The SCAN Foundation Identifies Ways the Incoming Brown Administration Can Reshape Senior Care in California

Three new publications seek to educate and inform long-term care policy reforms in the state.

LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California's next governor will have the opportunity to reshape the system of care that serves the state's growing senior population, shifting it from one that is fragmented and unsustainable to a system that integrates medical and supportive services, is person-centered and is cost-effective. In 2011, the largest generation in history – the baby boomers – will start turning 65. What this means for California is a 100 percent projected increase of older adults over the next 20 years, from 4.41 million in 2010 to 8.84 million in 2030, according to the California Department of Finance. To help inform the new administration's approach to reshaping the long-term care system, The SCAN Foundation released today several publications with critical information addressing these issues.

"Under Governor-elect Brown's leadership, California can become a model for empowering seniors to age with dignity and independence," said Bruce Chernof, MD, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation.  "Key provisions in federal health reform serve as the foundation to build a vibrant network of home-and community-based services and supports throughout the state."

The SCAN Foundation's Policy Brief No. 4, "Transforming California's System of Care for Older Adults: Considerations for the Next Administration," identifies specific ways that Governor-elect Brown can improve California's home-and community-based care for older adults.

To read Policy Brief No. 4 in its entirety, please click here.

The SCAN Foundation is also releasing a new series entitled Long-Term Care (LTC) Fundamentals. The series highlights and describes the organization and financing of long-term care in California. It also addresses the "who, what, where, when, why and how" of long-term care in the state and provides an in-depth review of some of the most important issues.

Please click below to read the first four publications in the series:

LTC Fundamentals #1: An Overview of Long-Term Care in California

LTC Fundamentals #2: Organization of Long-Term Care in the Government

LTC Fundamentals #3: The Financing of Long-Term Care

LTC Fundamentals #4: Who Needs and Who Uses Long-Term Care?

Lastly, with support from The SCAN Foundation, the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI) released a fact sheet addressing the California direct care workforce. This fact sheet explores the demographics and growing demand for a highly trained direct care workforce to meet the current and future needs of older Californians and those with disabilities.

To read the PHI fact sheet, please click here.

More information about the individual grantees and The SCAN Foundation can be found at www.TheSCANFoundation.org.

About The SCAN Foundation

The SCAN Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing the development of a sustainable continuum of quality care for seniors that integrates medical treatment and human services in the settings most appropriate to their needs and with the greatest likelihood of a healthy, independent life. The SCAN Foundation supports programs that stimulate public engagement, develop realistic public policy and financing options, and disseminate promising care models and technologies. For more information about The SCAN Foundation, visit www.TheSCANFoundation.org.

SOURCE The SCAN Foundation