ARF's philosophy is that bonding with animals is a rewarding and enriching experience. The agency sponsors several programs designed to unite residents in long-term care facilities with animals as a type of emotional therapy. The Added Touch program invites residents to participate in various animal-assisted activities, aided by an ARF staff member. Participants learn the nuances of animal body language while socializing in a stress-free, controlled environment.

The East Bay SPCA provides animal welfare services including shelter, pet adoption, animal training and affordable veterinarian services. The agency has united thousands of owners and pets, many of whom provide animal therapy within long-term care communities. The agency believes that human lives are greatly enriched by the love and companionship of our furry friends!

Friendship Foundation volunteers and their pets visit individuals in medical, day care and long-term care facilities. Pets include cats, rabbits, dogs and guinea pigs; all of the animals undergo regular evaluations to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for pet visits.

TherapyPets' trained volunteers and their pets visit individuals of all ages in hospitals, hospices, psychiatric wards and long-term care facilities. Visiting pets include dogs and cats that have been evaluated to ensure they are safe for participants to interact with.

Bread and Roses is a nonprofit organization that provides entertainment to residents of long-term care facilities as well as other isolated individuals. Their professional volunteer entertainers perform at no charge within about two dozen long-term care settings throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, as well as in day programs that serve seniors and individuals who require specialized care.

Creative Growth Art Center emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of the arts and encourages seniors to develop and hone their artistic talents. The weekday program offers art classes such as drawing instruction, painting, ceramics, woodworking, fiber arts, printmaking and photography. Participants create art for the center's auctions, in addition to developing their own exhibition portfolios. Other classes, including communication, health, cooking and movement are part of the Personal Skill curriculum. Fieldtrips to local museums, galleries and artists' private studios all play an integral part of the program.

Think Back Films creates video memoirs to help families preserve their unique histories for generations to come. After an initial consultation, the agency's experienced film and design staff formulates a creative way to capture the essence of each family's legacy. The collaborative process ensures that the product fully documents each client's special messages. Think Back Films hosts numerous workshops and presentations, including Ethical Wills, A Walk Down Memory Lane and MINDing the Gaps: Building Generational Bridges, all of which incorporate storytelling exercises that encourage seniors to share their knowledge of the past in hopes of forging a greater understanding with future generations.

Nestled in the East Bay communities of Danville and Lafayette, Loreciel Haven's two board and care communities offer the comfort of home with around-the-clock care; the addition of a third facility, Loreciel Haven of El Cajon in Lafayette, is in the works. A familial and cheery environment marks both of the homes, each of which boasts luxurious interior décor and well-maintained gardens. Loreciel Haven's comprehensive Extraordinary Care program includes care assessments, planning, anticipation, supervision and frequent reviews of the residents' well-being. The management takes an interactive approach to care, using socialization, activities and group therapy to ease any discomfort that transitioning may cause.

Virginia Bell and David Troxel's four guidebooks assist professional and family caregivers in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's. The books educate caregivers on how to offer emotional support and promote communication and positive behavior. One of the books outlines approximately 150 activities geared specifically toward people with Alzheimer's. Another book aims to improve Alzheimer's care by assisting facilities in recruiting and training staff.

Four times per year, Family Caregiver Alliance hosts Camp for Caring, a two-day retreat for adults with Alzheimer's or other adult-onset cognitive impairments. A weekend of stimulating activities such as arts, music and gentle sports are offered to campers, leaving their caregivers free to take a much-needed break. Conversely, caregivers get their turn at the retreat center twice a year during FCA's Caregiver Retreat. FCA helps make it possible for caregivers to attend by helping find and fund respite care for the caregivers' loved ones during the retreat. Activities at the Caregiver Retreat include workshops, support groups, arts, massage therapy, games and other forms of entertainment.

The MedicalView website provides links to interactive programs that address a wealth of medical issues, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and heart attacks. The site offers a comprehensive list of short informational programs that answer questions pertaining to specific medical conditions. Web audiences click on the queries to receive detailed responses from medical specialists.

Owner Betty Burr is a life coach who has over twenty-five years of experience in helping people realize their potential. She is passionate about working with caregivers and addressing their special needs; one of her areas of expertise includes helping caregivers make a life plan to achieve their goals. Betty is also skilled in career transitions and retirement planning. As a graduate of the gerontology program at SFSU, she is especially attuned to aging issues. She is also a member of the International Coaches Federation, American Society for Training and Development and Northern California Human Resources Association, and has taught on the extension faculties of San Francisco and San Jose State Universities.

