Master Plan for Aging.

Existing law, including, among others, the Mello-Granlund Older Californians Act, provides programs and strategies to support the state's older population. These programs include the Aging and Disability Resource Connection program, established to provide information to consumers and their families on available long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs and to assist older adults, caregivers, and persons with disabilities in accessing LTSS programs at the local level. This bill would require the state to adopt a Master Plan for Aging, emphasizing workforce priorities. The bill would require the Master Plan for Aging to prioritize specified issues related to preparing and supporting the state's paid paraprofessionals and professionals, as well as unpaid family caregivers. These issues would include, but not be limited to, (1) addressing the need for a well-trained and culturally competent paid paraprofessional and professional health care and long-term care workforce, and (2) developing recommendations regarding the need for high-quality, affordable, and accessible respite services throughout the state for unpaid family caregivers. The bill would require the Master Plan for Aging to include an implementation plan specifying the goals, objectives, and timelines for meeting the requirements set forth in those provisions. The bill would make findings and declarations relating to the objectives of the master plan.