The Buzz

The latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) poll shows Americans generally think their communities offer the services needed to age at home. Yet, people of color and people with lower incomes are less likely to report their area does a good job providing health care, transportation, and in-home supports, among other services.

“Americans want to age at home, but not all populations have the ability to do so—particularly communities of color and those of lower socioeconomic status,” said Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty, President & CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “Through the thoughtful use of the American Rescue Plan funds, states and localities can make a huge difference by creating more equitable access to key community services that make living well and safely at home a reality.”

Read the related Associated Press coverage.

Check out recent Health Affairs blogs focused on improving access to quality care for people with complex health and social needs:

• Envisioning the Future of Complex Care
• Family Caregivers: The Unrecognized Strength Behind Hospital at Home
• To Improve Care for Patients with Complex Needs, Expand Home Visits
• Medicare’s Discriminatory Coverage Policies for Substance Use Disorders

TSF President & CEO Sarita Mohanty was appointed to the Implementing the MPA in California Together (IMPACT) Stakeholder Committee. This group will advise the state on Master Plan for Aging accountability, outcomes, and continuous improvement. Attend the first public meeting July 14.

In 2020, TSF acknowledged the depth of disruptive change, focused on resiliency through creativity, and remained committed to its mission. Read our annual report.

Read a new Bipartisan Policy Center brief identifying key challenges and opportunities to expanding Medicare and Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS), as well as policy options for congressional consideration.

Governor Gavin Newsom released the May Revision of the 2021-22 proposed budget on May 14. Read our fact sheet to learn about the budget surplus and Master Plan for Aging investment.

The California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports (CCLTSS) and Regional Coalitions advocate to transform care for older adults and people with disabilities, including support for the Master Plan for Aging.

• Read a blog highlighting recent Senior Advocacy Day activities.
• Attend local forums across the state to learn more about the Master Plan for Aging.
• Visit the CCLTSS Master Plan for Aging legislation tracker.

Watch a recent National Conference of State Legislatures webinar where states share strategies for reducing long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs while providing quality care. A related report highlights the LTSS State Scorecard and long-term LTSS solutions.

Read recent articles highlighting thoughts from our new President and CEO, Dr. Sarita Mohanty, and TSF grantee work:

• The New York Times spoke with Dr. Mohanty on how COVID-19 made many families and older adults reconsider nursing home care.
• In an op-ed for The Hill, Dr. Mohanty shares why investing in a Master Plan for Aging and person-centered care models is essential.
• The Sacramento Bee article describes how the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps older adults age well in community during COVID-19 (via UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program).
• The Associated Press reported that Americans believe government should help adults age at home, according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.

California leads the way with a Master Plan for Aging, and other states are considering the opportunity. A key element of a successful Master Plan is committed leadership from elected officials. Learn more about Master Plan activities in California and other states:

• Read a new report from National Conference of State Legislatures highlighting policy approaches for meeting the needs of an aging population, including a Master Plan.
• Watch a briefing on a recent California poll where voters called for state leaders to invest in equity and the Master Plan.

This spring, J. Wallin Opinion Research surveyed 1,000 likely voters across California to gauge support of the Master Plan for Aging. Findings showed that voters want elected officials and state leaders to invest in the Master Plan for Aging, with a focus on equity and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more about the survey and share key findings:

• Presentation: Understanding Voters’ Perspectives on California’s Master Plan for Aging
• Press release
• Infographic & social media toolkit

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows strong public support for government policies to help people age in their own homes and communities. Given the choice, most Americans want to receive care and support at home as they grow older.

• Read the AP Story: Government should help Americans age at home
• Review the report

Likely voters across California were surveyed on their support of the Master Plan for Aging and state leadership investment in key goals. On May 3, join us for this special briefing to hear poll findings and a discussion among key state leaders and stakeholders.

Register Here

Join the National Conference of State Legislatures’ webinar to hear states share strategies for reducing long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs while providing quality care. Read a recent report on this work that highlights the LTSS State Scorecard.

Register Here

Read two recent articles highlighting TSF-supported work.

• The New York Times describes re-thinking care beyond nursing homes, and how states are responding through a Master Plan for Aging.
• The Conversation/Yahoo News discusses racial and other disparities when addressing care preferences of older people, and how health systems can become more person-centered.