For over twenty years, John Jeffery has guided caregivers toward self-understanding and personal growth. Since 1995, John has co-led the Family Caregiver Alliance Retreat. He conducts workshops on grief and loss for male caregivers through the Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center in Sacramento and is a spiritual chaplain for the hospice program at Kaiser Permanente. John has a master's degree in divinity and theology and is available for workshops, seminars and individual consultation. A sliding fee scale is available.

Crisis response team members at the Contra Costa Crisis Center provide one-on-one counseling and grief support after the loss of a loved one; whether in the privacy of a participant's home or office, the agency reaches out to children and adults of all ages. Informational newsletters, referrals to local support groups and a 24-hour grief hotline are the foundation of the program. English and Spanish-speaking counselors are available.

Participants attend the East Bay Center for Attitudinal Healing to supplement their current health care treatments. Grief support, peer groups, educational workshops and community outreach programs are all part of the healing process. The programming reflects the ideology of health as a state of inner peace. Seniors and their loved ones may both benefit from the East Bay Center's services.

Elder Wisdom Circle is web-based nonprofit organization of volunteers, sixty and older, who offer practical advice on a broad range of topics—from gardening and personal goals to major life changes. The organization encourages seniors to share their experiences in ways that not only empower those in need but also reinforce their own roles as leaders within their communities. Seniors may participate from the privacy of their homes or in groups within their long-term care settings.

Family Service Counseling Center is a nonprofit agency that offers affordable, professional mental health support to seniors and their loved ones. The experienced staff of clinical social workers provides psychotherapy, substance abuse counseling and educational services at the Center's San Leandro office or through local schools and community centers. Fees are based on a sliding scale.

Robyn Yale has over twenty years of experience in the fields of Aging and Alzheimer's disease. She is a leading expert, educator and advocate in the field of early dementia. In 2002, she received the MindAlert Award from the American Society on Aging. Robyn provides counseling, consultation and care management services to people with early-stage dementia and their families. Her support groups for assisted living residents address memory loss, dealing with emotional reactions, problem-solving, coping with change and planning for the future. Her approach enhances residents' quality of life and helps to potentially extend their stay. Consultation and training is available for professionals in the industry.

Senior Peer Counseling of Contra Costa offers support groups and free confidential counseling to Contra Costa County residents who are at least fifty-five years of age.

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, a toll-free crisis hotline, has served the community for more than thirty years, playing a major role in suicide prevention. The experienced counseling staff provides grief support to distressed individuals twenty-four hours a day.

Dr. Patrick Arbore, Ed.D., the 1988 recipient of the American Society on Aging award for outstanding contributions in the field of aging, is the founder of Friendship Line for the Elderly. An expert with more than thirty years of experience in the areas of aging, grief and crisis intervention, he is a noted workshop leader and lecturer, speaking on such issues as crisis, depression and despair in the elderly.

Growth House is a website that provides resources for life-threatening illnesses and end-of-life care. Its mission is to improve the quality of information and resources for this population. Growth House's network serves an international consortium of health organizations, which hosts a discussion forum for over 18,000 professionals. The website explains major issues in hospice and home care, pain management, grief, and death with dignity. It also offers disease-specific interviews and guides, and maintains an online bookstore. Growth House Radio is a unique online entertainment service that offers a unique mix of music and educational features on end-of-life care.

Bereaved families can rely on Montclair Estates to handle the difficult job of liquidating a deceased loved one's belongings. The company offers free consultations and also accommodates executors, beneficiaries and lawyers. Montclair Estates specializes in eBay auctions.

Janet Kahn prepares fiduciary accountings for conservators, guardians, executors and trustees; audits accountings prepared by third parties; and consults on related matters. She also serves as a private fiduciary. Janet has a law degree from San Francisco Law School and an MBA from Golden Gate University.

Sacramento Valley Financial specializes in reverse mortgages, a process that helps homeowners over the age of sixty-two generate income, helping to preserve their financial freedom and independence. Homeowners retain the title and may choose from several payment options ranging from a line of credit to a lump sum or monthly payments. The money is nontaxable and does not affect Social Security of Medicare benefits. Borrowers do not need to worry about making monthly payments, since none are required for the term of the loan.

