Senior Services
Issues
Seniors are important to our community and our economy. Calaveras County continues to be a desirable location for retirees. Calaveras County has the highest median age population in California. The county is among those in the state with the highest population of residents age 65 and over. Currently, senior citizens represent over 30 percent of our District 2 population. The independent lifestyle of many residents can lead to isolation in later years. Senior services help our families and communities stay together. We must better meet the needs of our seniors by supporting and expanding programs that maximize the potential to live with dignity and independence.
Goal
- Seniors should have access to a full spectrum of coordinated services to meet their unique needs and interests, including social, emotional, health, transportation, housing, educational and recreational opportunities.
Actions
- Continue the reforms at the Area 12 Agency on Aging. Make sure it responds to community concerns. The agency should coordinate and collaborate with the Commission on Aging.
- Ensure broad representation on the Commission on Aging and make sure the Board of Supervisors fills all vacancies.
- Maintain public transportation and volunteer drivers for people with no personal transportation.
- Expand neighborhood watch and emergency preparedness efforts already underway in District 2.
- Support the programs of the San Andreas Senior Center, which serves many seniors from District 2. Help the center to become more economically sustainable.
- Ensure that programs and services are designed with input from seniors.
- Develop and expand partnerships among county services, community agencies and volunteer organizations to provide coordinated and integrated services.
- Use outreach methods to reach seniors regarding issues or provide information, such as phone trees, neighborhood watch groups, and public television.
- Expand and promote the Vial of Life Program in underserved areas.