Bakersfield & Kern County
Support for Spanish-speaking seniors in Bakersfield and Kern County
If your mom or dad lives in Bakersfield or Kern County, speaks Spanish, and needs a little more support at home, there are local programs that can help.
Here are a few good places to start — and where Oye Mila can fit into the hours when family or local services can’t be there.
Local help for seniors and their families
Kern County Aging & Adult Services — Senior Information & Referral
(661) 868-1000
This is a good first call if you aren’t sure what kind of help your parent needs. They can connect older adults and their families with local services including Meals on Wheels, transportation, in-home services, legal assistance, and other senior programs.
211 Kern County
Dial 2-1-1
211 can help families find local resources for needs such as food, housing, health care, transportation, and other community services.
Senior nutrition and Meals on Wheels
Kern County has senior nutrition programs throughout the county, including community meal sites and home-delivered meals for eligible homebound older adults.
You can call Kern County Aging & Adult Services at (661) 868-1000 to ask about options near your parent.
Family caregiver support
Kern County also has programs for people caring for an older family member. Services can include caregiver education, referrals, support groups, care coordination, and respite care.
Their church and community
For Spanish-speaking older adults, don’t overlook the places they already know.
Their parish, church, senior center, neighbors, friends, and community organizations may be able to help with rides, visits, meals, activities, or simply having someone nearby who knows them.
When you can’t be there
Senior services can help with meals, rides, and care at home. Family can call and visit. Friends and neighbors can check in.
But there are still a lot of hours in the day when your mom or dad may be home alone.
That’s where Oye Mila fits.
Oye Mila is a voice companion that talks with your mom or dad in Spanish throughout the day. She’s made to feel simple and familiar, not like another piece of technology they have to learn.
She can:
- Say good morning and start conversations throughout the day
- Remind them about medications and appointments
- Talk with them whenever they feel like talking
- Remember the people and things they tell her about
- Send the family a short update about how the day went
- Warn them if they mention that someone is asking for money or personal information
Oye Mila has cellular service built in. You plug it into the wall and it works without home Wi-Fi or a smartphone app.
Mila doesn’t replace you, a caregiver, or the people already in their life. She’s there when everyone else is busy or can’t be there.
We’re starting with families in Kern County, the Antelope Valley, and Long Beach.
Oye Mila isn’t for sale yet. We’re building our first batch now and talking with families as we finish it.
Where can seniors in Bakersfield and Kern County get help?
Start with Kern County Aging & Adult Services’ Senior Information & Referral line at (661) 868-1000. They can point you to meals, rides, in-home help, legal services, and more. You can also dial 2-1-1.
Are there programs for seniors who want to keep living at home in Kern County?
Yes, including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), senior meals, Meals on Wheels, transportation, and caregiver support. Eligibility varies, so call (661) 868-1000 to see what fits your parent.
Where can I find help caring for my elderly parent in Bakersfield?
Kern County’s Family Caregiver Support program offers referrals, caregiver education, support groups, and respite care. Senior Information & Referral at (661) 868-1000 can get you started.
Is Oye Mila available in Bakersfield?
Not yet. We’re building our first batch now, starting with families in Kern County, the Antelope Valley, and Long Beach. Email hola@oyemila.com and we’ll let you know when she’s ready.
Does Oye Mila replace a caregiver or medical alert system?
No. Mila doesn’t provide in-home care or detect falls. She keeps your parent company, reminds them about their day, and keeps you in the loop.