Seniors Reverse Mortgage educates and helps seniors sixty-two and older, who own their own homes, take advantage of reverse mortgages. The specialized home loan allows homeowners to turn some of their equity into income. The homeowners retain their property titles. Several payment options are available, including a line of credit, a lump sum, monthly payments or any combination of these. The payments are nontaxable and do not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. Monthly payments are not required for the term of the loan.

21 Minute Convenience Fitness is an efficient circuit program that helps seniors realize their fitness goals. The program offers low-impact training that yields high results; the fast, modified workouts uniquely benefit seniors by addressing their changing physical abilities and lifestyle needs.

CIL helps disabled individuals to maintain their independence. The center's impressively multilingual employees provide numerous services, including assistance with obtaining Social Security benefits and affordable, wheelchair-accessible housing; acquiring assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and ramps; and organizing counseling and support groups for the blind and deaf. Many of the services are free or low-cost. Not only does CIL supply those in need with caregivers to help with the activities of daily living, the center also works continually to increase the accessibility of transportation, housing and government programs for the disabled.

Lavender Seniors of the East Bay offers numerous services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seniors of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Volunteers from the agency's Friendly Visitors program visit isolated seniors and occasionally assist them with errands such as shopping. Participants in the Telephone Support program enjoy regular calls from caring volunteers. Volunteers and participants are matched based on similar interests. Lavender Seniors hosts a monthly potluck at the San Leandro Community Church; meals are often followed by guest entertainers and speakers. The organization works with the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging and the Tri-City Elder's Coalition, among others, to advocate for LGBT seniors' special needs.

Seniors of central Alameda County may participate in Senior Services Foundation's Friendly Visiting program, in which volunteers and participants spend an hour a week together, sharing stories and enjoying mutual interests.

HICAP is a volunteer-supported program offering free information, education and counseling services on Medicare benefits and rights. The services include legal advice, representation and advocating for individuals to whom coverage has been denied. One of the topics covered by HICAP counselors includes supplemental long-term care insurance like Medigap, to help people make the choices best suited to their individual needs. Counselors also assist individuals in choosing an appropriate Medicare prescription drug plan. HICAP is administered by the California Department of Aging; its volunteers undergo continuing education and are registered with the state.

Applying "Universal Design" to a home can be a cost-effective alternative to a living in a care facility, with the added benefit of aging in place in one's own home. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) use strategic techniques to design and build attractive, barrier-free environments. ASI has over twenty years of experience in general contracting, including designing and constructing care facilities. ASI applies this unique experience to remodeling projects for the aged. ASI evaluates customers' needs, auditing the design of their homes in order to prepare a prioritized list of proposed modifications.

Community Energy Services, a licensed general contractor, runs the Home Safety and Repair Program for Berkeley residents. The program provides participants with a full spectrum of free home repairs, including plumbing and electrical services, smoke alarm and wheelchair ramp installations, earthquake retrofits and roof repairs. Eligible participants include low-income seniors and disabled individuals, all of whom must own their homes.

Home Safety Services offers assessments, advice and home improvements to seniors and rehab patients, enabling them to maintain their independence. The organization focuses on fall prevention and enhancing accessibility. Service representatives offer quotes over the phone based on fixed prices that include labor, materials and tax. Home improvements include installing grab bars, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide monitors, stair railings and wheelchair ramps. Home Safety Services also offers referrals if its representatives are unable to provide assistance.

The City of Richmond's Housing and Community Development division assists homeless and disabled Richmond residents to obtain housing in addition to helping low-income homeowners make improvements to their homes. The department also works with developers to create affordable housing. Seniors and disabled individuals may be eligible for no-cost services such as plumbing repairs and installation of smoke detectors. They may also qualify for the Deferred Loan progra

Premier Bathrooms transforms bathrooms for elderly, frail and disabled people so they can comfortably maintain their independence. The company's products range from walk-in showers and baths to bath seats, grab bars and hydrotherapy tubs. Premier Bathrooms' representatives advise their customers on the best options for their unique needs. A full demonstration of all products is available at local stores.

Low-income senior and disabled homeowners benefit from Rebuilding Together's free home improvements, which range from the installation of windows and wheelchair ramps to electrical and plumbing repairs. The all-volunteer workforce also addresses the exteriors of homes by painting and landscaping. Nonprofit organizations, particularly those that serve low-income communities, may also be eligible for no-cost repairs and improvements. Interested residents of Oakland, Albany, Berkeley and Emeryville may inquire about eligibility at their local office.

