. Respite Care can be helpful to Veterans of all ages, and their caregiver.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Locations

San Jose Vet Center

Information and referrals for veterans’ benefits and services.

Palo Alto VA Medical Center-Menlo Park

Provides primary care and specialty health services, including addiction and substance abuse treatment, mental health care, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical and occupational therapy, suicide prevention, and more.

Services for People with Specific Diseases and Disabilities

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
 

Organization Services Provided

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

Non-profit organization helping people with ADD/ADHD develop their full potential. 
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Non-profit organization helping people with ADD/ADHD develop their full potential.

HIV/AIDS or Related Diseases:

Organization Services Provided
AIDS Community Research Consortium (ACRC)
855 Douglas Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94063

Tel: (650) 364-6563

Provides programs that are responsive to the changing needs of those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (HCV) by offering:
  • innovative outreach education
  • prevention
  • case management
  • food
  • transportation
  • clinical trial services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tel: (800) 232-4633

Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to:
  • answer questions,
  • provide referrals, and
  • send free publications through email and postal mail
Family Caregiver Alliance
235 Montgomery Street, Ste. 930
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: (415) 434-3388 or
(800) 445-8106
Services like: Workshops for caregivers of brain impaired adults and victims of AIDS dementia.
HealthTrust
Tel: (408) 513-.8700
Serves anyone in living with Type 2 diabetes or HIV/AIDS in Santa Clara County by assuring access to all services needed to promote health, dignity, and quality of life to support the prevention and management of these conditions.

Blindness and/or Visual Handicaps:

Organization Services Provided
California Department of Rehabilitation - Blind Field Services
Tel: (916) 558-5480
Services include:
  • education,
  • job training,
  • classes in mobility, adaptive techniques and devices, and transportation training.
  • counseling.
Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Tel: (415) 431-1481
Services include:
  • rehabilitation skills training,
  • resources for recent vision loss
  • employment placement services
Prevent Blindness
Tel: (800) 331-2020
Teaches safety and how to prevent blindness. Offers resources and vision screening for students.
Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired 
Locations in San Jose, Santa Cruz and Palo Alto
Tel: (408) 295-4016, (831) 458-9766 or (650) 858-0202
Services include:
  • low-vision clinics,
  • counseling and support groups,
  • Braille classes,
  • computer skills classes,
  • in-home training in daily living skills, orientation, and mobility,
  • employment program,
  • youth group,
  • store with products for the visually impaired.

Deafness and Hearing Problems:

Organization Services Provided

California Deaf and Disabled Telecommunication Program
Tel: (800) 806-1191

Free special equipment and services. To qualify, you must live in California and have a land line, and have problems with your:

  • hearing,
  • vision,
  • mobility,
  • speech, and/or
  • ability to understand information.

You might be able to get home installation and special training. Just ask.

You can get services in English or Spanish.

Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
Tel: (510) 343-6670
 
Services include:
  • information and referral,
  • peer counseling,
  • advocacy in discrimination cases,
  • training in independent living skills and job development, and
  • interpreting services.

Programs include:

  • Communication Skills for Foreign-Born Deaf Adults,
  • Deaf Latino Program, and
  • Captioned Movie Night.

Hearing and Speech Center
1234 Divisadero Street San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel: (415) 921-7658 
TTY: (415) 921-8990

Services include:
  • educational programs,
  • speech/language therapy,
  • auditory training,
  • assessments, and
  • counseling.

Hearing Loss Association of America (California State Association) 
 

Support for people with reduced hearing. Services include monthly meetings and information.

Strokes:

Organization Services Provided

Skills Plus: Santa Clara Adult Education
1840 Benton St., Santa Clara, CA 95050
Tel: (408) 423-3500

Classes for neurologically impaired adults. Classes include:
  • training in mobility,
  • communication, and
  • independent living skills.

