Senior Access for Engagement (SAFE)

Seniors are one of the largest growing groups facing behavioral health issues in this country. SAFE is an outreach program designed to bring services to seniors of Kings County having problems accessing services. Barriers to these services include language, isolation, transportation and awareness of the services. The goal of SAFE is to reach unserved and under served older adults in order to eliminate ethnic and age disparities in accessibility, availability, and appropriateness of mental health services.

Behavioral Health SAFE Clinician

559-582-3211 ext. 2376

SAFE Social Worker at Kings County Commission on Aging

559-582-3211 ext. 2825

Program Overview

Isolation, medication, over-use and abuse, lack of consistent medical care, poor nutrition, emergency services for food, clothing, and shelter, as well as lonliness are several of the concerns of the community-based providers and caregivers for this vulnerable and fragile population.

Outreach by a SAFE team, which will consist of a geriatric mental health clinician, a geriatric social worker and mental health interns, will take place at senior centers, nursing homes, boards & cares, room & boards, and assissted living facilities. Linkages to services and necessary facilitation of older adults care will be a partnership with the family, caregiver, provider, and consumer. The following strategies for outreach and engagement will include:

- Presentations, activities, and interventions at senior centers that promote wellness and resiliency

- Medication management and education

- Reduction in isolation and increase in social networks, gatherings, and positive outings

- Immediate access to necessary care (shelter, clothing, food, medications, medical care) through advocacy and coordination by the SAFE team

- KART and other transportation access through classes, outings and a buddy system

- Linkages to other services and resources

Emergency Lines

Kings CONNECTion

24-hour referral phone line that provides access to community resource information

877-864-9290

Crisis Mental Health Services

24-hour access for any individual experiencing a mental health crisis

800-655-2553

Patients' Rights Advocate

866-701-5464

SAFE Partners

Kings County Behavioral Health

Full Service Partnership (FSP)

559-582-3211 ext. 2376

Kings View Counseling Services

559-582-4481

Family Resource Center Services (FRC)

Armona 559-582-3211 ext 3820

Avenal 559-386-2295

Corcoran 559-992-2833

Home Garden 559-584-4822

Kettlemen City 559-386-1693

Lemoore 559-924-6407

Kings County Commission on Aging

Senior Access for Engagement (SAFE)

559-582-3211 ext.2825

Public Authority

559-583-3241 ext.3809

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)