To better serve people living with complex care needs, a recent report from by the Camden Coalition’s National Center for Complex Health and Social Needs outlines core competencies for providers in this field.

• Attend a webinar hosted by Grantmakers in Aging and Grantmakers in Health to learn more about the Core Competencies for Frontline Complex Care Providers.
• Funders can also check out Creating New Connections: How Philanthropy Can Support Better Care for People with Complex Health and Social Needs for insights on key issues and ways to deepen their work.

Eight foundation leaders herald the California’s Master Plan for Aging, calling forth the importance of partnership and priorities to ensure equity in aging with dignity and independence for all.

UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program launched an exploration into issues older adults are facing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the following articles picked-up by a variety of news outlets:

• KQED: With COVID-19 Concerns, Anxious Families Eye In-Home Senior Care
• The Mercury News: Rapid Vaccine Rollout at California Nursing Homes Raises Concern
• CalMatters: ‘How Am I Going to Keep This Up?’ COVID Intensifies Plight of Family Caregivers
• Los Angeles Times: Vaccine roll-out at board-and-care homes

Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2021-22 proposed budget on January 8. Read our fact sheet to learn how the budget connects to California’s Master Plan for Aging.

Today, the state released the Master Plan for Aging, a visionary, 10-year blueprint that seeks to build an equitable California where everyone has the opportunity to age with dignity and independence in the place that they call home. Hear from the foundation CEOs.

Watch the video conference to learn about the Master Plan’s five bold goals and 23 strategies for building a California for All Ages by 2030.

A new article from USA TODAY explains why the holidays are a great time to start talks about growing older with aging loved ones.

A recent radio and print piece from KQED explores how decisions families make around keeping an aging parent home or moving them out for potentially better, more constant care have become all the more complicated this year.

On Monday, November 16, at 10:30 AM PT, California’s Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee will host a briefing to present their recommendations on planning for the state’s diverse population of older adults and people with disabilities, and key equity considerations. Attend using the Zoom link.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives, which reflects on our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older. You can also now access all the Forum materials and recordings.

A new report shares takeaways from the 2020 Social Isolation Impact Summit convened by the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging.

Register now for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older on October 19-20! It will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more. Materials for our sessions are now available in the Forum Lobby.

• Wondering if you have time to join us? Check out our detailed agenda and read our attendee frequently asked questions.
• Use the Forum App to network and receive helpful notifications throughout the two-day event. Search for “The SCAN Foundation Forum” in the App store (Apple or Android) and select “Download.” The Forum App is totally free! You will need to log in using the email address you used to register for the Forum and sign up for notifications.

New polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows that more than one-third of U.S. family caregivers have seen their responsibilities increase due to COVID-19. Yet, 2020 has not led to any heightened awareness when it comes to preparations for growing older or providing support to others.

A related Associated Press article further distills caregivers’ current experiences. 

Our virtual lobby is now open for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older! The two-day event, October 19-20, will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more.

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20! Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more. Watch the video!

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20! Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more. Watch the video!

The California Advocacy Network is a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore our map, and learn more about the Network’s goals through 2021.

Learn how three family caregivers are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, check out our resources for millennial caregivers and families.

In the midst of crisis, the Master Plan for Aging remains a top priority. Watch the recording from our Aug. 10 briefing and review related materials.

• Presentation: California Voters Weigh in on the Master Plan for Aging in Light of COVID-19
• Press release
• Infographic

To help us navigate the challenges of a pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging states to allow for a family member to serve in a paid caregiver role. This blog is part of a series of posts in advance of the 2020 release of the next Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard.

A Master Plan for Aging provides a blueprint for states and local communities to address what matters most to people as they age. A new TSF brief highlights states that have developed a Master Plan, examples of key elements, and how states without one can get started.

California voters have spoken: In the midst of crisis, the Master Plan remains a top priority. Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives and review materials from yesterday’s briefing:

• Presentation: California Voters Weigh in on the Master Plan for Aging in Light of COVID-19
• Press release
• Infographic

On Monday, August 10, join us to hear findings from our latest poll on what California voters think about the Master Plan activities in light of COVID-19. See the full agenda.

