State of California Aging Resources: Services, Programs & Support

Your guide to California’s official services that support aging safely at home.

Human Services

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING (CDA)

California’s Department of Aging (CDA) serves as the central hub for statewide programs designed to help older adults, adults with disabilities, long-term care residents, and family caregivers access the support they need. From local Area Agencies on Aging to counseling, meal programs, and Medicare guidance, the CDA connects families to essential services that strengthen safety, wellbeing, and independence. At alice.care, we value these trusted public resources and work alongside them, helping families understand their options and filling in the gaps with flexible, personalized in-home care when daily support is needed.

• Through contracts with CDA, 33 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) throughout the state provide numerous services for older Californians. They offer help with transportation, housing, preparing for emergencies, preventing falls and injuries, reducing fraud, dealing with dementia, and more. To find your local AAA, call CDA’s Aging and Adult Info Line at 800-510-2020 or visit the CDA website.
• Are you interested in sharing a meal with other older adults in your community? Or maybe you’d like meals delivered to your home? Your Area Agency on Aging has the answer, regardless of your income. 
• Do you need support as you’re caring for an older loved one? California’s Area Agencies on Agency and Caregiver Resource Centers offer counseling, respite care, legal services, access assistance, and more. 
• Need someone to help unravel Medicare options? Find friendly assistance in your area through the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, otherwise known as HICAP, by calling 800-434-0222.
• Do you have concerns about someone in a long-term care facility? Call the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline at 800-231-4024.
• If you’re lonely or feeling down, you’ll always find a friendly voice willing to listen at Friendship Line California, 888-670-1360.
• California’s Aging Resource Guide contains helpful links, phone numbers, and informative articles on an array of issues affecting older Californians, including housing, vaccines, and elder abuse.
• Ever wonder how many older adults live in your county, and their breakdown by race and ethnicity? Would you like to see how both measures are projected to change in the next 15 years? The County Profiles of Older Adults tool on California’s MPA Data Dashboard presents that information and more, including statistics on how many older adults in any of California’s 58 counties live in poverty, live alone, speak no English, have Alzheimer’s or another dementia, or struggle to pay housing costs.
• Aging and Disability Resource Connection refers older adults to a variety of supportive services, helping them identify counseling options, get quick access to help people avoid institutionalization, or transition back home from hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities.

MASTER PLAN FOR AGING IMPLEMENTATION TRACKER

California’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA) lays out a long-term vision for making the state more age- and disability-friendly. The Implementation Tracker is a tool for seeing how that vision turns into action—across housing, health, caregiving, equity, and financial security. At alice.care, we stay informed about these statewide priorities so we can better support families on the ground, connecting day-to-day in-home care with the broader systems designed to help older adults thrive.

Track the progress being made on any of the more than 200 Master Plan for Aging (MPA) initiatives, all designed to help build the most age- and disability-friendly state in the nation. California’s MPA prioritizes the well-being of older people with five bold goals covering housing, health, equity, caregiving, and finances. Learn more and read the MPA.

DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Good nutrition is a key part of aging well. Programs like the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program help older adults access fresh, local produce even on a limited income. While these programs support access to healthy food in the community, Alice Care can help at home—through caregivers who assist with grocery shopping, meal preparation, and gentle reminders to eat and hydrate regularly.

If you’re 60 or older and on a limited income, you might be able to get fresh produce, herbs, and honey at participating farmers markets. Check the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to see if you qualify, or find your nearest Area Agency on Aging at 800-510-2020.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Department of Social Services oversees vital protections and supports for vulnerable adults—from Adult Protective Services and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) to licensed care facilities and financial help for caregivers. These programs help older adults remain safe and avoid unnecessary institutionalization. alice.care complements this safety net by providing trusted, in-home support that keeps loved ones safer, more comfortable, and more closely connected to the services they qualify for.