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse:

Organization Services Provided

AL-ANON Family Groups; ALATEEN
Campbell Community Center

1 W. Campbell Avenue, Room Q82 Campbell, CA 95008
Tel: (408) 379-9375  (Al-Anon office)
(888) 425-2666  (Toll-free information)

Websites: www.ncwsa.org/scvafg  (Santa Clara Valley); www.al-anon.alateen.org/  (national site)

Provides supportive services to families of alcoholics.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
274 East Hamilton Avenue, Suite D Campbell, CA 95008
Tel: (408) 374-8511 

Websites: aasanjose.org  (Santa Clara County); www.aa.org  (National)
AA Groups in Spanish (Grupos A.A en español)
Tel: (408) 975-0826  (San Jose)
Website: aaespanolsanjose.org 

Daily support program to help alcoholics keep from drinking.

Listed are phone numbers and websites with information on local groups in English and Spanish (Alcohólicos Anónimos Del Area De Santa Clara).  

ARH – Recovery Homes, Inc.
PO Box 21826 San Jose, CA 95151
Tel: (408) 281-6570  (Corporate office)
Tel: (408) 224-7778  (Transitional housing units men/women)

House on the Hill
9505 Malech Road San Jose, CA 95138 or P.O. Box 21826 San Jose, CA 95151
Tel: (408) 281-6570 

Provides residential treatment programs for alcoholics and drug addicts. Also provides transitional housing for men and women, including women with children.

House on the Hill is for women with young children (infants to 5 years)

Department of Alcohol and Drug Services (DADS), Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System - Gateway
976 Lenzen Avenue, 3RD Floor San Jose, CA 95126
Tel: (408) 792-5680  (Administration)
Tel: (800) 488-9919  (Gateway)

Website: www.sccdads.org 

Information and referrals to county programs and to providers that have a contract with the county. There are other branches across the country. Most have:
  • screening,
  • evaluation, and
  • outpatient services.

Different centers focus on different problems.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Tel: (408) 998-4200 (meeting times and locations)

Websites: www.na.org  (national) and
www.sjna.org  (local)

Daily support programs to help recover from addiction. Volunteer phone numbers for support.  
Voices United
1415 Koll Circle, Suite 101 San Jose, CA 95112
Tel: (408) 292-7292  (Office)

http://voicesunited.net/ 

Provides education and training about alcohol, nicotine, and other drug related issues.

Alzheimer’s:

Organization Services Provided
Hearts and Minds Activity Center
2380 Enborg Lane San Jose, CA 95128
Tel: (408) 279-7515
Services include:
  • a day program with a noon meal,
  • social and recreational activities, and
  • counseling and referrals for families.

People who may be agitated, wander, or have problems of incontinence are welcome.

Alzheimer’s Association of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area
1060 La Avenida Mountain View, CA 94043
Tel: (650) 962-8111 
or (800) 272-3900
Services include:
  • information,
  • referrals to service agencies and family support groups, and
  • a network for caregivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance
235 Montgomery Street, Ste. 930
San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: (415) 434-3388 or
(800) 445-8106
Services include:
  • temporary care so families can have a break (respite care),
  • classes that teach how to lessen frustration and burnout for caregivers, and
  • legal help.

Help with Other Diseases and Disabilities:

Organization Services Provided
American Cancer Society
747 Camden Ave. Suite B Campbell, CA 95008 Tel: (408) 871-1062 
(800) 227-2345  (24-hour number)

Website: www.cancer.org 

Services include:
  • information and education (including a library of videos and printed materials),
  • help with rehabilitation equipment,
  • transportation,
  • support groups for survivors of prostate cancer, mastectomy, lumpectomy and laryngectomy,
  • some home-care, and
  • a "wig-bank".

