California’s over-65 population is projected to grow to 8.6 million by 2030 and life expectancy has increased to 81 years (women 84, men 79). Many are entering their later years with lower incomes and lower rates of home ownership, contributing to greater insecurity as they age. These and other trends affecting the aging and the disabled, lead our state government to focus on providing appropriate support to those most in need.
A 10-year California Master Plan for Aging & Disability (MPA) is underway, with completion due Oct 1, 2020. It will include the state Master Plan, local blueprints, data dashboards and best practices. Activity is now focused on the “details” or “getting below the 10,000-foot level”. Recently, on Jan 13, 2020, the Governor proposed a budget for 11 programs, as well as other investments in programs and initiatives to benefit older adults, and adults with disabilities. A summary of these programs and their costs for fiscal year 2020-2021 are available at the end of this report or you can see the entire budget for aging on the front page of the California Department of Aging website, under Highlights.
If you believe this effort to be important and wish to provide your recommendations and opinions, the State is providing multiple methods for you to stay informed and to participate in the process.
The California Health and Human Services Agency new website “Together we ENGAGE” provides information on the activities and progress of the various work groups, committees, sub-committees and research sub-committees . The public engagement campaign for the development of the MPA reflects the state’s commitment to involve members of the interested public and professionals in the process of determining the next level of detail and prioritization of programs. The California Department of Aging and their partners are supporting the process with an online Newsletter Aging Matters and, beginning January 15 are presenting a series of informational and interactive Wednesday Webinars. The emphasis is on Goal 2: Livable Communities & Purpose, Goal 3: Health & Well-being, and Goal 4: Economic Security & Safety. Goal 1 is Services & Supports.
The first webinar on Jan 15, was on Healthy Aging and focused on three critical areas:
- Opioids – Many of us are questioning every prescription we receive. Is it an opioid? What are my other options? In 2017 21.5 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed in California! Older adults had the highest prescription rate and death rate from these drugs.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis National Institutes of Health on the Opioid Overdose Crisis.
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia Diseases are the third leading cause of death in California. In 2020 the forecast is that there will be 690,000 patients in California. There is continuing concern for the large and growing number of people who will need ongoing services for the remainder of their lives.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/CDCB/Pages/AlzheimersDataStatisticsReports.aspx
- Falling – Nationally, on an annual basis, 1.6 million older adults go to emergency rooms following a fall. Statistics from Ventura County, Ca. indicate that most people fall at home and that most are injured. The goal is to reduce the number of preventable falls in the community.
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*On Jan 13, 2020 the Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-21 was presented for 11 aging-related programs and investments in other programs and initiatives to benefit older adults, and adults with disabilities. A summary follows:
- Expand health and benefits: Full scope Medi-Cal coverage to all adults aged 65 years and older regardless of immigration status. Medi-Cal Healthier California for All provides a wider array of services/ supports for individuals with more complex needs (housing, transportation, food, etc.). $695 million.
- Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment: (SSI/SSP) $2.66 billion.
- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): $14.9 billion.
- Behavioral Health: Prevent and respond to mental illness and substance use disorders, including older adults facing isolation and increased risks of depression, opioid misuse and suicide. $ (not provided).
- Alzheimer’s and related dementias: Coordinate and training initiative to help family caregivers. One time, $3.6 million.
- Homelessness: Address homelessness. ½ of the homeless population are over 50. $750 million.
- Home and Community Based Care: In home supportive services, aging and disability resource connection and Nutrition programs. $(not provided). Extends 2019 budget to July 2023.
- Nursing Facilities: Reforms nursing facility financing and invests in licensing and certification of health facilities. $32.9 million.
- Veterans’ Services: Invest to improve behavioral health services at veteran homes includes from general fund $2.3 million and to fund shortfalls at the three oldest veteran homes. $6.8 million.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Establish and administer the California Consumer Protection Law $10.2 million (growing to $19.3 million in 2022-23).
- Emergency Preparedness: Enhance the state’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Includes $984 million ($203 million ongoing).
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