Introduction
Caregivers of aging adults in California play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and quality of life of their loved ones. Recognizing the challenges faced by these caregivers, California has established a multifaceted support system encompassing state programs, local resources, and recent legislative initiatives.
State Programs and Resources
Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs)
California’s Caregiver Resource Centers offer a range of services tailored to the needs of family caregivers:
- Specialized Information and Referral: Guidance on caregiver stress, diagnoses, and community resources.
- Family Consultation and Care Planning: Assessments to explore care options and develop action plans.
- Respite Care: Financial assistance for temporary in-home support and adult day care services.
- Short-Term Counseling: Emotional support through individual, family, and group sessions.
- Support Groups: Opportunities to share experiences and strategies.
- Professional Training: Workshops on long-term care, patient management, and related topics.
- Legal and Financial Consultation: Assistance with powers of attorney, estate planning, and conservatorships.
- Bay Area Caregiver Resource Center: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara
- Redwood Caregiver Resource Center: Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma
- USC Family Caregiver Support Center: Los Angeles
- Inland Caregiver Resource Center: Inyo, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino
- Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center: Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Alpine, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Yolo
- Southern Caregiver Resource Center: San Diego, Imperial
- Coast Caregiver Resource Center: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
- Passages Caregiver Resource Center: Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
- Valley Caregiver Resource Center: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
- Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center: Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz
- Orange Caregiver Resource Center: Orange
- Adult Day Health Care Centers: Provide daytime care and activities for adults with health issues, offering respite for caregivers.
- Local Support Groups: Many communities host support groups for caregivers to share experiences and receive emotional support.
- Community Centers: Offer workshops and seminars on caregiving topics.
- Caregiver Resource Centers: Provide services across all California counties, offering support tailored to local needs.
- AB 960: Effective January 1, 2026, mandates hospitals to allow caregivers of patients with disabilities to visit as needed.
- SB 951: Implemented January 1, 2025, increases wage replacement rates for Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance.
- California Department of Aging, 2025/https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Pages/AdultsCaregiverResourceCenters.aspx
- California Alliance of Caregivers, 2025/https://cacaregivers.org/
- California Coalition on Family Caregiving, 2025/https://cacfc.org/
- California Department of Public Health, 2025/https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/AFL-25-35.aspx
- Governor of California, 2024/https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/12/30/new-in-2025-supporting-more-families/
- California caregiver support
- Aging adults resources
- Caregiver Resource Centers
- California legislation
- Family caregiver assistance
- Support systems for caregivers
- California Department of Aging
- California Department of Aging, 2025/https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/MH/Pages/AdultsCaregiverResourceCenters.aspx
- California Alliance of Caregivers, 2025/https://cacaregivers.org/
- California Coalition on Family Caregiving, 2025/https://cacfc.org/
- California Department of Public Health, 2025/https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/AFL-25-35.aspx
- Governor of California, 2024/https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/12/30/new-in-2025-supporting-more-families/
Each CRC serves specific counties:
For more information, visit the California Department of Aging’s website. (dhcs.ca.gov)
California Alliance of Caregivers (CAC)
The CAC represents the voices of relative and non-relative caregivers to promote the well-being of children in foster care. They offer direct support in navigating the foster care system and post-adoptive/post-guardianship life. Their services include training, support groups, and advocacy. (cacaregivers.org)
California Coalition on Family Caregiving (CaCFC)
The CaCFC advocates for policies that support family caregivers. They provide resources, policy updates, and reports to assist caregivers in understanding and accessing available support systems. (cacfc.org)
Legislative Developments
Assembly Bill 960 (AB 960)
Effective January 1, 2026, AB 960 requires general acute care hospitals to allow patients with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, including those with cognitive impairments like dementia, to have a family or friend caregiver visit as needed, even outside standard visiting hours, unless it endangers health and safety or disrupts medical care. (cdph.ca.gov)
Senate Bill 951 (SB 951)
Implemented on January 1, 2025, SB 951 increases wage replacement rates for Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance, allowing lower-income workers to receive up to 90% of their wages and middle-income workers up to 70%, facilitating more Californians in taking time off to care for family or recover from illness. (gov.ca.gov)
Local Resources
In addition to state programs, local resources are available to support caregivers:
To find local resources, contact your county’s Department of Aging or visit the California Department of Aging’s website.
Conclusion
California’s comprehensive support system for caregivers of aging adults includes state programs, legislative protections, and local resources. By leveraging these supports, caregivers can enhance their well-being and provide better care for their loved ones.
Key Facts
Sources
Tags
Subcategory
Elderly Care
Readability Level
8th grade