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The Linkages Program is a case management
program partially funded by the County of Kern with funds
from the State of California. This program acts as a linking
mechanism for seniors and disabled adults, connecting them
with existing community resources.
The intent of the Linkages Program is to prevent premature
or inappropriate institutionalization of frail or at risk
elderly and functionally impaired adults aged 18 and older
by providing case management, as well as comprehensive information
and assistance services. There are no income criteria or costs
to access the Linkages Program.
Linkages currently manages cases throughout Kern County, and
has waiting lists in every area of service due to the increasing
need for this type of advocacy. Linkages staff and volunteers
provide more than 8,000 hours of service to Kern County residents
each year.
The program accepts monetary donations as well as donations
of food, transportation, clothing, incontinence supplies,
supplemental nutritional products, durable medical equipment
and a myriad of volunteer services, and can provide a letter
or receipt of donation for tax purposes.
Linking Services:
| Meals on Wheels |
Transportation |
| Home Access Grants |
Consumer Advocacy |
| Medical Case Management |
Legal Referrals |
| Social Security Administration |
Minor Home Repairs |
| Supplemental Security Income |
Social Advocacy |
| Homemaker Services |
Counseling Services |
| Medicare and MediCal Resources |
Respite Services |
| Donations of Medical Supplies |
Adult Day Care Support |
| Food Bank Referrals |
Devices for the Visually Impaired |
| Devices for the Hearing
Impaired |
Home Safety Devices |
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR LINKAGES?
Case Management by Linkages is based on
the clients’ age and/or physical disability and is not
dependent on any financial criteria. Linkages can assist disabled
clients over the age of 18 and seniors aged 65 and older.
The goal of the Linkages Program and staff is to allow our
elderly and disabled adult clients to remain safely and securely
in their own home throughout their lifetime.
WHAT LOCATIONS ARE
COVERED?
The Linkages Program operates throughout the state. Each County
has its own program and funding based on the assessed needs
of each area. This program is available in all areas of Kern
County.
DOES THE LINKAGES STAFF HAVE PROFESSIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS?
Each Linkages Program Case Manager is a professional social
worker with a minimum Bachelor’s degree in their field.
In addition, they must have a minimum one year of case management
experience to be eligible to join the Linkages staff, which
assures skilled professionals who not only understand problems,
but understand individual needs as well.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The Linkages Program can be reached Monday through Friday,
8:00 am to 5:00 pm at 661.395.5820 or toll free at 877.223.2825.
Intake Coordinators are available to conduct a telephone interview
to gather initial information and schedule a return call or
visit by a Linkages Case Manager. Spanish speaking assistance
is also available.
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