LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The holidays often trigger distant family members and friends to re-connect.

Sometimes this brings insights about changes in our lives and the need to “get real” in the new year about options for the future.

For older adults in Lake and Mendocino counties, this can start with a call to Community Care’s Senior Information & Assistance Program to see what resources are available (or not) to help you or a loved one to successfully age in place here.

But, what if you want to find out similar information about services in another county or state because you have concerns about a loved one there? Or maybe you have questions because you are thinking of relocating to a different community yourself as you get older?

That’s where the Eldercare Locator can help.

The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, is a database of regional Area Agency on Aging and Senior Information & Assistance offices nationwide.

By calling the toll-free number 1-800-677-1116 or visiting https://eldercare.acl.gov you will be directed to the appropriate office for the community you are researching.

The Web site also offers chat and email options to communicate questions, and often provides links to local directories of aging services.

So, if it’s time for you or a loved one to get real in 2019, the Eldercare Locator may help inform you of out-of-town resources.

For reminders about our local supports, however, Community Care’s Senior Information & Assistance Program is available Monday through Friday by calling 707-468-5132 or 1-800-510-2020.