By 2030, 10.8 million Californians will be older adults, making up nearly one-quarter of the state’s population. As a national leader in equity, aging, and disability, California is committed to creating a state that cares for, values, and empowers its residents across all ages.

In June 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to develop the Master Plan for Aging (MPA), a long-term strategy to prepare the state for its aging population. Released in January 2021, the MPA serves as a 10-year blueprint for state and local governments, the private sector, and communities to create a California for All Ages & Abilities.

Nearly three years have passed since the plan’s launch—how can families and caregivers prepare for the future? What actions can be taken to build a supportive California for our aging population?

What is the Master Plan for Aging?

Governor Newsom highlighted the dual impact of California’s aging population, stating that while it presents new opportunities for economic and community growth, it will also increase health and long-term care costs. The Master Plan for Aging provides five key goals to ensure that all Californians can age with dignity, economic security, and access to healthcare:

1. Housing for All Ages & Stages: Californians should have access to housing options in communities that are age-friendly, disability- and dementia-friendly, and prepared for climate and disaster risks.
2. Health Reimagined: Aging residents should have access to healthcare services that support them in living at home and maintaining their health and well-being.
3. Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation: Ensuring opportunities for engagement, leadership, and employment without isolation, discrimination, or abuse is critical.
4. Caregiving That Works: Family and professional caregivers must receive support, training, and resources to manage the challenges of caregiving effectively.
5. Affording Aging: Economic security is a key goal, ensuring Californians can age without financial hardship.

The Critical Role of Caregivers

Among the five MPA goals, Caregiving That Works emphasizes the importance of supporting caregivers—whether they are family members, friends, or professional care providers. To achieve this goal, California has outlined three strategies for 2023-2024:

1. Supporting Family Caregivers: The state is committed to offering resources that help family caregivers maintain their emotional well-being and financial stability while caring for aging loved ones.
2. Strengthening the Caregiving Workforce: Professional caregivers can access training, higher wages, and better job quality to improve caregiving services.
3. Expanding Virtual Care: The state is focusing on expanding telehealth and other virtual care options, which have proven effective, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

California has almost five million family caregivers, many of whom balance caregiving with full-time jobs or child care. In multi-generational households, particularly in communities of color, caregiving often becomes an unpaid, intergenerational responsibility. This can lead to financial hardship and emotional stress. The MPA emphasizes the need to support caregivers to prevent burnout and ensure they can continue providing quality care.

Finding Caregiver Support

For families seeking additional help, hiring a professional caregiver can offer relief. Southern California Caregiving provides compassionate, personalized care for seniors, allowing older adults to age with dignity in their preferred setting.

Learn more about how Southern California Caregiving can support you or your loved ones by contacting us today.