FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 20, 2019
Contact Deborah Pacyna

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The leader of the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) is urging CAHF members to participate in a public campaign to engage in the development of a Master Plan for Aging.

The call to action follows the appointment of CAHF CEO/President Craig Cornett to the Governor’s Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee.  The group will develop a roadmap to ensure all Californians can grow old safely, with dignity and independence.

As part of the effort to create a Master Plan for Aging, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly launched an online public engagement campaign called WE ENGAGE to obtain public input.

“I encourage CAHF members to offer their comments and suggestions and engage in the effort to build an age friendly California by 2030,” said CAHF CEO Craig Cornett. “Our members have a deep understanding of the needs of our aging population. I’m confident they will provide innovative ideas that address the needs of older individuals in rehabilitation, skilled nursing centers and community-based homes for the developmentally disabled.”

The Stakeholder Advisory Committee will help develop best practices, data metrics and other components to help guide the work of the state, local government and private and philanthropic organizations to promote an age friendly environment for the over-65 population. It will address person-centered care, the availability of public services, social isolation, in-home support services and the nursing shortage.

Governor Gavin Newsom has also created an Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Task Force, headed by former California First Lady Maria Shriver.  The group will develop recommendations on preventing and preparing for a rise in the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

Both efforts will work together to help shape a Master Plan for Aging by Oct. 1, 2020. CAHF members can contribute comments online at the WE ENGAGE web portal.