California (like much of the U.S.) is home to a growing population of aging adults and their families. Because of this increase, there is an ever-growing need for resources and support to help meet the unique needs, concerns, and challenges faced by this population. In this article, we’re going to explore the resources and support available in California thanks largely to the California Department on Aging. In order to better understand, it’s important to inspect the current resources for older adults in California, the support available for unpaid family caregivers, and the roadmap for the work ahead that California has outlined in the Master Plan for Aging.
California’s Department on Aging
The California Department on Aging (CDA) is a critical organization that works to improve the quality of life for seniors and their families across the state. It provides resources and services to help individuals age 65 and older, as well as adults aged 18-64 with disabilities.
The CDA partners with local agencies and organizations like the California Caregiver Resource Centers to ensure that all Californians have access to important services such as healthcare, nutrition assistance, economic security, transportation options, home safety assessments, information and referral programs, caregiving resources, and more. In addition, CDA programs support developing services for people at high risk of abuse or neglect. The ultimate mission of the CDA is to promote dignity, independence, and well-being for vulnerable adults so they can remain in their communities with safe and secure living arrangements.
Resources in California for Aging Adults
In a recent video put out by the Southern California Caregiver Resource Center, our team interviewed two representatives from the California Department on Aging to talk about elderly adults in the state. In this video, we learn about how healthcare is a top priority and expense for aging adults in California. In response, the state offers a number of options to help meet the needs of this population. These options include:
- Medicare and Medi-Cal programs
- In-home health services
- Assisted Living
- Long-term care facilities.
In addition to healthcare, there are also social services and support programs available for aging adults and their families in California. Just a few examples of these resources include:
- Meals on Wheels
- Transportation services
- Housing and property tax assistance
Finally, aging adults and their families may want or need financial resources. The federal and state governments, in response, offer things like:
- Social Security benefits
- Retirement plans (CalPERS, CalSavers, etc.)
- Financial assistance for low-income seniors
These are some of the available options to help ensure that aging and elderly adults along with their families in California have the support they need.
Support and Resources for California Family Caregivers
Family caregivers play a vital role in the lives and well-being of elderly adults in California. In doing so, they can face a number of their own health, work, and financial challenges along the way. To help support these family caregivers, California offers a number of programs and resources that might be subsidized or fully covered by the state.
These include:
- Respite care and respite services
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Legal assistance
- Financial assistance
The Master Plan for Aging in California
The Master Plan for Aging in California was created in collaboration with the California Caregiver Resource Centers with a goal of improving the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers in the state.
The plan focuses on three key areas:
- Encouraging healthy aging
- Improving access to services and support
- Addressing the housing needs of older adults.
In the years since its creation, the Master Plan for Aging has made significant progress and has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the lives of elderly adults and their loved ones in the state of California. With that said, there’s still a long way to go. But by continuing to work towards its goals, California is committed to improving the lives of its aging population.
Closing Thoughts
As an aging adult, California is one of the best places to be in the country. California has a wealth of resources and support available for elderly adults, family caregivers, and their families. From healthcare options to social services and financial resources, there are a number of programs ready to help you get the support you need.
The Master Plan for Aging in California by the California Department on Aging provides a comprehensive framework and action plan for improving the quality of life for older adults in the state. By staying informed and taking advantage of the resources available, older adults and their families can ensure that they have the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the resources and support available in California. If you have questions or want support connecting to these resources, we encourage you to reach out to us and ask any questions you may have.
Join our Facebook Group
If you’re looking for a community of caregivers that truly understands what you’re going through. A group you can turn to when you have questions, frustrations, or need advice? Join our California Family Caregivers Facebook group today.
Our California Family Caregivers Facebook group is a safe space for caregivers across different communities in California to speak about their caregiving journey and interact with one another. Join us today.
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