California State Alzheimer’s Plan Overview
In 2008, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 491 calling for the development of a state plan. Under the direction of the California Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Advisory Committee, established within the California Health and Human Services Agency, a task force was created including representatives from state agencies, community organizations, underrepresented communities, and academia as well as health care providers, caregivers, and individuals living with the dementia. After incorporating public feedback to address California’s culturally diverse population, the task force published California’s State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease: An Action Plan for 2011-2021.
California 2023 Policy Priorities
Support Dementia Training for Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers are critical to the health and safety of people living with dementia and are often the first to observe instances of abuse and neglect. Without proper training on how to recognize the signs of dementia and how to effectively communicate with people living with dementia, however, situations may escalate quickly with potentially dangerous consequences. Thankfully, progress is being made in San Mateo and Los Angeles, where dementia training has been adopted and implemented. The Alzheimer’s Association and advocates urge state lawmakers to support Assembly Bill 21, which will require law enforcement officers in all parts of the state to receive dementia-specific training.
Revamp the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Advisory Committee
The Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Advisory Committee was created by state law in the 1980s and currently has 14 members who represent family members, providers, advocates and consumers. To better serve individuals living with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is urging California lawmakers to support legislation that will update the Advisory Committee membership to include new professions critical to serving those living with Alzheimer’s. The legislation will also include updated bylaw language to be more inclusive and align term lengths for committee members.
Support Unpaid Caregivers Through a Tax Credit
Caregivers in California provided 881 million hours of unpaid care valued at $18.9 billion to support their loved ones living with dementia in 2021. With the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s expected to grow by 27% by 2025, legislation to support caregivers financially is crucial. With the support of AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association and advocates are calling on state policymakers to support legislation that will create a tax credit for unpaid caregivers to help ease the financial burden of caring for their family members living with dementia.
Sign Up to Learn About Advocacy Opportunities in California
Find My Chapter
Together, we’re making an impact. Find an Alzheimer’s Association chapter in your community for more ways to engage.
Contact Us
State Affairs Contact: Jared Giarrusso
Phone: 916.447.2741
Email: jagiarrusso@alz.org
690,000
people living with Alzheimer’s in California
1.1 Million
Californians are providing unpaid care
$4.2 Billion
Medicaid cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s (2020)
881 Million
increase in Alzheimer’s deaths since 2000
20%
in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
185.5%
increase of geriatricians in California needed to meet the demand in 2050
Resources to Drive Change in California
The following resources developed by AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association will help you learn more about the issues impacting people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, how California policymakers are addressing these gaps, and how you can help drive change.