• Older adults who need protection from abuse, neglect, or exploitation can turn to local Adult Protective Services agencies, administered by the California Department of Social Services with offices in each county. APS investigates reports of mistreatment of anyone 60 and older as well as adults with disabilities of any age.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), another Social Services program, helps people remain safely in their own homes instead of moving to care homes. This includes Californians 65 and older, people who are blind, and people with disabilities of any age. Services include housecleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, bathing, grooming, transportation to medical appointments, and protective supervision for people with mental disabilities. Find your local IHSS office.
• Older adults and their families who are looking for information on adult care can visit Resources for Clients and Families.
• Find information on all licensed facilities. To file a complaint, call 844-538-8766 or email letusno@dss.ca.gov.
• Do you have a guide dog or service dog? You might qualify for $50 a month toward the cost of food, grooming, and health care for the dog through Social Services’ Assistance Dog Special Allowance program. Email ADSAUser@dss.ca.gov or call 916-657-2628 to learn more.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT

High utility costs and unsafe housing conditions can place a heavy burden on older adults. The Department of Community Services & Development helps ease that strain through bill assistance and weatherization programs that improve comfort and lower costs. For families worried about how their loved one is managing at home, alice.care can provide an extra layer of support—checking in, noticing changes, and providing help with light housekeeping.

• Find services in your area with this map.
• Apply for cash aid through CalWORKS, Cash Assistance Programs for Immigrants (CAPI) and other programs.
• Get CalFresh food benefits online or by calling 877-847-3663.
• Prepare for disasters.
• Get financial help for older adults legally caring for grandchildren through the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) program.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Access to affordable health coverage is essential as needs become more complex with age. Through Medi-Cal and its partnership with Covered California, the Department of Health Care Services connects older adults and low-income Californians to medical coverage and care. As families navigate insurance, doctors, and appointments, alice. care can provide practical help at home—supporting medication reminders, transportation, and post-visit follow-through.

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, or public health insurance for low-income residents. Included are people with disabilities and specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, or HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, and all people 50 and older, regardless of immigration status. Apply online or find the office in your county.

The Department of Health Care Services also co-sponsors Covered California, a free service that connects Californians of all ages with brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Find help online or call 800-300-1506.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides guidance and tools for staying healthy, understanding chronic conditions, and evaluating long-term care options. From disease information to patient and family resources, it helps older adults make informed choices about their health. alice.care reinforces this work by supporting daily routines that promote wellness—like mobility, nutrition, and safety—and by helping families act on the recommendations they receive from healthcare providers.

• Popular websites offer valuable information on chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease and stroke.
• CDPH’s Patients, Residents, and Families webpage offers resources to:
• Find the right long-term care home.
• Learn about care home residents’ rights.
• File a complaint against a care facility.
• Find an enforcement office near you or call 833-422-4255 for general information.

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Aging with an intellectual or developmental disability often brings unique needs for both individuals and their caregivers. The Department of Developmental Services offers tools and support through regional centers across the state. alice.care works in the same spirit of dignity and inclusion, offering in-home assistance that respects each person’s abilities, preferences, and goals while helping families maintain stability at home.

• DDS provides tools for people with intellectual and development disabilities who are aging as well as their loved ones and caregivers at 21 regional centers throughout California.

CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY

Reading, learning, and staying mentally engaged are vital at every age. Through the Braille and Talking Book Library, the California State Library ensures that people with visual impairments can continue enjoying books and magazines. While these programs enrich life with information and stories, alice.care can assist with the practical side—helping with device setup, mail handling, or simply creating quiet, comfortable time for reading and listening.

• Need help with audiobooks or books and magazines in Braille? You can receive them, along with machines to read them, free of charge through the Braille and Talking Book Library at the California State Library.
• Eligible readers are assigned a personal reader advisor to help with book orders, author or subject searches, machine problems, temporary holds, and more. Apply online or call 800-952-5666.

CEMETERY AND FUNERAL BUREAU

Planning for end-of-life arrangements can be emotional and complex. The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau helps protect consumers by regulating funeral industry providers and offering guidance on services and complaints, while vital records support families with necessary documentation.

• Copies of death certificates and other vital records are available from the California Department of Public Health.

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees programs that make essential services—like phone, electricity, and gas—more accessible and affordable for people with disabilities and limited incomes. From specialized phones to bill discount programs, these supports can make daily life more manageable. alice.care can help older adults take advantage of these resources, including assisting with applications, paperwork, and day-to-day use of devices.

