There are hundreds of services available in Washoe County for seniors, but many folks do not know about them or do not know where to call or where to go online. If you or someone you know needs information or a referral for services, here is a short list of major local contacts:
WASHOE COUNTY HELPLINE – Covers all services provided to residents of Washoe County, such as emergency shelter, public records, tax information, elected officials, and more. Dial 311 or go to www.WashoeCounty.gov/contact.php
WASHOE SENIOR SERVICES – Senior Services Social Workers, Meals on Wheels sign-ups, hot lunches, and activities at senior centers and other sites in Washoe County. Walk-in assistance at 9th Street Senior Center, 1155 E. 9th St, Reno – 775-328-2575 www.washoecounty.gov/seniorsrv
WASHOE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM – In addition to checking out books and other materials,if you need help getting services online, you can ask a librarian to help you; they have free classes to learn to use smartphones, tablets, and computers. Contact the Downtown Library at 775 327 8300 for more information. https://www.washoecountylibrary.us
RENO HELPLINE – Reno Direct – 775 334-INFO or 775 334-4636 for non-emergency issues https://www.reno.gov/community/reno-directReport abandoned cars, graffiti, park, and street maintenance concerns, connect with city officials and services; all calls are tracked and forwarded to city staff.
RENO RECREATION – Three centers offer recreation activities for seniors from pickleball, yoga, water fitness, dance, beanbag baseball, card games, and more 775-334-2262 www.reno.gov/seniors
Connect with all City of Sparks services. Sparks Senior Center at 97 Richards Way offers hot lunches and activities, 775 353 3110.
NEVADA SOCIAL SERVICES & INFORMATION – Dial 211 or www.Nevada211.org for information on healthcare, shelter, protective services, and more
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE – Help with Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP (Food Stamps), help to get a social worker for more services, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and more775-284 1886 www.accesstohealthcare.org
RTC WASHOE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM– Learn to ride the bus system; sign up for RTC ACCESS (disabled or seniors who cannot ride regular RTC big buses), RTC Senior Ride (discounted taxi bucks, Lyft and Uber), FlexRIDE vans for curb-to-curb service for anyone in Spanish Springs, Sparks, North Valleys, Northwest Reno.775-348-0477https://rtcwashoe.com/public-transportation/washoe-senior-ride-taxi-bucks-program/
NEIGHBOR NETWORK OF NORTHERN NEVADA (N4) – Transportation via mini-van, discounted Lyft rides, free respite program, time bank and volunteers, home and community services for persons with disabilities or dementia and their care partners 775-453-4774www.neighbornv.org
FOOD ASSISTANCE – Food Bank of Northern Nevada 775 331 3663 www.FBNN.org
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada www.CCSNN.org775-322-7073
UNR SANFORD CENTER –Assigns volunteer senior companions to isolated seniors, respite, helps seniors find community volunteer opportunities, transportation programs, and health education.
SENIORS IN SERVICE – Assigns volunteer senior companions to isolated seniors; has respite services, transportation, foster grandparents program 775 358 2768 https://seniorsinservicenevada.org/.
You can obtain a free brochure of Elder Services Guides and Resources at Washoe County’s 9th Street Senior Center, 775 328 2575. For more information, please contact me at 775 240 2745 or donnanorm1@yahoo.com.
