Please note that as of June 2021, we are in a process of phased re-opening after the COVID-19 emergency, and hours for our programs and services may vary. Thank you for your patience as we transition back to our regular schedule.

Home-Based Services

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

Contra Costa & Napa/Solano

The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) is a Medi-Cal program that provides intensive care management and services to people 65+ who meet the criteria to be placed in a skilled nursing facility, but who would prefer to remain in their own homes.

The program helps prevent or delay institutionalization by providing a complete assessment of the client’s physical, mental and social status to determine services that are necessary, and then coordinating with the participant, their doctor and caregivers on a personalized care plan that supports living safely at home. Services provided through MSSP may include adult day care, minor home repairs, assistance with chores, personal care and protective supervision, respite, transportation, counseling, therapy, meals, communication and other services.

The MSSP program saves taxpayer dollars, because the cost of helping people stay in their homes is 45% lower than the cost of nursing home care. However, this program is unfortunately often slated for cuts in state budget negotiations and requires constant advocacy to help policymakers understand its value. See our Advocacy Page for more information about our efforts to protect the MSSP program or access the detailed fact sheet below to learn more and apply.

California Community Transitions (CCT)

Contra Costa, Sacramento & Solano

One-third of COVID-19 deaths in California have been among nursing home residents, and we know that seniors and people with disabilities are safer living at home. The California Community Transitions (CCT) project helps Medi-Cal eligible Californians who live in skilled nursing facilities move into their own homes or other community setting with appropriate supports to help them live safely.

As California’s version of the national Money Follows the Person Project, the CCT project specifically applies to those who have been living in a skilled nursing facility for longer than a short stay, assisting them to move back to their home or community with the help of a Transition Coordinator. The Coordinator helps with exploring living choices and explaining the services the program offers, such as home and vehicle adaptation, assistive devices, transportation options, wheelchairs and other medical equipment, self-care training, and getting a personal care attendant. The program also provides assistance coordinating with physicians, family, the nursing facility, landlords and others.

Once the client has moved, the Transition Coordinator follows the participant for a year, helping with issues that arise and connecting the client to services that will allow them to remain at home. This program helps people make their own decisions about where and with whom to live, and it’s available free of charge to anyone 18 or over who qualifies. See the fact sheet below for more details on how to access CCT.

Alzheimer’s and Mental Health

Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers

Central, South & East Contra Costa County

Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers (ADCRC) are award-winning programs geared to those with mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well as their caregivers. Our multidisciplinary care teams include nurses, social workers, therapists and psychological services providers who are trained to address the unique needs of those experiencing cognitive disorders. Our ADCRC programs are available at the Mt. Diablo Center in Pleasant Hill and the Bedford Center in Antioch.

Please note, we are not a drop-in facility, and the full enrollment process is required to attend. See details below for enrollment information or to schedule a tour of either of our ADCRC programs.

The Prevention and Early Access for Seniors Program (PEAS)

Solano County

Mental health is essential to overall well-being, and approximately 20% of older adults experience some type of mental health concern. Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent, and older men have the highest suicide rate of any age group. While depression is not a normal part of aging, the Centers for Disease Control state that mental health issues are widely underdiagnosed in older adults and are often undertreated or untreated altogether.

The Prevention and Early Access for Seniors (PEAS) program is a mental health case management program that identifies adults 60+ in Solano County who are struggling to maintain a positive quality of life. The program provides intake, assessment, referral, brief and comprehensive case management, housing and transportation resources and other services aimed at improving quality of life. It also conducts education and outreach activities for both professionals and the community, focusing on universal prevention strategies that address high rates of depression, anxiety and isolation amongst seniors. PEAS services are available in English and Spanish and help to ensure that older adults struggling with mental health difficulties will get the intervention they need to avoid a crisis.

Provided through the Solano County Division of Mental Health with funds from Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act, the PEAS program serves older adults of any income level who have a desire to participate. We also provide community awareness and education on older adult mental health and suicide-prevention. See further details on how to access the PEAS program below.

Day Programs

Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)

Pleasant Hill & Antioch

Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) was developed here in California in the 1970’s and has spread across the nation as a valuable program that can help those with the most serious health conditions thrive while living in their own homes, instead of being forced to move to a skilled nursing facility. ADHC programs include individualized therapeutic, social and health services provided by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, therapists and other professionals who are experts in geriatric care.