Volunteers of Alameda Friendly Visitors provide companionship to homebound Alameda residents. The weekly visits take place in participants' homes. Volunteers also call participants regularly between visits to ensure that they are doing well. Volunteers undergo background checks and training.

LIFE ElderCare offers three programs for seniors and disabled individuals who reside in Newark, Fremont and Union City. The Travel Escort program volunteers assist participants in using local paratransit and conducting errands in addition to translating for participants who do not speak English. Friendly Visitor program participants enjoy weekly visits from trained volunteers who have similar interests; they also go on outings and chat regularly on the phone. Homebound and disabled individuals qualify for home delivery of hot lunches that accommodate diets ranging from vegetarian to diabetic, courtesy of Meals on Wheels volunteers; participants make monetary contributions based on a sliding scale.

LifeCourse Strategies provides in-home care assessments, care planning and consultation services. The agency's staff of clinical social workers teams up with seniors and their families to draft and implement a care plan that addresses their unique needs. Family consultations deal specifically with the hardships and issues of caring for an older person; the agency works closely with family members to resolve their concerns.

The Alameda County Library Bookmobile serves residents of Alameda County in areas that lack city libraries. The Bookmobile carries a variety of materials, such as books, CDs, videos and magazines. Items may be reserved for pick up from the Bookmobile via the Alameda County website, the Bookmobile office and Alameda County libraries. Materials may be returned to the Bookmobile at any of its scheduled stops, which include schools, parks, apartment buildings and senior centers.

Berkeley Public Library's outreach program delivers materials, free of charge, to Berkeley residents unable to visit the library due to health issues. Borrowers may request specific materials or provide an outreach specialist with a list of previously enjoyed titles, which are used to compile a new set of materials. The Berkeley Public Library also offers sign language interpretation and a screen reader, which reads printed text aloud for individuals who are unable to read on their own. In addition, each branch carries a selection of closed-captioned videos and audio books as well as Braille and large-print materials.

Contra Costa County library cardholders can have their favorite selection of books and audio books (on CD or tape) delivered right to their doors! Books by Mail, a program featured on the library's website, is extremely beneficial to seniors with limited access to transportation. Booklovers need only browse the online catalog, place an order and wait for delivery. Items may be returned in the handy "mail bag" that accompanies the order or dropped off at the nearest branch.

The Oakland Public Library Bookmobile serves Oakland, Emeryville and Piedmont. The bookmobile carries a variety of materials, including books, CDs, DVDs and magazines. Items may be reserved via the Oakland Public Library website and at Oakland public libraries. Materials may be picked up and returned to the bookmobile at any of its scheduled stops, which include a variety of schools, recreation centers, senior centers and long-term care facilities.

Hayward Public Library's Senior Outreach Service volunteers deliver library materials to frail seniors and disabled individuals. The scheduled deliveries are typically made to the participant's home. Volunteers also pick up and return the materials to the library. Many friendships have developed between volunteers and participants as a result of this excellent service!

Castro Valley Adult School's Active Adults program primarily serves people with disabilities who are fifty and older. The extensive curriculum offers a plethora of classes: art appreciation, Shakespeare and cultural literacy, senior chorus, quilting, cooking, mature drivers' education, nutrition, fitness and relaxation, computer literacy and creative journaling are among the program's numerous creative outlets. Most senior adult classes are year-round and free of charge, unless otherwise posted.

There's Always Hope is a consulting firm that specializes in developing and delivering customized lifelong learning programs that promote positive aging for communities, organizations and individuals. Examples include memory and mental fitness classes, guided autobiography groups and various intergenerational activities. In addition to over twenty years' experience in the field and master's degrees in gerontology and special education, Hope Levy, the company's owner, keeps abreast on cutting-edge research and developments in the field in order to continually find new, effective, creative and engaging ways to help people maintain and improve their cognitive vitality.

Alameda County Meals on Wheels has provided nutritious meals to homebound seniors throughout Alameda County since 1987. Participants enjoy diverse healthful offerings that address their individual needs, including special diets and ethnic preferences. Individuals who cannot make or buy meals for themselves and are at least sixty years of age are eligible. The organization encourages donations from participants who can afford to contribute.

Bay Area Vital Link helps seniors and disabled individuals maintain their independence by providing a 24-hour alarm service. In the event of an emergency, subscribers push a button, located on a transmitter worn around their necks, to contact the emergency response center. The center's employees then contact the subscriber's friends and family and, if necessary, emergency response units such as an ambulance or the fire department.

