The California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) is a nonprofit organization representing California’s 33 area agencies on aging and is the leading voice on aging issues in California. C4A works closely with the Administration on Aging, the California Department of Aging, Department of Social Services, Department of Rehabilitation as well as key provider associations. Of the 33 area agen
cies on aging, 19 agencies are part of a county structure and typically are integrated within the local social service system, eight are created by joint power agreements when there are multiple counties involved, and the remaining six are non-profit agencies. The association is an advocate for meeting the needs of the elderly and adults with disabilities. Issues range from working on policy initiatives that benefit older persons, making transportation and meals available to older adults and helping caregivers find support and services. The area agency network also provides assistance, information, referral, and support. Each year the network provides clients, and their caregivers, with services critical to keep seniors in their homes and communities as long as possible, serving thousands of meals, and delivering home-maker services and personal care. The purpose of C4A is to advocate on behalf of older persons, persons with disabilities, their caregivers and families, to provide leadership within the aging and disability communities, and promote a service delivery system that provides individual choice. C4A’s primary goal for a long-term care system is maintaining individuals in their own homes in the least restrictive and most home-like environment. It is our goal that older persons and adults with disabilities have access to a wide range of options for community-based long-term services, enabling them to live in their local community with independence and dignity. Over the last few years, C4A has committed itself to building networks, seeking partners, and developing coalitions. C4A has worked to bring senior organizations, service providers and allied associations to the table to promote understanding, trust, and a mutual agenda.
