Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of twelve bills on World Alzheimer’s Day aimed at enhancing safety, care, and accountability for services assisting older adults and their families in California. This legislative action is part of the state's ongoing efforts to advance its Master Plan for Aging.

In Sacramento, Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of supporting California's aging population. "People over 60 are California’s fastest growing population – in fact, our residents live among the longest lives in America. That’s why it’s so important that we work to advance healthy, safe, and supported aging in the Golden State," he stated.

The newly signed legislation includes AB 2541 by Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano), which mandates law enforcement training on preventing and responding to wandering by individuals with Alzheimer’s, autism, and dementia. SB 639 by Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) requires healthcare professionals who serve a significant number of older adults to undergo continuing education in geriatrics and dementia care. SB 1249 by Senator Richard Roth (D-Riverside) modernizes the Mello-Granlund Older Californians Act of 1996 by increasing local control and establishing new core programs for accountability in local aging services delivery.

Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains remarked on the rising incidence of Alzheimer’s and related disorders: "Given that over 60% of those living with Alzheimer’s disease will wander at some point... finding people quickly is key because we know the survival rate drops dramatically the longer it takes to find the missing person."

State Senator Monique Limón shared her personal connection to Alzheimer's care: "I witnessed my own grandmother grapple with the disease for years... I believe firmly that with more support, education, and coordinated efforts in the health care space we can provide comprehensive care to Californians impacted by Alzheimer’s and Dementia."

Senator Richard D. Roth highlighted the need for vigilant oversight of government programs assisting older Californians: "We must ensure that we continue to address the diverse needs of a rapidly aging population... Governor Newsom’s signing of SB 1249 ensures the Older Californians Act is modernized."

Susan DeMarois, Director of the California Department of Aging, commented on evolving service development: "Older adults make up a greater segment of our population... requiring different services and supports than previous generations."

The Master Plan for Aging (MPA), initiated by an executive order from Governor Newsom in 2019 and released in January 2021, serves as a blueprint for building age-friendly environments across California. The plan has led to expanded healthcare coverage, home care services, family leave options, housing choices, adult protective services, volunteer opportunities, among others.

Additional legislation signed includes AB 1902 (Prescription drug labels: accessibility), AB 2016 (Decedents’ estates), AB 2207 (State boards and commissions: representatives of older adults), AB 2620 (California Commission on Aging), AB 2680 (Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee), AB 2689 (Personal income taxes: Alzheimer's research fund), SB 1352 (Continuing care retirement communities), SB 1354 (Long-term health care facilities payment source census), and SB 1406 (Residential care facilities for elderly resident services).