American Diabetes Association
 

American Diabetes Association’s Northern California Chapter
American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate
One Almaden Blvd., Suite 500 San Jose, CA 95113-2214
Tel: (408) 977-4950 

Website: www.heart.org 

Educational materials on:
  • heart diseases,
  • stroke prevention, and
  • nutrition.
American Lung Association Website:
www.lungusa.org 
National and statewide organizations working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
Breathe California
1469 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126
Tel: (408) 998-5865 
Fax: (408) 998-0578
Breathe California of the Bay Area fights lung disease in all its forms and works with its communities to protect lung health. Services include:
  • breathing improvement training for people with COPD,
  • training in how to stop smoking,
  • a special program for people with asthma, and
  • educational materials.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Tel: (800) 344-4867 

Northern Calif. Chapter website

Services include:
  • referrals to community resources,
  • education,
  • counseling,
  • Self Service groups,
  • temporary care so families can have a break (respite care), and
  • equipment loans.
Parkinson's Patients Support Groups (PPSG) PO box 60188 Sunnyvale, CA 94088
Tel: (408) 542-5610 

Websites: www.ppsg.org  (local)
 www.thepi.org  (national organization)

  • shares information about
    • the latest treatments,
    • events, and
    • legislation regarding Parkinson's disease
  • helps to put patients and care-givers in touch with local support groups

Housing and Living Services

Out-of-Home Placement for Supervised Care:

If a person who cannot live by him or herself anymore, the person’s doctor may suggest one of the following types of care:
 

Organization Services Provided
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF)

ICFs are licensed by the: Department of Health Services Licensing and Certification
100 Paseo de San Antonio,
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel: (408) 277-1784 

Licensing website: www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/default.aspx 

ICFs have more supervision and some nursing care. Contact the Dept. of Health Services Licensing and Certification for a list of ICFs. And, contact them if you have a complaint about an ICF, SNF (skilled Nursing Facility), or any licensed medical institution.
Residential Care Home (RCH) Facilities

RCHs are licensed by the: State Department of Social Services 2580 North First Street, Suite 350 San Jose, CA 95131
Tel: (408) 324-2112 

Licensing website: https://secure.dss.ca.gov/CareFacilitySearch/ 

People in RCH facilities get:
  • a room,
  • meals,
  • supervised self-care, and
  • supervised taking of medications.

They do not offer professional nursing care. Contact the State Dept. of Social Services for a list of licensed facilities. And, call them to report any problems in an RCH.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) SNFs have:
  • professional nursing care,
  • physical and occupational therapy and
  • other treatment as prescribed by a physician.

They are licensed by the State Department of Health (See address for ICFs above).

Also contact: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (Catholic Charities) 2625 Zanker Road, Suite 201, San Jose, CA 95134 Tel: (408) 944-0567.

If you want to learn about the rights of people in nursing homes or need a support group contact: California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, Tel: (415) 974-5171 ; (800) 474-1116.

Housing Services for People with Disabilities:

Organization Services Provided
Community Housing Developers
255 North Market St., Ste. 290
San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: (408) 279-7677 
Website: www.communityhousingsv.org 
Apartments for low-income people who qualify, including seniors and physically challenged people

Community Solutions
9015 Murray Ave., #100 Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 842-7138 

16264 Church St. #103 Morgan Hill, CA 95037
(408) 779-2113 

5671 Santa Teresa Blvd., #s 202, 203 San Jose, CA 95123
(408) 225-9163 

Website: www.communitysolutions.org 

Supportive housing services for mentally ill adults. Sober living environments.
Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara 505 West Julian Street San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: (408) 275-8770 
TDD: (408) 993-3041

Website: www.hacsc.org/ 

Services for qualified, low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Housing for Independent People (HIP)
481 Valley Way Milpitas, CA  95035
Tel: (408) 941-1850 
Fax: (408) 941-0294

www.hip4housing.org/  and
www.scchousingsearch.org 

Accessible, low cost housing. Qualifying persons include:
  • adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities
  • low-income seniors
  • people with HIV/AIDS and
  • persons with very low income
Momentum for Mental Health
2001 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126-1136
Tel: (408) 261-7777 
Website: www.momentumformentalhealth.org 
Temporary housing and help finding permanent housing for mentally ill people.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Rehabilitation Center

See information above. (Ask for a Social Worker at Valley Medical Center.)

