Adult & Aging Services

 

Mendocino County Adult & Aging Services is here to empower elders and dependent adults to live independently and with dignity while providing the necessary support to ensure their health and safety.

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We are here to help. If you suspect abuse of an elder or dependent adult, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our 24/7 Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline is available to take your reports and provide guidance.

Call us toll free: (877) 327-1799

Please, call 911 if a life-threatening situation is in progress.

Click here to report suspected abuse online

Lobbies are open to the public Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (closed 12pm-1pm) excluding County holidays.

 

Need Help Reporting Suspected Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse? 

If you're unsure whether to report suspected abuse, please call our hotline at (877) 327-1799. Our trained professionals can provide guidance and support in making the right decision.

Your Report Matters

Every report can help protect vulnerable adults. If you see something, say something. Together, we can make a difference.

Abuse can take many forms, and its effects can be devastating. Here are common types of elder and dependent adult abuse:

If you observe any of these warning signs, it's important to take action. Contact the Mendocino County Adult & Aging Services hotline at (877) 327-1799 for guidance and support. Your observations could help protect someone in need.

Reporting Suspected Abuse

When making a report, please consider the following:

• Observation: Did you witness the suspected abuse?
• Report: Has someone else informed you about the suspected abuse?
• Suspicion: Do you have concerns based on your observations or knowledge?

Reports are essential for initiating support services that help elders and dependent adults live safely in their homes. In some cases of substantiated abuse, intervention by law enforcement may occur, which could include relocating the victim to a safer environment. Most cases involve support as our goal is to avoid relocation unless absolutely necessary.

Our team is here to assist you through the reporting process. If you're unsure about whether to report, we encourage you to call us. Together, we can ensure that our elders and dependent adults remain safe and comfortable in their community.

(877) 327-1799

Click here to report suspected abuse online

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a confidential program. Information gathered during investigations is only shared under very specific and limited circumstances, as outlined in the California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 15633.

Our services are entirely voluntary. Any elder or dependent adult who is a victim of abuse has the right to:

• Refuse consent for an investigation
• Withdraw from services at any time

There are no income requirements to receive services. APS is committed to providing assistance to anyone in need, regardless of financial status.

If you need immediate assistance or have questions about reporting abuse, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can protect the vulnerable members of our community.

Your Rights Under Adult Protective Services (PUB 470)

Sus Derechos Bajo los Servicios de Protección para Adultos (PUB 470sp)

State of California, Adult Protective Services page

If you are a mandated reporter or agency who employes mandated reporters and would like to request training, please call (707) 463-7900.

A mandated reporter is any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for the care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation for the care or custody.

The Ombudsman program is dedicated to advocating for residents in long-term care facilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Ombudsman Information

The Ombudsman program helps with:

• Protect Resident's Rights: Safeguarding the dignity and well-being of individuals in care.
• Investigate and Resolve Complaints: Addressing concerns raised by or on behalf of residents.
• Enhance Quality of Care and Life: Focusing on both health and overall living standards.
• Provide Training and Education: Equipping residents, families, and facility staff with valuable knowledge and resources.
• Monitor Rules and Legislation: Keeping a close eye on policies to advocate for improvements in care standards.

Adults 60+

Adult & Aging Services is here to empower elders and dependent adults to live independently and with dignity while providing the necessary support to ensure their health and safety.

Community Resources

Disabled Adults 18+

Adult & Aging Services is here to empower elders and dependent adults to live independently and with dignity while providing the necessary support to ensure their health and safety.

 

Community Resources

Emergency Assistance

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need help right away, please call 911 or 1-855-838-0404.

Veterans Services

Our Veterans Services program provides a range of support and resources for military veterans and their families to help them transition to civilian life and access benefits.

Lobbies are open to the public Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (closed 12pm-1pm) excluding County holidays.

Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS) is a new opportunity the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides Veterans so they can receive care closer to home. We are pleased to have this important service available at our Fort Bragg Veterans Services office.

