Submit the following to the Senior Center Front Desk

1. Complete a Recreation Registration Form (PDF) and a Participant Use and Liability Agreement.
2. Provide proof of age (50 and up) and current City of Santa Clara residency status.
3. Choose a membership package: Basic or Premium
   • Premium package is only available to City of Santa Clara residents.
4. Review the Senior Center Guidelines for Use (PDF)

Proof of Age

 Proof of age can be established with any one of these items:

• Valid driver's license or state-issued ID card
• Valid Government issued passport
• Valid Military issued ID card
• Birth Certificate with photo ID 

Proof of Residency

Proof of City of Santa Clara residency can be established with any one of these items:

• a California driver's license or state-issued ID card issued within the last year
• current utility bill (dated within the last 30 days) containing your name and Santa Clara residential address
• current year’s property tax bill with your name and Santa Clara property address
• business mail with your name and Santa Clara residential address dated within the last 30 days
• current, valid automobile registration with your name and Santa Clara residential address

**Please note that Post Office Boxes are not proof of City of Santa Clara residency **

Senior Center Membership Term / Renewals:

• Senior Center Memberships are valid for 1 year from the date they are issued.
• Memberships must be renewed annually.
• To renew, you must provide proof of current Santa Clara residency, a copy of your Senior Center Membership Card, and payment for the membership package of your choice.

Personal Care Attendants (PCA)

The role of a PCA is to support those who require assistance to participate in Senior Center programs and activities.

Staff and volunteers are not available to provide one-on-one supervision or assistance to seniors or other individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Participants must be able to function independently or with the assistance of their PCA.

PCAs are provided by the participant. Staff may require that a participant be accompanied by a PCA when a participant’s safety/independence is in question. Should this situation occur, a supervisor will contact the individual to discuss specific needs.

Criteria for PCAs

• Minimum 18 years of age (21 years of age for Adventure to Go trips).
• Must have completed a Recreation Registration Form (PDF) and a Participant Use and Liability Agreement prior to assisting.
• Must be capable of performing all necessary tasks/activities to meet the needs of the participant.
• Must remain in immediate proximity to the participant.
• Must present a Senior Center membership card to gain entrance into the Fitness Center and Natatorium. They may enter the Fitness Center and Natatorium only when assisting and accompanied by a designated participant. 
• No fee is required to assist in programs (except Adventures to Go trip fee).
• In most instances, participants are limited to one PCA per visit.

ID Fit (Individuals with Disabilities Fitness)

Some Santa Clara residents under the age of 50 who have a qualifying disability or medical condition may utilize the Fitness Center and Natatorium during open use times.

A Premium Membership is required (refer to the membership requirements section), which may require review by a supervisor prior to renewal.

Completed registration forms are reviewed by the Health & Wellness Nurses for appropriateness. Individuals will be contacted for further assessment/evaluation. Staff may reassess a participant’s eligibility periodically to ensure safe practices are being met.

Eligibility Requirements for ID Fit

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must reside in the City of Santa Clara.
• Must have a diagnosis for a qualifying disability or permanent medical condition, which includes cognitive or physical impairments that substantially affect two (2) or more major life areas. Life areas include:
  • walking
  • moving
  • seeing
  • hearing
  • performing activities of daily living
  • cognitive functions such as problem solving, remembering, and learning
• Must complete a Recreation Registration Form (PDF) and a Participant Use and Liability Agreement prior to participation.
• Functions and interacts appropriately and independently in an open-use program/setting following the Code of Conduct and utilizing the facility and equipment as determined by Santa Clara Senior Center staff.
• Manages oral intake in a manner that does not produce disruptive behaviors (i.e., coughing, spitting, choking).
• Provides a PCA if needed to manage the above criteria. Staff reserves the right to require a PCA for any participant as deemed necessary. Refer to the PCA criteria in the above section.

Do I need a membership to utilize the Senior Nutrition Program at the Senior Center?
No. Access to Nutrition does not require a membership.

The Senior Nutrition Program is a Santa Clara County-supported program. Persons 60+ are eligible to have lunch at the Senior Center for a small donation.

Do I need a membership to visit with a nurse at the Senior Center?
No. Access to the Health & Wellness Program does not require a membership. Case Management and public health nursing services at the Senior Center are accessible without a membership.

Do I need a Membership to take a class at the Senior Center?
No. Individuals can register for classes without a membership.

What if I want to buy something at the Snack Bar or sit with my friends in the lobby? Do I need a membership?
No. Senior Center Membership is not required to enter or sit in the Lobby or Snack Bar area.

What if I want to take part in the Adventures to Go Travel program? Do I need a Membership?
No. Individuals can register for trips without a membership.

Where can I use my Senior Center Basic or Premium Membership?
Senior Center Basic Membership is valid at the Santa Clara Senior Center.

Premium Membership is valid at the Senior Center AND at the International Swim Center and other City aquatic facilities and Tennis Center (see City website for specific updates, schedules, and changes).