• Does your difficulty in hearing, seeing, speaking, or remembering affect your ability to use a telephone? If so, you might benefit from specialized phone equipment offered by the CPUC’s Deaf and Disabled Telecommunication Program, also known as California Connect. Examples include phones with big buttons or amplified volume. Call 800-806-1191 (including ASL Now) for more information; TTY 800-806-4474.
• People whose utilities are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission may be eligible for the CPUC’s California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This provides discounts of up to 35% on electricity bills and 20% discounts on natural gas bills. See if you qualify.
• The CPUC also offers discounts on home and cell phone bills to qualifying users through its California LifeLine Program. Ask your phone company about this service or call 866-272-0357 for general information.

CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEERS

Staying active and involved in the community can bring meaning, purpose, and social connection in later life. California Volunteers links older adults with opportunities to give back—whether through mentoring, crisis support, or helping at local nonprofits. As a partner in aging well, alice.care celebrates and supports older adults who want to remain engaged, and our caregivers can provide practical support like helping with dressing and transportation to make participation easier.

• California Volunteers matches myriad programs and initiatives with people willing to give their time and talents. Many are perfect for older adults! Opportunities range from packing food at a local pantry and food deliveries to crisis counseling or mentoring homeless children, and much more. Check out the volunteer options in your area.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially as people age. The Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission focuses on reducing stigma, expanding access, and connecting people of all ages to support and crisis resources. At alice.care, we recognize the emotional side of caregiving and aging, and our caregivers offer not just practical assistance, but also companionship, attentive listening, and early awareness when someone may need additional mental health support.

• More than two million people in California, from children to older adults, are affected by potentially disabling mental health challenges. The hope of recovery drives the vision of the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), which develops strategies to overcome the stigma that people often face.
• MHSOAC provides a roundup of telephone services for people needing help; veterans, for example, can call the Veterans Crisis Lifeline at 988 and press 1.

CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON AGING

The California Commission on Aging advises state leaders on policies and programs that affect older adults, helping shape the future of aging in California. As the state looks at the big picture, alice.care focuses on the day-to-day realities families face—bringing that same commitment to dignity, independence, and person-centered care into every home we serve.

• Composed of 25 appointees, the California Commission on Aging (CCoA) advises the governor and Legislature on programs and services affecting older adults.
• The commission meets publicly five times a year and works with public and nonprofit partners to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Call 916-419-7591 for more information.

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGED HEALTH CARE

Choosing a health plan can be confusing, especially when comparing coverage, networks, and quality. The Department of Managed Health Care provides transparency tools and oversight so consumers can understand and evaluate their options. alice.care supports families by helping them navigate the practical side—organizing information, accompanying loved ones to appointments when needed, and supporting follow-through on care plans at home.

• Older adults and other Californians wanting to compare health plans can visit the Department of Managed Health Care’s informative Health Plan Dashboard. It features health plan contact information, enforcement actions, and data on enrollment, finances, and complaints.

CENTER FOR DATA INSIGHTS AND INNOVATION

The Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) helps Californians compare the quality of health plans and medical groups, turning complex data into usable information. This empowers older adults and caregivers to make better decisions about where to receive care. alice.care complements this by helping families translate those choices into real support—making sure appointments, treatments, and daily health routines are easier to manage at home.

• Have questions about the quality of health care? Check out Consumer Reports from the Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII), which rates health plans and medical groups.
• The former Office of the Patient Advocate is now part of CDII. It remains dedicated to providing Californians with data to help them make informed decisions about their health care.

CALIFORNIA STATE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities across California. Its work helps ensure that individuals and families are heard in decision-making and supported in everyday life. alice.care shares that commitment to respect and autonomy, offering caregiving that centers the person and their goals, whether they are aging with a disability or caring for someone who is.

• SCDD’s 31 members are appointed by the governor to advocate for people with disabilities. For information, call 833-818-9886.

Transportation and Preparedness

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

The DMV provides guidance, testing options, and educational tools to help older adults drive safely for as long as it’s appropriate. It balances independence with safety through renewal requirements, vision checks, and mature driver programs. alice.care can help families notice when driving may be becoming unsafe, support conversations about transportation changes, and assist with getting to appointments and errands when driving is no longer the best option.