Fort Bragg Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS)

Our Veterans Services Representatives are thoroughly trained and accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to represent you. Mendocino County Veterans Services Representatives are not employees of the Federal government; they are County employees ready to assist you with any Veterans claim. They will assist you in securing the maximum benefits available. Your representative works closely with service officers from a veteran's organization of your choice such as:

• American Legion
• California Department of Veterans Affairs
• Disabled American Veterans
• National Association of County Veterans Service Offices
• Veterans of Foreign Wars

We can help you with a variety of benefits and supports

The goal of Veterans Services is to ensure that you, as veterans, receive the support and benefits you have earned through your service, helping you to successfully reintegrate into civilian life and thrive in your community.

For more information or to access services, you can contact our local Veterans Services office (707) 463-4637 Ukiah or (707) 964-5823 Fort Bragg.

Click here for information on VA Disability, GI Bill and Education Benefits, VA Health Care, and more.

Important Numbers:

• CalVet: (916) 503-8359
• VA Direct Deposit/Change of Address: (877) 838-2778
• VA Educational Benefits: (888) 442-4551
• VA Life Insurance: (800) 669-8477
• VA National Pension Center: (877) 294-6380
• VA Outpatient Clinics:
  • Ukiah: (707) 468-7700
  • Santa Rosa: (707) 569-2300
  • Clearlake: (707) 995-7200

Veteran's ID Cards

The Mendocino County Veterans Services Office will issue identification cards as proof of service in the United States military. Proof of service is needed to access services, benefits, and receive veteran’s discounts at many local businesses. With the ID, veterans will no longer need to carry a copy of their military discharge papers (DD-214) to show proof of service.

• Who is eligible: A person who served in the active military and who was discharged or released under Honorable conditions.
• What you will need: A copy of your Discharge Papers (DD-214) and a Photo ID

Note: If you do not have a copy of your discharge papers, we can order a copy. Hours for processing ID Cards may vary. Please contact our office to set up an appointment.

Resource Links:

Frequently used Veterans Affairs forms

In-Home Care

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides essential assistance to low-income elderly and disabled individuals and couples, helping them remain safely in their own homes. Disabled children with extraordinary needs may also qualify for IHSS.  

Caregivers provide assistance with things such as personal care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Caregivers go through an approval process that includes a background check and training. 

Lobbies are open to the public Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (closed 12pm-1pm) excluding County holidays.

Receive In-Home Supportive Services

You can apply to receive In-Home Support Services (IHSS) through several methods.

Once your application is received, a worker from Adult & Aging Services will contact you to gather more information and assist you with the application process.

• You must submit a signed Health Care Certification form (SOC 873(PDF, 67KB)) before services can be granted.
• You must be Medi-Cal eligible.
• A Social Worker will conduct a home visit to assess your needs for IHSS.
  • A home visit will consider your ability to perform daily tasks and may include input from family, friends, or health professionals.

What to expect next:

• You will receive a letter in the mail notifying you of your application status:
  • If approved, details on authorized services and monthly hours will be provided.
  • If denied, you will be informed of the reason for denial.

Hiring a Provider:

If approved, you will need to hire a provider to perform the authorized services. You will be considered the employer, responsible for hiring, training, and managing the provider.

For assistance or questions, please reach out to your local IHSS office:

• Ukiah (707) 463-7900
• Willits (707) 456-3700
• Fort Bragg (707) 962-1022
• Toll-Free (877) 327-1799

Provide In-Home Supportive Services

Becoming an IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) provider offers numerous advantages while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Here are some key benefits:

• No Experience Required: You don't need prior experience to start. Training and support are provided to help you succeed in your role.
• Flexible Hours: Enjoy the freedom to set your own schedule, allowing you to balance work with other commitments.
• Choice of Services: You can choose the types of support you wish to provide, tailoring your work to match your skills and interests.
• Personalized Match: Your skills and desired workload will be matched with an appropriate IHSS recipient, ensuring a good fit for both you and those you assist.
• Job Opportunities Across the County: There are numerous job openings available throughout the county, providing plenty of options for employment.

By becoming an IHSS provider, you can contribute to the well-being of elderly and disabled individuals while enjoying a rewarding job experience. Recipients can be a family member, a friend, or someone referred by IHSS.

Your IHSS Recipient will manage your work schedule and sign your timesheets.