Provides training in independent living skills for clients leaving hospital care

For more help, check other sections. For example, if your family member suffers from alcohol or drug related disabilities, see the section on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Services. Also see the resources in the section below.

Help for Living at Home:

People with disabilities living at home need different services. You can get these services from many agencies. You can find personal non-medical services on the list below. For more choices, look at the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under “Home Health Services and Nurses” and “Nurses Registries”. Ask if they have homemaker services and how much they cost.  

Organization Services Provided
Health Trust
3180 Newberry Drive, Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95118
Tel: (408) 513-8700 
FAX: (408) 513-8736

Website: http://healthtrust.org/

Non-medical homemaker and personal care services. These services are for physically weak people and people with physical disabilities. Services include:
  • Meals on Wheels (hot meals delivered to the home)
  • Community Wellness: health care professionals provide immunizations, health screenings and wellness training.
  • School based health clinics
  • Family Health Insurance.
Hospice of the Valley, Santa Clara County 4850 Union Avenue San Jose, CA 95124

Tel: (408) 559-5600 
Website: www.hospicevalley.org 

Provides:
  • compassionate end-of-life care for patients and their families
  • grief programs for various ages and types of loss

Services are covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal or other insurance; no one is denied care based on not being able to pay

In-Home Supportive Services Social Services Agency, Santa Clara County
333 West Julian Street 4th Floor San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: (408) 975-4899 

County Department of Aging and Adult Services

Services to help the elderly and people with disabilities stay at home. They include:
  • help around the house (cooking, laundry, cleaning)
  • shopping
  • help with dressing, bathing, and other non-medical personal services

Any person who is blind, disabled, or older than 65 and has low income is eligible. If your income is higher, you may be able to get services. But, you may have to pay part of the cost.

County Senior Nutrition Program
Tel: (408) 755-7680

Services for people over 60 years old (and their spouses). Provides:
  • meals planned by dietitians, including ethnic meals
  • senior day care programs
  • Meals-on-Wheels program
Pathways Home Health Hospice
585 North Mary Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Tel: (408) 730-5900
(888) 755-7855 (toll-free)

Website: www.pathwayshealth.org 

Provide low-cost services:
  • Temporary/Continuous homecare. Nursing.
  • Hospice care

They accept Medi-Cal payment or for those who need hospice care, but do not have insurance, the Hospice Foundation will provide free Hospice care.

Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
Main office:

2202 N. First St. San Jose, CA 95131
Tel: (408) 894-9041 
TTY: (866) 945-2205
FAX: (408) 894-9050

South County Branch:
7800 Arroyo Circle Ste. A
Gilroy, CA 95020
Tel: (408) 846-1480 
TTY: (866) 945-2205
FAX: (408) 842-2321
Website: www.svilc.org 

Programs and services at SVILC are designed to meet various independent living needs.

Home Equity Programs:

You may need to use the equity in your home or a family member’s home to get money to pay for the services and equipment needed for you or a family member to live at home. You can do this by arranging a simple equity line of credit, a sale leaseback or a reverse mortgage. For Home Equity Loan Programs, contact your bank or real estate broker.

House Repair and Rehabilitation Loans:

Most cities in Santa Clara County have specific requirements for loans and grants. Cities below are linked to their website home page. Call your city for information:

City City City

Campbell 
(408) 866-2137 

Cupertino 
(408) 777-3251 

Gilroy 
(408) 846-0290 

Los Gatos 
(408) 441-0261 

Milpitas 
(408) 586-3071 

Morgan Hill 
(408) 776-7373 

Mountain View 
(650) 903-6459 

Palo Alto 
(650) 329-2428 

San Jose 
(408) 535-3860 

Santa Clara 
(408) 441-0261 

 Saratoga 
(408) 441-0261 

Sunnyvale 
(408) 730-7442 

For Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and all unincorporated areas of the county, call Housing and Community Development Department of Santa Clara County, (408) 441-0261 .
 

