Who We Are
The SCAN Foundation is an independent, non-profit public charity devoted to
transforming health care for seniors in ways that encourage independence and preserve
dignity. We envision a future where high-quality, affordable health care and supports for
daily living are delivered on each person’s own terms, according to that individual’s own
choices and needs.
That is why we are taking action to support promising ideas and solutions
across the United States that place people first by helping them stay in their homes
and communities whenever possible. All of us will face the challenges that come with
growing older, both for our loved ones and ourselves. But being older does not mean being
sick, poor, or alone. It is vitally important for our society to engage policymakers and the
public in order to advance aging with independence, dignity and choice.
Our Mission
The SCAN Foundation’s mission is to advance the development of a sustainable
continuum of quality care for seniors.
We will achieve this mission by encouraging public policy reform to integrate
the financing of acute and long-term care; raising awareness about the need for
long-term care reform; and working with others to promote the development of
coordinated, comprehensive and person-centered care.
How was The SCAN Foundation started?
The SCAN Foundation was created as an independent foundation in April 2008 through
a $205 million one-time contribution from the not-for-profit SCAN Health Plan. The
SCAN Foundation was designed to focus on fostering innovative solutions to the health
care needs of seniors in California and the United States, and ultimately influence
public policies to improve seniors’ quality of life. The SCAN Foundation operates
independently from SCAN Health Plan.
Why was The SCAN Foundation started?
America’s seniors come from all walks of life, but every single one will face the challenges that come with growing older, and as our society ages the following questions are becoming more urgent: Who will care for our parents? Who will care for us? How much care will we need? What will our lives be like? How much control will we have over decisions about our own lives?
The seniors of today and the many millions of seniors coming of age face common but very personal challenges:
- How to manage chronic illnesses
- How to get to the grocery store
- How to cook meals and keep the house clean
- How to stay active despite failing eyesight or hearing
- Worries about falling down
- Worries about falling behind on bills
- Fears about leaving one’s family home for a nursing home
Yet right now there is no consistent, coordinated system in place—no continuum of
care—designed to support Americans who want to live independently as they age. The
challenge becomes more pressing as the senior population rises, so it is imperative to take
action now. That is why The SCAN Foundation exists, to encourage changes that will
make a positive difference in each one of our lives and the lives of those we love.