Bischoff's sells medical supplies and equipment; however, they specialize in medical support hose. At their Oakland location, individuals can be fitted for hosiery designed to target a number of problems: fatigued or aching legs, poor circulation, varicose veins, swelling (edema) and deep vein thrombosis.

Clothing Solutions offers attire for people who require full or partial assistance in dressing. With a varied population in mind—from individuals with limited mobility, to those who may attempt to undress themselves at inappropriate moments, to those who are incontinent—Clothing Solutions manufactures pieces to suit individuals in various scenarios. The designs include features such as zip-fronts, inseams secured by snaps, pullover styling, rear seat panels and back openings. All of these features are disguised to promote the wearer's dignity as well as their comfort.

e-Pill is an online store that offers a plethora of medication-reminder merchandise. Alarms, vibrating timers, watches and pagers, pill organizers and identifiers—all are technological solutions to the often hard-to-remember and easy-to-forget problems with tracking daily medication schedules. e-Pill provides a money-back guarantee for all its products.

Eco Sound Medical Services is a web-based distributor of health care products that range from medical equipment and incontinence supplies to dietary and nutritional products.

Adult briefs, assorted undergarments, disposable washcloths and incontinence pads are among the most common orders. Eco Sound representatives offer educational support and advice on their many products and services. The company also offers in-home repair of the medical equipment it sells.

Express Ramps is a web-based business that specializes in wheelchair ramps. Some of the ramps less than ten feet long collapse for easy transport. Ramps longer than ten feet are described as "modular," since they can be assembled by joining small pieces to create more permanent ramps that do not require building permits. All ramps fulfill a spectrum of needs. The company's online ramp wizard ensures picking out the correct design is fail-safe. Customer service representatives are helpful and well-trained in regard to their products. Customers need the skills and help of at least one handy friend to set up most ramps.

Gold Violin offers its clients nifty gadgets and support products to enhance independent living. The Gold Violin online catalogue is replete with merchandise for seniors with physical and cognitive conditions that may hinder daily routines; memory enhancing products such as photo phones and day-of-the-week clocks are as handy as they are helpful. Many of the products are specifically designed for people with arthritis, dementia or visual impairments.

HDIS offers a full range of incontinence supplies. Company representatives helpfully answer questions and provide advice. The online catalog is extensive and all orders are delivered in discreet packaging.

Lifeline is an affordable, easy-to-use medical alarm that promotes the independence of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and the chronically ill by helping them to stay safely at home.

Livermore Medical Supplies offers a variety of health-related supplies and equipment at its Livermore, Modesto and Stockton stores. Customers will find everything from stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors to wheelchairs and scooters. Orders are delivered to local addresses or may be shipped via UPS. Livermore Medical Supplies accepts Medicare.

MedicAlert, a nonprofit organization, stores important health records for its members. The organization's 24-hour response center quickly supplies emergency response personnel with these records in the event of an emergency. Members wear the MedicAlert Emblem, a bracelet engraved with their ID numbers, medical conditions and the phone number of the emergency response center. The E-HealthKEY is a small electronic device that fits on a keychain and contains medical records that can be quickly accessed during emergencies. MedicAlert also stores state-recognized advance directives and do-not-resuscitate orders so that members' loved ones and medical caregivers have access to this crucial information should the need arise.

MediKeeper is an online record-keeping service that aids seniors, their caregivers and physicians in keeping track of important health-related information. MediKeeper's features include MediKost, which uses personal information to help seniors choose the most appropriate pharmacy and Medicare prescription discount card; MediKabinet, which tracks subscribers' medications and related information including dosage, side effects and drug interactions; MediTracker, which logs personal health markers like weight, cholesterol and blood pressure, and MediForms, which enables subscribers to avoid completing medical forms repeatedly. A phone call to MediKeeper during an emergency quickly provides medical personnel with subscribers' medical information.

Shield Healthcare is a web-based medical supply company that offers products ranging from incontinence and ostomy supplies to nutritional supplements. The company is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service, making sure that their employees receive regular training on products and services.

Interior designer Donna Quinn Robbins has assisted over 700 families with moving their senior relatives. Her ability to assist in all types of moves and transitions is well-respected throughout the Bay Area. Noting an increasing need for support and information, Donna co-authored the book Moving Mom and Dad—Why, Where, How and When to Help Your Parents Relocate. Her personal, sensitive and sincere approach to the senior population is refreshing and necessary.