Organization Services Provided
Avenidas (Re-Inventing Aging)
450 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA 94301
Tel: (650) 289-5400
Door to Door program provides referrals to house cleaning, handyman and other in-home services.

Alta Housing

Sobrato Center for Nonprofits
3460 West Bayshore Rd. Suite #104
Palo Alto, CA 94303

Tel: (650) 321.9709

Housing and information/referral services for low- and medium-income families, people with disabilities and seniors in Palo Alto.
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley
2885 Aiello Drive, Suite A San Jose, CA 95111
Tel: (408) 578-9519 

Website: www.rebuildingtogether-sv.org 

Free services for low-income senior homeowners who qualify. Services include:
  • electrical,
  • plumbing,
  • painting and
  • greater-accessibility work.

Work is done in April and October. A year-round program does repairs that improve accessibility and mobility within the home.

Turn your application as early as possible. They are considered on a first come-first served basis.

Help with Transportation

You can get help if your disability makes it impossible for you to take public transportation to medical appointments or other important reasons.
 

Organization Services Provided
American Cancer Society
Tel: (408) 879-1032 
Drives some cancer patients to medical appointments. 24-hour service, Monday through Sunday (free of charge).
Community Services Agency of Mountain View and Los Altos
Tel: (650) 968-0836 
Low-cost transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities in Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Call to see if you qualify and to set up an appointment. Ask for the senior department.
El Camino Health Care System (Roadrunners) Tel: (650) 940-7016 

Website: www.elcaminohospital.org 

Transportation to El Camino Hospital from anywhere 10 miles away or less.
Heart of the Valley
Tel: (408) 241-1571

Website: www.servicesforseniors.org/

Transportation to:
  • appointments,
  • errands, and
  • social events.

Volunteers stay with clients during medical appointments. Services are for seniors (59 and older) in Santa Clara, West San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Campbell and Monte Sereno. There are no financial eligibility requirements. But, they cannot transport people in wheelchairs or people who need walkers or canes.

Japanese American Community Senior Services (Yu-ai-kai)
Tel: (408) 294-2505 
Website: www.yuaikai.org 
Volunteers give very limited transportation help. They can take seniors in San Jose to medical appointments. And, they can help translate to and from Japanese.
Outreach
926 Rock Ave. Suite 10 San Jose, CA 95131 Tel: (408) 436-2865  (San Jose), or
(800) 400-6222  (South County)
Provides pre-schedule transportation to medical appointments and limited shopping for people who qualify under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Outreach serves all of Santa Clara County. It is the cities' Consolidated Para-transit Service Project.
VTA (Bus and Light Rail) ADA Transportation
Website:
www.vta.org/accessibility/index.html
Information on VTA bus and light rail services accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Sourcewise Online Resource Directory

Since 1973, the Council on Aging Silicon Valley has provided services and support to seniors in Santa Clara County. Now called Sourcewise, they state that they continue to support seniors and caregivers as they expand their reach to include persons with disabilities and all adults in Santa Clara County.

Search for services using the Online Resource Directory.
 

Job Training
 

Organization Services Provided
California State Department of Rehabilitation 100 Paseo de San Antonio, Room 324
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel: (408) 277-1355 
Fax: (408) 277-1270
TTY: (408) 277-1043

 www.dor.ca.gov

Helps people with disabilities get a job and keep it. They want to help people live independently. Services include:
  • diagnostic and testing services for people with physical and mental impairments (like alcoholism and drug dependence),
  • counseling,
  • job training and placement, and
  • tools, supplies and licenses.

You can get help at several places in the county. But first, you have to fill out and hand in an application. To get an application, go to the Dept. of Rehabilitation website .

