To assist local older adults and their caregivers during this challenging time, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH) has launched the Community Resource Center for Aging (CRCA).

The USC-VHH CRCA, which is funded by a generous grant from the Navigage Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life for older adults by connecting them with a broad network of support services from the hospital, as well as nonprofit and public health organizations. People can also receive guidance navigating anything from daily needs, like food and medicine delivery or transportation, to major life decisions like long-term care or assisted living. Access to the CRCA is free to anyone in the community.

“Older adults have their own unique questions and challenges, which are further complicated by the pandemic,” said Adria Navarro, PhD, LCSW, program manager of the CRCA. “USC-VHH has created a support network for older adults in our community and we are excited to be here for them at such a critical time.”

For Toni M. of La Cañada Flintridge, the CRCA provided invaluable guidance navigating care for Toni’s 97-year-old mother. The CRCA gave Toni referrals for in-home care and options for future assisted care. Her mother now has a live-in nurse and enjoys spending peaceful time in the garden with her friendly neighborhood squirrels.

“Working with the CRCA enabled both my mother and me to live more independently, with the security of knowing our options for the future,” Toni said. “I would recommend this organization for anyone with loved ones in their older years.”

To contact the USC-VHH CRCA for assistance, call (818) 949-4033, or learn more at uscvhh.org/aging-resources.