For many older adults living in California’s small, six-bed care facilities, daily life can mean little more than a television screen or a bedroom wall. Because these smaller homes aren’t required to offer structured activities, residents often face profound isolation — a risk to health and wellbeing that rivals smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
That’s why Empowered Aging is launching the Resident Enrichment Program, a new initiative that brings connection, stimulation, and joy directly to residents who can’t easily leave their facilities.
Powered by a Three Valleys Community Grant, the program will send a Mobile Activities Coordinator — supported by trained volunteer “Friendly Visitors” — into Tri-Valley facilities across Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon, offering everything from book clubs and karaoke to chair yoga, pet therapy, and games, tailored to residents of every mobility and cognitive level.
Building on more than 50 years of Ombudsman advocacy and unmatched access to long-term care facilities, we’re expanding our mission from protecting residents to actively enriching their lives. Our goal: to reach 552 older and dependent adults across 92 six-bed facilities, ensuring that isolation is never simply accepted as “the way things are” for elders in care.
Want to get involved as a volunteer, or learn more about the program? Email us at REP@Empowereaging.org.