AAA Area Plan Hearing
  • January 30, 2025
  • AD Staff Writer
  • News

Shaping Services for Aging Adults: Highlights from the 2025-2026 Area Plan Public Hearings

As the population of aging adults continues to grow, the need for services to support this demographic has never been more critical. The Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) and the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging (LADOA) are working together to ensure that the community’s evolving needs are met through the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Area Plan Update. This plan lays out strategies and funding for programs that promote independent living, community engagement, and overall well-being for older adults and people with disabilities.

To ensure community input is at the heart of this process, both agencies held a series of public hearings across Los Angeles County, inviting older adults, caregivers, advocacy groups, and service providers to provide feedback. The goal is to gather insights on how to enhance the effectiveness of programs under the Older Americans Act, Older Californians Act, and the Community Development Block Grant Programs.

AAA Area Plan Hearing

The hearings are an essential part of the planning process that helps to ensure these programs stay relevant to the needs of those they serve.

A Platform for Public Input

The first four joint hearings, which took place in Reseda, San Pedro, Willowbrook, and East Los Angeles, were an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input both in person and virtually. Participants were encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns, ask questions, and make suggestions on how services can be improved. These forums also provided a space for community members to learn more about the services available, including nutrition programs, caregiver support, health and wellness programs, transportation, and emergency preparedness. The County conducted two more hearings on its own, in Antelope Valley and the San Gabriel Valley.

In Reseda, community members expressed their gratitude for these opportunities to be heard and engaged in the planning process. “Thank you to the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging and Los Angeles Aging & Disabilities Department for ongoing guidance and support,” said Joy B. Guihama, MPH from the Partners in Care Foundation. She emphasized the critical importance of addressing social isolation, noting that, “We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and optimal health in the home of their choosing.”

Caregivers Speak Up

Caregivers, such as Ada I., also spoke passionately about the vital role these programs play in their lives. “These programs are very, very important to me,” Ada shared. “They help with my work as a caregiver. When I bring older adults here, they connect with others, and it makes them happy. I bring them even if it’s once per week or every other week. I recommend these centers.” Her testimony highlighted the essential support that senior centers provide not only to seniors but also to those who care for them.

Advocating for the Older Adult Community

Sue Sexton, a commissioner with the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults (LACCOA) and representative from ONEgeneration, which hosted the Reseda hearing, expressed her gratitude after the event. “Thank you to the County and City of Los Angeles for holding a public hearing for local members of the older adult community,” she said. “The event gave older adults a platform which allowed for their voice and written comments to directly make a difference in the process of improving services and programs that impact the daily activities and challenges of the older adult community.” Sexton’s comments underscored the importance of empowering older adults to have a voice in shaping the programs and policies that affect their lives.

Moving Forward: Building on Community Feedback

The area plan is built with direct input from these public hearings, as well as other public comments submitted by email and online. The hearings provide an essential avenue for stakeholders to speak directly with decision-makers, ensuring that the needs of older adults and those with disabilities are prioritized. The feedback gathered from these forums will directly inform the development of policies and funding priorities for the next four years.

The presentation during the hearings included an overview of the key services funded through the Area Plan, including health and wellness programs, nutrition services, care management, and social engagement opportunities. These services are designed to promote independence, improve quality of life, and provide essential support to both seniors and their caregivers.

For those who couldn’t attend the hearings, there are still opportunities to provide input. Written comments can be submitted via email at aaaprogram@ad.lacounty.gov and ladoa.planning@lacity.org.

By listening to the voices of those who are directly impacted, the L.A. County Aging & Disabilities Department and the L.A. City Department of Aging are committed to ensuring that older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers continue to receive the services and support they need to thrive. Together, we will shape a future where aging adults can live with dignity, respect, and the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Copyright© 2023 All rights reserved