These services help frail or vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities to maintain their health and social contacts, access nursing, occupational, speech therapy, get exercise, prevent falls and slow the deterioration of cognitive functioning by providing a sense of joy and belonging. With their loved ones being safely care for at the center for part of the day, it also provides essential respite for caregivers.

The median cost for Adult Day Health Care Services is about a third of the cost of assisted living and a fraction of the cost (14%) of a skilled nursing facility. Choice in Aging has two ADHC centers – the Mt. Diablo Center located in Pleasant Hill and the Bedford Center in Antioch. Our individualized services meet the needs of diverse populations, including those with Alzheimer’s and Contra Costa’s large community of Farsi, Russian and Spanish speakers.

ADHC services include a formal assessment process, a home visit and an individual plan of care to meet each participant’s needs. Find more details about our two programs below or make an appointment to see our services in action (sorry, we can’t accommodate drop-in visitors but we are happy to schedule a tour).

Caregiver Support

Alzheimer’s Support and Education

Pleasant Hill & Antioch

Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care services provided in people’s homes — approximately 44 million Americans provide a total of $366 billion dollars of unpaid care annually. Caregivers are mostly women and often step into the role with little support or training.

Research shows that the mental, physical and emotional challenges involved can endanger the caregiver’s own health and well-being. Reducing the stress and frustration of caregiving is an essential long-term support.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group & Education

At Choice in Aging, we understand that we don’t just serve our clients, we serve caregivers as well. In addition to providing respite care, we are proud to present free monthly support groups for caregivers and their families. The meetings help caregivers navigate a life-changing diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, develop coping skills, learn about legal and financial issues, get professional advice and learn about stress reduction, working with doctors, identifying resources, and more. The groups strive to answer tough questions with a focus on learning, sharing, planning, and invariably, laughing.

Our Alzheimer’s Support Group at the Mt. Diablo Center is a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and meets on the third Wednesday of each month. The Bedford Center’s Caregiver Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month. To ensure the safety of all present, we will enforce COVID safety protocols. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Sanitization stations will be available.

See our flyers below for more information.

Features & Benefits of the Program

• Achieve a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss
• Develop coping skills for the inevitable changes
• Learning to address legal and financial issues
• Hear knowledgeable and professional speakers provide education and information
• Acquire tools for stress reduction
• Learn how to partner with doctors and understand the resources available
• Ask questions and get answers
• Be part of a circle of support where you help yourself and other and know you are not alone on your journey
• Topics change monthly

Program Eligibility & Cost

The group is open to everyone and is FREE. For more information about the Mt. Diablo program, contact group facilitator Betsy Flathers at (925) 682-6330 x103. For The Bedford Center support groups, please contact Barbara Maugeri at (925) 778-4171 x212, or ask for program director Michael Whalen.

Preschool & Intergenerational Programs

Choice in Learning Montessori

Pleasant Hill

In 2017, a Montessori preschool that had rented space from Choice in Aging announced that it was abruptly closing its doors. When parents came to us in a panic because of the impending closure, the Choice in Aging Board stepped into the gap, taking over the preschool so that it could continue to serve the community. As a result, the Choice in Learning preschool was born. Staying true to the Montessori philosophy of self-directed learning and prepared environments, our preschool continues to be led by the same phenomenal director and staff.

Additionally, the integration of the preschool into our programs has enabled us to an develop intergenerational component called the Young at Heart program, where elders and preschoolers interact and become good friends. They play volleyball and other games, sing and read stories together. Our older adults light up when they see the children, and students benefit from the time and attention of the seniors. The Young at Heart intergenerational program fosters openness, diversity and respect for older adults as a core value of the children’s development. The program brings joy for all, making this endeavor a huge win-win!

A Note About Elder Abuse

We believe that excellent care in the community is the best way to prevent harm, neglect and abuse, and that it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep seniors safe.

If you have information about potential elder abuse, call 1-833-401-0832. When prompted, enter your 5-digit zip code to be connected to Adult Protective Services in your county. This service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Community Resources

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

Here are some links to some commonly requested partners and resources: