Resident Empowerment Program

More than 150,000 older adults are living in Contra Costa County. Many will need long-term care to help them maintain health and wellness. The Resident Empowerment Program (REP) seeks to ensure that these residents’ intentions for aging and end of life are respected by the protection of necessary legal documents such as Advance Health Care Directives and Power of Attorney and established relationships with resident advocates and legal representatives.

A first of its kind partnership, Contra Costa Legal Services and Empowered Aging have come together to provide innovative and responsive screening, education, and legal counsel to residents of Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE).

Advanced Health Care Directives and Durable Powers of Attorney are vital to seniors as they afford them the opportunity to ensure their wants and needs are met in the event of incapacity or illness. Unfortunately, many, even those who are in fragile health, do not have them. Currently, 23% of Californians have these critical documents completed. Long-term care residents are the most in jeopardy as they face issues of declining health, dwindling community, and inability to advocate on their own behalf. Without these documents, residents may not be able to make their health care choices known or appoint an agent of their choosing.

Empowered Aging will work with facility staff and residents to identify those in long-term care who are interested and able to update and complete Advanced Health Care Directives and Durable Powers of Attorney in the facility where they reside.

Are you an older adult or adult with disabilities residing in a long-term care facility in Contra Costa County? Do you know someone who is? Then we want to help. The Resident Empowerment Program will help protect the rights and dignity of elders in comfortable and confidential setting of their choice. Please, get in touch with our team by calling (925)685-2070 or email info@empoweredaging.org.