LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino Counties is welcoming new leadership.
Effective July 1, AAA appointed Todd Metcalf as its new director.
Metcalf already heads the Adult Services division of Lake County Department of Social Services, which includes Adult Protective Services, In-Home Supportive Services, Public Administrator, Public Authority and Public Guardian programs.
Metcalf’s five-plus years’ experience in aging services includes acting as Director of Programs at the Area 1 Agency on Aging in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.
He began his work in social services in 2000 as Workforce Development Program Manager at Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire, then housed in Lakeport.
Another new face at the Area Agency on Aging is Sonya Lujan, recently hired as the long-term care ombudsman. She has just successfully completed the ombudsman training curriculum and has received certification by the state of California as a long-term care ombudsman.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities, working to protect residents’ rights and investigating and resolving complaints made by or for residents.
The program addresses quality of care/quality of life issues and provides training, education and technical assistance to facilities, residents and their families.
The Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino Counties plans, coordinates and implements the development of, and access to, community-based support services for older adults and their caregivers.
Other programs and services funded by the Area Agency on Aging include Senior Information & Assistance, Alzheimer’s Day Care Services, Family Caregiver Support, Senior Legal Assistance, and Senior Center Outreach & Nutrition Programs.
For more information about the Area Agency on Aging and/or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, call 707-262-4517 or visit www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Social_Services/AAA.htm .