• Did you know that the California Department of Motor Vehicles will not take away a driver’s license when someone reaches a certain age? It all depends on mental and physical condition and ability to follow traffic laws — regardless of age.
• Once drivers reach 70, however, they must renew a driver’s license in person at the DMV every five years. A step-by-step video explains how drivers can start the renewal process online from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. And drivers can choose a no-fail, self-paced eLearning preparation course as an alternative to taking the knowledge exam at the DMV office. The video also shows how to schedule a visit to the DMV office to finish the renewal.
• The DMV also offers other resources designed to help older people drive safely and maintain independence — plus sample exams, information on vision tests and behind-the-wheel tests, preparation tips, and explanations for how aging affects driving.
• And people who pass an approved mature driver improvement course may qualify for reduced insurance premiums.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

California State Parks offer older adults a chance to connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors—often at reduced or no cost through programs like the Golden Bear Pass. alice.care supports families who want to keep loved ones engaged in meaningful activities, including gentle outings, walks, and time in restorative outdoor spaces when appropriate.

• Consider exploring any of California’s more than 200 state parks for free, if you’re 62 or older and qualify for the Golden Bear Pass. For details, contact parkpassinfo@parks.ca.gov.

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

Emergencies can be especially challenging for older adults and people with access or functional needs. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services helps ensure that planning, communication, and sheltering account for those who may be most at risk.

• Disasters disproportionately affect older adults, people with disabilities, those who might struggle with transportation, children, and people with limited English skills.
• The Office of Access and Functional Needs (OAFN) works to help these populations with communication, transportation, and shelter before, during, and after emergencies.
• For more information, call 916-894-5209. Listos California also helps Californians of all ages prepare for emergencies.

OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARD ASSESSMENT

Extreme heat poses serious health risks for older adults. Tools like CalHeatScore and related state resources help people understand local risk and take steps to stay safe. Alice Care caregivers can support these efforts at the household level—monitoring hydration, watching for signs of heat illness, and helping implement cooling strategies during high-heat days.

• The Centers for Disease Control says people aged 65 or older are more prone to heat-related health problems. California summers can get unbearably hot, so it’s vital that older Californians know how to plan and respond to an upcoming heat wave.
• The cutting-edge CalHeatScore is an important tool to prepare all Californians for extreme heat. Simply enter your ZIP code to receive locally tailored guidance. It also offers tips for staying safe — such as how to recognize signs of heat illness — and important resources, like locations of the nearest cooling centers.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Through campaigns like HeatReadyCA and Save Our Water, this office provides clear, practical guidance to help Californians stay safe in extreme weather and use essential resources wisely. alice.care aligns with this mission by helping older adults translate that guidance into daily habits—staying cool, hydrated, and informed at home.

• Older adults may be at greater risk during heat waves, which have proved deadlier than other weather hazards.
• Assess your risk and learn how to stay cool and hydrated at HeatReadyCA.com.
• OCPSC also manages Save Our Water, the state’s water conservation program that helps people of all ages learn how to use water efficiently inside and outside.

OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY

The Office of Traffic Safety works to keep all road users safe through education and data-driven campaigns. For older adults, this includes awareness around walking, driving, and crossing safely. Alice Care adds another layer of safety by supporting mobility, offering a steady arm when walking, and provides safe transportation.

• The Office of Traffic Safety takes a leadership role in making California roadways safe for everyone, including older adults.
• The agency compiles data, delivers safety grants, and conducts public awareness campaigns.
• Outreach includes “Go Safely, California,” a partnership with Caltrans to help people make informed choices, whether walking, driving, or bicycling.

Jobs and Finances

EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The Employment Development Department helps older adults re-enter the workforce, reskill, or transition into new roles through job centers and training programs. For those who want or need to keep working, Alice Care can help by providing in-home support to a spouse or parent, making it easier for family caregivers to balance employment and caregiving responsibilities.

• Are you an older person looking to return to the workforce, or to transition to a new career? EDD provides a range of employment and training services across California through American Job Centers. Find a center in your area.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT

Need help paying your electricity or water bills? The California Department of Community Services & Development can help those in need, including older adults. A weatherization program also helps save energy, lowering utility costs. Find services in your area with this map.

DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

How can an older person protect against financial abuse? The Department of Insurance’s Senior Gateway is a one-stop website offering older adults, their families, and caregivers multiple resources ranging from spotting scams and knowing one’s rights to reporting abuse and neglect. A good place to start is the Senior Gateway’s must-read Top 10 Safety Tips.