• Zoom webinar link: https://zoom.us/j/96766953576
• Or iPhone one-tap: US: +14086380968,,96766953576#  or +16699006833,,96766953576#
• Or Telephone: US: +1 408 638 0968  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 876 9923

On June 29, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California’s 2020-21 budget. The budget addresses the $54.3 billion deficit while maintaining funding for critical programs serving older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. The risk of budget deficits in future years could still pose a threat to these critical programs. Read our fact sheet.

Last year, we celebrated the power of communications to broaden awareness and impact change for older adults and families. Check out our 2019 Annual Report.

The California Advocacy Network is a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore our new map, and learn more about the Network members’ goals for 2020-21.

In his latest Perspectives, Dr. Chernof discusses opportunities to drive change and meet person-centered needs during the coronavirus and beyond.

The Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee for California’s Master Plan for Aging delivered its final report to Governor Newsom, outlining a vision and goals for aging with dignity and independence. TSF is honored to have participated in the process.

On May 14, 2020, California Governor Newsom released the May Revision of the 2020-21 proposed budget. The revision includes cuts to and elimination of critical home- and community-based services that impact the state’s most vulnerable older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Read the TSF fact sheet.

New analysis from ATI Advisory and the Long-Term Quality Alliance shows how new nonmedical supplemental benefits can play an important role in meeting the evolving and dynamic needs of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A poll from NORC shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19. It also reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Access the chart pack for the full findings and visualizations.

Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade discussed meeting older adults’ needs during COVID-19 on a Writers Guild of America/Hollywood, Health & Society panel. Watch the recording and check out our related resources page.

A new poll from NORC, sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation and TSF, shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19, including one in six who have delayed essential medical treatments.

The nationally representative survey reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Read the full poll findings.

Hollywood, Health & Society is partnering with the Writers Guild of America to connect screenwriters and experts on a variety of COVID-19 topics. Today at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET, Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade will discuss older adults and caregiving. RSVP for the webinar.

Hollywood, Health & Society is partnering with the Writers Guild of America to connect screenwriters and experts on a variety of COVID-19 topics. On April 28, Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade will discuss older adults and caregiving. RSVP for the webinar.

Millennial family caregivers experience unique challenges. Read perspectives in this recent Washington Post piece. Within it, Aisha Adkins expresses hope that the current COVID-19 crisis exposes what needs to be fixed in the health care system.

Today at 10 am, PT, tune into AARP’s Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall on caring for family, friends, and neighbors during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They’ll talk about creating a care plan, coordinating backup care, staying connected to isolated loved ones, and accessing local resources.

In addition, check out the following:

• We’re sharing ideas on ways to cope with the near and long-term effects of the pandemic—because we are all in this together.
• Family Caregiver Alliance has compiled a list of resources and articles for caregivers and their loved ones.
• An article from Recode shares how older adults can use technology to stay healthy and connected during this challenging time.

We honored caregivers of all generations at the 2020 Rose Parade® earlier this year. Aging Today recently wrote about several of the caregivers whose experiences and advice we’ve shared.

A spring report from the California Department of Aging highlights progress and learnings from Together We ENGAGE.

Today, TSF spoke to the Vermont Legislature about the value of a Master Plan for Aging. See what Vermont is doing to plan for population aging and what we recommended.

The state’s website encourages Californians to share their vision for the Master Plan for Aging, as well as keep up to date on its progress. Learn more about TSF’s Master Plan initiative.

Watch videos, both of our float at the Tournament of Roses® parade and of our two youngest float riders sharing what they’ve learned about caregiving.

A new website encourages Californians to share their vision for a #MasterPlanforAging, and keep up to date on its progress. Also, find additional Master Plan resources on the TSF initiative page.

A TSF-authored AARP blog post discusses how the California Master Plan should engage public and private sectors in systems-based solutions that touch all aspects of life experience (e.g., health, human services, housing, and transportation, among others).

In his first Perspectives of the new year, Dr. Chernof reflects on the substantial progress to transform care for older Californians that occurred last year, and highlights some of the key opportunities looking forward.

