LifeLong Medical Care’s Longtime Commitment to Senior Care
Image: Founding CEO, now emeritus, Marty Lynch, marks fundraising progress in the 1990’s toward creation of Over 60 Health Center in Berkeley.
Blog Contribution: Sylvia Hacaj, Director of Development and Communications, LifeLong Medical Care
LifeLong Medical Care’s story began almost 45 years ago. The year was 1976, in Berkeley, California, where the senior population faced a growing, 
unmet need for health services. Enter a small group of Gray Panthers, whose members created an innovative solution—a milestone in elder care—the Over 60 Health Center.
Our Over 60 Health Center closed in mid-March due to the pandemic, but we are happy to report it re-opened, by appointment only, on September 14. 
LifeLong continued to serve patients, and working with community partners, has been able to assist seniors in getting food and meals delivered to them at this time when their need to stay sheltered and safe is so great.
Here are what some of our senior clients are saying about our service these last months:
“It has been very helpful to me especially during this time when my daughter can’t visit. [Staff] always check on me.”
“The staff are amazing and always reaching out to us. Especially during this time with COVID-19, they still come and reach out, making sure everyone is taken care of.”
“The staff are amazing … wonderful …helped me get into the hospital when I was sick, and sign up with East Bay Paratransit.”
“I joined right around shelter in place started, and I got the food boxes. It’s important for us especially when everyone is staying at home now, the food box helps us make a meal.”
Since those early days, LifeLong has continued to pioneer innovative services to help seniors such as our Respite Care and Care at Home programs.
You can learn more about these programs by watching the videos below: