Eldercare resources and activities for older adults

Resources for information, support, and other services for those caring for older adults are listed below. Also listed are educational, social, and other activities offered for older adults at UCSD and elsewhere in the San Diego area.

Activities for older adults at UCSD

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSD is an educational and cultural organization for retirees, directed by its members under the administrative auspices of UCSD Extension. Its approximately 600 members annually elect a set of officers and a Council to establish policy, oversee the curriculum and activities, control its financial and budget affairs, and generally maintain the organization.

Membership is open to any individual 50 years of age and above who is retired or semi-retired. Members can attend classes according to their own schedule. The only requirement for participation in Osher Lifelong Learning Institute are life experience and a desire to learn.

UCSD Retirement Association

The UCSD Retirement Association serves several purposes, including offering educational and entertainment programs and providing volunteer opportunities for retirees. Anyone can join, including individuals who are not affiliated with UCSD.

Members also receive a number of benefits, including a UCSD ID card, access to the library, discounts at the bookstore, discounts on La Jolla Symphony and Chorus and La Jolla Playhouse admissions, and invitations to a number of annual Retirement Association events, including the annual picnic, Day at the Races, holiday party, winery tours, classes and seminars, and more.

Members pay an annual or lifetime fee. For more information, read How to Join the UCSD Retirement Association.

Eldercare resources at UCSD

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program – referrals and Eldercare Support Group

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides referrals to resources for the elderly, such as specialized medical care, transportation, and caretakers, and offers an eldercare support group for individuals responsible for the care and oversight of elderly persons. There is no charge for FSAP services. For further information, call (858) 534-2387.

Seniors Only Care (SOCARE)

SOCARE is an outpatient geriatric assessment clinic located at the UCSD Medical Center. SOCARE’s multidisciplinary team of geriatric specialists identifies current and potential health problems and makes realistic recommendations for treatment and care with the goals of ensuring better health and quality of life in later years; providing brief testing of memory and thinking abilities in older adults who are referred by their primary physicians; providing more detailed evaluations through a diagnostic procedure for patients with more significant problems; providing second opinions on the diagnosis and treatment of dementia; and working with primary physicians and community resources to develop an overall care plan that best meets the needs of the patient and his or her family.