CalJOBS
Tel:  (800) 758-0398
Job testing and placement services. Services and computers with job listings are provided at several locations in the county.
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County: Focus for Work
2625 Zanker Road, Suite 101 San Jose, CA 95134
Tel: (408) 325-5285 
Helps adults with chronic mental illness get back to work. A referral from a mental health provider is needed.
Center for Employment Training (CET)
701 Vine Street San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: (408) 287-7924 
Job training and placement services for low-income people. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there is an orientation in English. On Wednesdays, it is in Spanish.
MetroEd-Silicon Valley Adult Education
760 Hillsdale Avenue San Jose, CA 95136
Tel: (408) 723-6450 
Training to teach entry-level job skills or improve skills you already have. Call or read the information on the websites to see if you qualify. (Students and adults must reside within one of the six school districts.)

Institute for Career Development
1080 North 7th Street San Jose, CA 95112
Tel: (408) 998-5787  (career development)
TTY: (408) 294-5561
Fax: (408) 283-9093

Website: http://www.goodwillsv.org/ 

Services include:
  • some on-the-job training in computer data entry, general clerical and clerical word-processing, and electronic assembly;
  • help finding and getting a job; and
  • counseling for individuals in the job training program.

A division of Goodwill of Santa Clara County

Momentum for Mental Health - Employment Services
 
Provides career opportunities for people with mental disabilities and helps find employment in the community. You can get on-the-job training and help finding a job in the community.
NOVA (Supported Employment) Program
505 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 550 Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Tel: (408) 730-7232 
TTY: (408) 774-5448

Website: www.novaworks.org 

Services for low-income people with disabilities. If you qualify, you can get interviewed and tested in your basic skills and interests. You can learn what support services you need to work.

Sacred Heart Community Center
1381 South First St.
San Jose, CA 95110
Tel: (408) 278-2172 
Website: Job Link Information 

Helps with resume preparation, interview preparation, computer training skills and more. Free orientations to employment services in English and Spanish.
SeniorNet
San Jose Almaden Almaden Community Center

6445 Camden Avenue San Jose CA 95120
Tel: (408) 677-7698 

Website:
www.snlcsj.org/almaden/index.html 

San Jose Willows Willows Senior Center
2175 Lincoln Avenue San Jose CA 95125
Tel: (408) 371-3999 
Website:
www.snlcsj.org/willows/index.html 

SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies.
 

The classes (in Computer Fundamentals, Word Processing, the Internet and more) provide training that may help individuals with job hunting and on the job, as well as in their personal life.

Classes are available to all persons 50 years and older for a very low fee.

VTF Services
918 North Rengstorff Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94043
Tel: (650) 934-9091 
FAX: (650) 934-9092

Website: www.vtfservices.org 

Help for people with disabilities and the mentally impaired

Services include a community rehabilitation program with supervised job training in

  • grounds maintenance,
  • assembly packaging, and
  • janitorial services

Work2Future
7800 Arroyo Circle Suite A
Gilroy, CA 95020
Tel: (408) 846-1480 

Website: www.work2future.biz 

Helps job seekers get the skills and training they need to find a job. Helps young people enter the workforce with skills training and job search assistance.

West Valley College Career Programs
14000 Fruitvale Ave. AAS 35
Saratoga, CA 95070
Tel: (408) 741-2098 

Website: westvalley.edu/careers 

You may call to make an appointment to meet with a career advisor.

More Agencies and Information

Note: These are all external agencies 
 

Organization
Alzheimer's Association
California Dept. of Aging
California Dept. of Health Services
California Dept. of Mental Health
California Dept. of Veterans Affairs
California State Association of Public Guardians/Conservators
Administration for Community Living
Department of Veterans Affairs
Medicare
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (USAging)

Agencies related to Developmental Disabilities:

Note: These are all external agencies 

Organization
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
California State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Association of Regional Center Agencies
Autism Society of America
California Department of Developmental Services
National Council on Disability
Parents Helping Parents
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association
San Andreas Regional Center
United Cerebral Palsy Association

Please refer to our Disclaimer regarding all external websites linked on this page and elsewhere on our website.