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL PROTECTION & INNOVATION

Older Californians on average own more assets but possess fewer digital skills, making them targets for fraud. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation provides information to give consumers the tools to make smart financial decisions, including workshops and one-on-one consultations to help older adults protect against scams. Elder financial abuse can be reported on DFPI’s website.

CALIFORNIA PRIVACY PROTECTION AGENCY

Phishing. Data breaches. Malware. Identity theft. Californians of all ages are right to be worried about protecting their personal information. Fortunately, Californians have the strongest privacy rights in the country. The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) wants older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to know how to better keep personal information private and safe from scammers and fraudsters. The Frequently Asked Questions page provides an overview of the agency, the rights consumers have under the California Consumer Privacy Act, and how to exercise these rights.

FRANCHISE TAX BOARD

Do you need help filling out tax forms? Do you know whether you’re eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit? Qualifying Californians 60 and older who need help filing their taxes can check out the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. The Franchise Tax Board provides a locator service so you can find a counseling site in your area.

CALIFORNIA STATE CONTROLLER’S OFFICE

Another resource for low- and moderate-income taxpayers who could use a hand with tax returns is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The California State Controller works with the IRS to provide free basic tax return preparation to eligible individuals from February 1 through April 15, with dates and times varying by location.

DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION

People of all ages with disabilities can get help with jobs and independent living from California’s Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), which runs the largest vocational rehabilitation program in the United States. DOR has 80 field offices and oversees 28 Independent Living Centers. Find a location near you, or call 800-952-5544.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Older state employees nearing the end of their career can consult the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) for information on preparing for retirement and retirement benefits. And retired state workers who want to continue working for the state can register to return to work on a temporary basis.

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM

CalPERS offers a variety of resources to help older state employees nearing and after retirement. The Retirement Estimate Calculator can help people decide if it’s time to retire while the Retirement Planning Checklist helps them understand the necessary steps to take up to one year in advance.

CALIFORNIA STATE TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Retired public school educators, from kindergarten through community college, receive benefits through CalSTRS, the largest educator-only pension fund in the world. Contact CalSTRS at 800-228-5453.

Veterans

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Where should people who served in the armed forces turn for help? CalVet is for veterans of all ages and their families to learn about housing, health care, jobs, education, and home loans. These services are in demand as the veteran population ages and more people require access to medical facilities and long-term care services, CalVet says. Each year for the next several years, 30,000 newly discharged members of the armed services are expected to settle in California — more than any other state. For more information, call 800-952-5626.

CALIFORNIA VETERANS BOARD

If CalVet denies state benefits — such as a home loan, student waiver, or admission into a veteran’s home — a veteran may appeal directly to the California Veterans Board. This seven-person panel meets publicly several times a year, serving as an advocate for veterans. Contact the board at CalVetBoard@calvet.ca.gov.

Justice

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

The OAG investigates and prosecutes Medi-Cal fraud, elder abuse, and crimes against older adults in care facilities. Contact the OAG Hotline at 800-722-0432 or use its online fraud and abuse complaint form.

CALIFORNIA CIVIL RIGHTS DEPARTMENT

It’s against the law for anyone to discriminate against older Californians and other protected classes in employment, housing, business establishments, and state-funded programs. Complaints can be made to the Civil Rights Department, which investigates hate crimes including those committed against older people. For more information, call (800) 884-1684.

CALIFORNIA ELDER AND DISABILITY JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL

Every Californian deserves to age with dignity, safe from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Anyone can provide input at public meetings of the Elder & Disability Justice Coordinating Council.

CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE

Many experts recommend that adults prepare an Advance Health Care Directive letting your doctor, family, and friends know which treatments you want or don’t want at the end of your life. This can include your preferences for diagnostic testing, surgical procedures, resuscitation, and organ donation. Advance Health Care Directive forms that are ready to be customized for your situation are available at the Office of the Attorney General. When completed, an Advance Health Care Directive may be registered with the California Secretary of State.

Access to reliable information is the first step in making the right care decisions. As you review these state resources, alice.care is here to provide compassionate in-home support whenever your family needs it. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a new change, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the care journey.

This resource includes publicly available content republished from the California Department of Aging resource: Explore Aging Resource From The State of California.