By participating in the 2020 Rose Parade® presented by Honda, we recognized family caregivers of all ages that serve as everyday heroes in the lives of older loved ones. Here are a few related media stories:

• USA Today – Watching the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day? One float will honor family caregivers with message of hope
• Forbes – Policymakers still are not paying attention to the needs of frail elders and their families
• The Orange County Register – Rose Parade float shines the spotlight on unsung humanitarians: adult caregivers

Here are TSF’s top three most accessed publications last year:

1. The CHRONIC Care Act of 2018: Advancing Care for Adults with Complex Needs
2. It’s 2019! California Needs a Master Plan for Its Diverse Aging Population
3. Developing California’s Master Plan for Aging: Examples from Other States and Relevant California Efforts

We honor caregivers of all generations, particularly younger adults who have unique needs and experiences. Check out this Vox video and story on how millennial caregivers can be recognized, get informed, and feel supported.

Representing the GenX generation on our Rose Parade® float, Claudia Farfan has cared for her mother for 33 years and is appreciative of the family medical leave benefits her employer offers.

A new video provides a window into September’s Master Plan for Aging Forum. The event followed We Stand With Seniors polling, showing the vast majority of Californians support Governor Newsom’s Master Plan commitment. See all the latest information at Together We ENGAGE.

Representing the baby boomer generation on our Rose Parade® float, Jerry and Judy Crotsenberg care for Judy’s mother from the family farm in Hillsboro, Wis. Read their story about how they are the epitome of a care team.

We honor caregivers of all generations, particularly younger adults who have unique needs and experiences. Check out this Vox video and story on how millennial caregivers can be recognized, get informed, and feel supported.

Aisha, a millennial, and Cooper of Gen Z are riding on our Rose Parade® float. While caregiving, each learned about their own values and goals. Read Aisha’s and Cooper’s stories.

Family caregivers represent all ages, backgrounds, and cultures and serve as unsung heroes in the lives of older loved ones. They deserve recognition for everything they balance in their lives. Their stories also inspire conversations about what people want for their own aging experience.

We will celebrate family caregivers through Hope’s Heroes: Honoring Caregivers of All Generations, a float at the 2020 Rose Parade® presented by Honda. The parade is a beloved New Year’s Day tradition, televised live from Pasadena, Calif. Tune in on January 1, 8 am PT/11 am ET.

Craig Terasawa of Temple City, Calif., is one of eight caregivers riding on our Rose Parade float. Craig runs the family pharmacy while serving many roles: primary caregiver for his father and sister, doting husband, and active dad. Watch his video.

Most Americans want to age in place in their homes and community and are largely supported by family, friends, and neighbors. Learn what Minnesota is doing to ensure their publicly funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) also support older adults’ needs and preferences.

Greater Good Studio heard from Californians across the state on what is important when designing a Master Plan for Aging. A final report, Elevating Voices, synthesizes their findings and recommendations.

Find more information about the Master Plan and related publications.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives, which reflects on the recently held 2019 Master Plan for Aging Forum. Watch a recording of the event.

Unable to watch Monday’s livestream on TSF’s California Master Plan for Aging Forum: Designing a System Built Around People and Partnerships? Read about the day’s events, and join our state’s discussion.

On September 16, TSF is hosting the invitation-only California Master Plan for Aging Forum: Designing a System Built Around People and Partnerships. Register now to watch Monday’s livestream starting at 9:30 am PT.

The latest AgingToday article discusses California’s Master Plan for Aging, and why putting the Golden State’s population front and center is so important. Get the latest #MasterPlanForAging news.

California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, announced the Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee, of which Dr. Chernof and TSF Board Chair Jennie Chin Hansen have been appointed. The committee will advise a Cabinet Workgroup on Aging as it develops the Master Plan, slated for completion by October 1, 2020.

• Read Dr. Chernof’s related Perspectives.
• Watch the recent We Stand With Seniors Capitol briefing.
• Join the new Together We ENGAGE Pledge for Action campaign, encouraging all Californians to share ideas for how to build an age-friendly California.

This summer, MemoryWell reporting unpacked “daughterhood circles” for family caregivers and the proportion of millennial caregivers from Hispanic families.

