by Carol Leish, MA
“California’s over-60 population is projected to diversify and grow faster than any other age group. In Ventura County, older adults now make up over 25% of Ventura County’s population and is projected to increase to 30% by 2030. In 2030, there will be 10.8 million older adults in California” (April 4, 2023, Hospital to Home Alliance of Ventura County).
In 2019, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order (N-14-19) calling for the creation of a Master Plan for Aging, which would become a blueprint for state government, local government, the private sector, and philanthropy to prepare the state for the coming demographic changes. California issued their Master Plan for Aging in January 2021. “There are five goals within the CA Master Plan. Goal 1: ‘Housing for All Ages and Stages.’ Goal 2: ‘Health Reimagined.’ Goal 3: ‘Inclusion and Equity, Not Isolation.’ Goal 4: ‘Caregiving that Works.’ Goal 5: Affordable Aging.’”
The County of Ventura has been working on these goals and the unique needs of older adults and people with disabilities in our county. Multiple entities solicited input from the community for what the challenges of growing older in Ventura County were and what was needed in our county. In October of 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved a Master Plan for Aging for Ventura County, which can be found on the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s website at: http://www.vcaaa.org/about-us/planning-strategy/.
On May 11th 2 of these 5 goals will be discussed: Health Reimagined and Caregiving that Works. The work that is being done, the successes achieved so far, and what is still needed to accomplish these goals will also be discussed.
“Goal 2-Health Reimagined, envisions having access to the care and services needed to live at home in our communities and to optimize the health and quality of life. This will be pursued through: 1) Bridging Health Care with Home; 2) Health Care as We Age; 3) Lifelong Healthy Aging; and, 4) Dementia in Focus.
“Goal 4-Caregiving that Works, imagines one being prepared and supported through the rewards and challenges of caring for aging loved ones. This will occur through two strategies: 1) Family and Friends Caregiving Support; and 2) Virtual Care Expansion” (September, 2021 County of Ventura- ‘Ventura County Master Plan for Aging).
“The question is: ‘Are we as a county preparing for the aging population and the increased needs that come with it? And, the answer to that question is, yes, we are preparing. With the Ventura County Master Plan for Aging now in place, the next question for all of us to ask is: What is still needed and how can we help? It takes a village.’” Lynette Harvey, RN, Clinical Services Director, Camarillo Health Care District, and lead member of Hospital to Home Alliance of Ventura County.
During the Thursday, May 11th event, hosted by the Hospital to Home Alliance of Ventura County, expert speakers and panels will focus on issues around 2 goals in the California Master Plan for Aging. Sarah Steenhausen, Deputy Director of Policy, Research and Equity from the California Department of Aging will give the keynote address. This forum is open to local legislators, health care entities, county administrators and staff, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, caregivers of all kinds, and members of the public.
The event if free but tickets are limited. The event is being hosted by the Hospital to Home Alliance with a grant from the SCAN Foundation. It will take place at the Ventura County Office of Education at 5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo, on May 11th from 8:00a.m.-12:30pm. To register, please sign up at: https:/EngAGEConference.eventbrite.com. Or, for further info., contact Lynette Harvey-805-388-1952 ext. 107, [email protected]; or, Maureen Hodge-805-948-2815, [email protected].