If you're interested in learning more or applying, contact your local IHSS office:

State laws require that all IHSS providers complete an enrollment process and pass a background check before they are eligible to be paid by the IHSS program.

To begin this process, you must complete the following steps:

1. Create an account and note your username, password, and answers to the security questions.
2. Watch the mandatory videos
3. Review and electronically sign the required documents (SOC 426 and SOC 846)
4. Schedule your in-person orientation appointment
5. Original Social Security card (name must match on ID and Social Security card
6. Get a background check at one of our IHSS offices

Bring with you to your in-person appointment your current valid driver's license or another government issued photo ID and original Social Security card (name must match ID and Social Security card)

Click here to register to be a provider

In-person appointments will be held at the following locations by appointment:

1. Mendocino County Department of Social Services – 747 S State St Ukiah (707) 463-7900 

2. Mendocino County Department of Social Services – 472 E Valley St Willits (707) 456-3700 

3. Mendocino County Department of Social Services – 764 S Franklin St Fort Bragg (707) 962-1022 

Background Checks:

Live Scan services are offered at our Ukiah office and can be completed at your scheduled in-person appointment. If you prefer to complete the Live Scan process elsewhere, please:

• Print the Live Scan form and take it to a Live Scan location (an appointment may be required and there may be a fee)
• Keep the completed copy of the Live Scan form and your receipt for your own records

Once the department receives notification that you have passed the background check, you will be notified that you are eligible to provide services to IHSS participants.

Rights and Responsibilities  

For detailed information regarding your rights and responsibilities within the IHSS program, you can explore the following resources:  

• IHSS Videos: Educational videos on various aspects of the program   

• IHSS Recipient Fact Sheets: Important documents that outline your rights and what to expect from the IHSS services.   

For More Information  

• For information about the enrollment process and Tier 1 and Tier 2 crimes, visit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provider page.  

• For help with completing timesheets  

• For IHSS Program forms  

• For additional help, call the IHSS Provider Help Line at (866) 376-7066  

• California Association of Public Authority (CAPA) website  

Your Rights Under California Welfare Programs (PUB 13)  

Sus Derechos Bajo Los Programas De Asistencia Públicia De California (PUB 13sp)  

IHSS Advisory Committee

The IHSS Advisory Committee provides recommendations to improve processes and services for IHSS providers and recipients.

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee provides ongoing advice and recommendations regarding in-home supportive services to:

1. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
2. The Directors and Administrative Agency of the public Authority

The IHSS Advisory Committee has eleven members appointed by the County Board of Supervisors for a term of two years which may be extended with the approval of the Board of Supervisors. The committee consists of:

• Six members who are current or former representatives of the Mendocino County IHSS caseload
• Two members who are current or former IHSS providers
• Three members experienced in program development, administration, or fiscal management of home care service delivery organizations

Estate Administration

The Public Guardian/Public Administrator unit provides services, including:

• Estate Administration: Handles the affairs of individuals who pass away without family to manage their estates.

For more information about these services, please contact (707) 468-7056.

Public Guardian

The Public Guardian/Public Administrator unit provides services, including:

• Probate Conservatorship Management: Initiates and renews conservatorships through the court process.
• Case Management: Supports conserved persons with dementia, developmental delays, or traumatic brain injuries, ensuring their needs are met.

For more information about these services, please contact (707) 468-7056.

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) plays a vital role in enhancing services for older adults. We focus on:  

• Advocacy: Promoting the needs and rights of older persons.  

• Inter-Agency Linkages: Facilitating collaboration among various service providers.

• Information Sharing: Providing resources and information to support community-based services.

These initiatives are carried out under the leadership and direction of the California Department of Aging.  

For more information about our programs and services, please contact us.  

Area Agency on Aging 

The Lake and Mendocino County AAA Ombudsman Program offers a free and confidential service dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities. Our trained Ombudsmen advocate for residents’ rights and help address concerns related to their care.  

For more information about our programs and services, please contact us.

Ombudsman Information

State Ombudsman Crisis Line 800-231-4024  

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the USDA, nor does mention of the trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. 

In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Center for Civil Rights Enforcement, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (866) 632-9992