As part of Do YOU give a care?, learn how one millennial caregiver gives a care.

A vast majority of Californians back Governor Newsom’s Executive Order calling for a Master Plan for Aging (Master Plan), according to a new voter poll from We Stand With Seniors.

Seven of 10 voters – nearly half of whom have caregiving experience – want the state to be held accountable for the Master Plan’s investment and implementation. Findings were shared at a Sacramento briefing this morning. See the related infographic.

In a recent Perspectives, Dr. Chernof discussed the importance of designing a Master Plan that reflects what matters most to Californians. Also, read our Master Plan related policy briefs:

• Elements of the Executive Order
• Transforming a Fragmented System Through Statewide Leadership and Coordination
• Examples from Other States and Relevant California Efforts 

Join We Stand With Seniors for a lunch briefing and panel on August 1. Findings will be presented from a new survey that unpacks voters’ priorities and perspectives on the state’s Master Plan for Aging efforts.

State Treasurer Fiona Ma shared her perspective in a recent op-ed.

On June 27, the governor signed California’s 2019-20 budget. Read our fact sheet on the budget’s impact on older adults and people with disabilities. Also, check out our resource on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order on the Master Plan for Aging.

Read our fact sheet on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order, and learn how the Master Plan has great potential to transform California’s currently fragmented service delivery system.

We’ve been in the news!

• TSF’s Gretchen Alkema spoke to The Sacramento Bee about the need for more coordination across state services.

Dr. Chernof spoke on a Master Plan for Aging panel convened by KPCC’s AirTalk.

Governor Newsom called for the development of a California Master Plan for Aging. Read our overview of the Executive Order. Hear more from TSF’s Sarah Steenhausen, who spoke at the State of Reform conference.

• Get Dr. Chernof’s perspective.
• Learn how the Master Plan can transform California’s currently fragmented system.
• Review details of other states’ master plans.
• Spread the word about the Master Plan using the We Stand With Seniors toolkit!

We Stand With Seniors (WSWS), our partnership with West Health to educate state leaders on the need for a comprehensive, coordinated Master Plan for Aging, commends Governor Newsom’s Executive Order. It is a “historic step in recognizing and addressing the immediate need to ensure all Californians can age with dignity and independence.” Spread the word about the Master Plan using the WSWS toolkit.

Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-14-19, calling for the development of a Master Plan for Aging. It outlines the framework for a Master Plan process, with a deadline of October 1, 2020. In Dr. Chernof’s Perspectives, he discusses the importance of designing a Master Plan that reflects what matters most to Californians.

Also, read our #MasterPlan4Aging policy briefs:

• California’s Master Plan for Aging: Transforming a Fragmented System Through Statewide Leadership and Coordination
• Developing California’s Master Plan for Aging: Examples from Other States and Relevant California Efforts

We worked with the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research to bring person-centered care conversations to life. Check out this video interactive to hear what matters to Ed and Annette Reus.

The governor released the May Revision to the proposed California budget, which updates estimates for revenue and spending through 2020 and includes staff resources for the state’s Master Plan for Aging. Read the TSF fact sheet.

Researchers at University of California, San Francisco released a new report about the experiences of California’s Medicare-Medicaid enrollees between 2015-18. Cal MediConnect beneficiaries reported higher levels of confidence and continuity of care, but key differences remain by county, race, language, and disability levels.

Raising awareness about younger caregivers and Do YOU give a care?, MemoryWell recently shed light on the complex medical care that half of family caregivers provide. It also reported on California lawmakers’ consideration of establishing a volunteer care corps.

Earlier this year, We Stand With Seniors (WSWS) hosted a film screening and panel in Sacramento. Watch the highlights video, emphasizing why California needs a Master Plan for Aging.

We Stand With Seniors… Will You? is a nonpartisan, public awareness and education campaign supported by West Health and The SCAN Foundation.
Your organization can help educate California about the looming senior care crisis and need for solutions now.
LEARN MORE

One in three U.S. Millennials care for older loved ones; Online community will help manage stress and offer support

The SCAN Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to aging with dignity and independence, is launching a new consumer campaign called Do YOU give a care? to provide a community for the 10 million Millennials who provide daily care to family and friends.

LEARN MORE