Judith-Kate Friedman is an award-winning folksinger and the founder of Songwriting Works, a nonprofit organization that brings seniors, youth and professional songwriters together to create and perform original music within care facilities and in groups throughout the Bay Area. An example of this work can be found on the CD "Island On A Hill," which features original songs written with residents of the Jewish Home of San Francisco. The CD can be ordered by contacting Judith-Kate directly. She and her musicians are available for workshops and concerts and can help individuals craft songs based on their life histories.

Montclair Pharmacy customers may order prescription refills via telephone, email, fax or through the pharmacy's website. The pharmacy offers generic and brand-name drugs as well as cosmetics, medical supplies and herbal and nutritional supplements. Customers in Montclair and Piedmont enjoy same-day delivery of their orders.

Webster Pharmacy accepts prescription refills on its website, which also features a searchable database of medical conditions and drug information. Customers may arrange for the pharmacy to deliver orders directly to their homes. Ed Clark, head pharmacist and owner of Webster Pharmacy, writes a column on prescription and over-the-counter drugs for the Alameda Sun.

Senior Real Estate Specialists realtors have received a special education from the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council so they can effectively assist seniors with major decisions such as selling their home or refinancing. These specialists are equipped to counsel seniors on topics that include relocating and purchasing property. Clients receive pertinent information on the real estate market as well as referrals to attorneys and other professionals who focus on senior-related issues.

ANC is a nonprofit organization that provides information on travel and recreational opportunities in Northern California for people with physical disabilities. The website includes details on lodging, travel tips, driving distances to major attractions and disabled discount passes for certain events.

Elderhostel is a nonprofit organization that designs affordable and educational itineraries for older adults. The objective is not just to visit a destination, but to get to know a place and learn about the native culture. By humanizing and contextualizing the travel experience, Elderhostel goes beyond the commonplace travel experience by offering informed lectures, field trips and cultural excursions. Both U.S. and international destinations are covered. The organization also serves as a social network where like-minded seniors can meet. Some trips include intergenerational programs and community service work.

CTAP distributes telephone equipment and provides free telecommunications services to individuals who have difficulty using the phone. This program is particularly suited to California residents who are deaf or hard of hearing, have speech difficulty, poor vision, cognitive impairments or restricted mobility. To qualify, a person must live in a California residence that has existing telephone service and must be certified by a medical doctor or other authority as having an impairment that makes phone use difficult. Employees of small businesses may be eligible for this equipment at their employment sites as well.

DCARA works with the deaf senior community in the Bay Area, to create opportunities that empower these seniors to lead independent and productive lives. The Deaf Seniors program organizes computer training courses, advocacy groups, field trips and community activities, as well as educational workshops for caregivers. The annual Senior Luncheon and Senior Picnic attract deaf seniors from all over the Bay, giving everyone an opportunity to celebrate together!

Pioneered to assist people with visual impairments, National Federation for the Blind's Newsline is a toll-free news hotline. Gathering news bytes from over two hundred media affiliates, including giants such as USA Today, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and prominent magazines such as The Economist and AARP, subscribers receive their news at the touch of button. NFB-Newsline gives its "readers" access to local, national and world news twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Senior Helpline Services, formerly Contact Care Center, assists Contra Costa County seniors to maintain their independence by providing telephone contact and transportation. Reassurance Phone Friends program participants enjoy regularly scheduled calls from volunteers who inquire about their health and listen to their concerns. If participants do not answer, volunteers follow up to ensure that they are safe. Participants also receive birthday and holiday cards. In addition, Senior Helpline Services' trained volunteers provide free door-to-door transportation for errands and medical appointments.

Fremont's Paratransit program provides daily transportation to eligible senior and disabled residents of Fremont. Door-to-door transportation, via sedans and wheelchair-accessible vans, is available for medical appointments, grocery shopping and recreational destinations in Fremont, Newark and Union City. Participants are encouraged to make reservations at least twenty-four hours in advance. Long-term care facilities, senior centers and organizations that serve the disabled may organize group trips to destinations within thirty miles of the Fremont Senior Center. Group trips require a minimum of six participants.

Paratransit is a specialized transportation service for people whose disabilities or health-related conditions prevent them from independently using fixed route public transit. It is provided by public transportation systems as part of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Each area has different service providers and different operating hours. Individuals must first qualify before they may participate.