NADDP Module 9 Participant Guide

Adult and Aging Program Challenges and Opportunities in California Human Services

Module 1: Introduction to California’s Aging Landscape

Overview of Demographics:

  • By 2030, 25% of Californians will be aged 60+.
  • Rapid growth in older adult and disability populations.

Master Plan for Aging (MPA):

  • 10-year blueprint launched in 2021.
  • Five Bold Goals: Housing, Health, Inclusion, Caregiving, Affording Aging.
  • 81 initiatives for 2025–2026.

Module 2: Key Challenges Facing Adult and Aging Services

Housing Instability:

  • Nearly half of unhoused adults are age 50+.
  • Limited investment in programs like Home Safe.

Healthcare Access:

  • Medi-Cal funding reductions and reinstated asset tests.
  • Enrollment freezes for undocumented older adults.

Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS):

  • Cuts to IHSS, SNFs, and PACE programs.
  • Share of Cost program forces seniors to live on $600/month.

Workforce Shortages:

  • Aging services workforce is under-resourced and under-trained.
  • Need for culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.

Module 3: Opportunities for Innovation and Equity

MPA-Driven Initiatives:

  • Expansion of Medi-Cal to low-income adults 50+.
  • Community Care Expansion Program: $243M invested in housing.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

  • CalHHS coordination across 12 departments.
  • Integration of aging, disability, housing, and health services.

Technology and Data:

  • Use of dashboards (e.g., APS, IHSS) for transparency.
  • Push for statewide case management systems.

Module 4: Local Implementation and Area Agencies on Aging

Area Plan Requirements:

  • Needs assessments, service unit plans, disaster preparedness.
  • Coordination with local senior centers and focal points.

County-Level Flexibility:

  • Variation in APS, IHSS, and PA/PG/PC program structures.
  • Importance of local innovation and stakeholder engagement.

Module 5: Policy and Advocacy

Legislative Priorities:

  • SB 433: Room and board protections for RCFE residents.
  • Medi-Cal Share of Cost reform.

Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Role of CWDA, Justice in Aging, and local advisory councils.
  • Advocacy for sustained funding and policy alignment.

Module 6: Action Planning and Capacity Building

Strategic Planning Exercises:

  • Identify local gaps and strengths.
  • Align with MPA goals and initiatives.

Training and Workforce Development:

  • Certification requirements for PA/PG/PC staff.
  • Regional training academies for APS and IHSS.