Governor Gavin Newsom Directs $350 Million for California Senior Care Hubs and In-Home Support

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1820 into law on Monday, allocating $350 million in dedicated state funding through California's Master Plan for Aging to construct forty comprehensive Community Senior Wellness Hubs, expand the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, and establish wage stipends for over 100,000 certified home care aides.

The legislation addresses California's rapidly shifting demographics, where the population of older adults aged 60 and older is projected to reach 10.8 million by 2030, representing over 25 percent of the state's total population.

Empowering Older Californians to Age with Dignity in Their Own Homes Geriatric healthcare data demonstrated that expanding community-based adult day health programs and affordable in-home supportive care prevents premature nursing home institutionalization, saving state taxpayers thousands of dollars per senior monthly while improving patient cognitive and social well-being.

"Aging is not a problem to be solved—it is a reality to be embraced, supported, and celebrated," Governor Newsom said during a bill signing at a senior community center in Sacramento. "Older Californians built our state, and they deserve the support necessary to age with dignity in their own homes and neighborhoods. AB 1820 builds forty modern senior wellness centers, invests directly in our dedicated in-home caregiving workforce, and ensures California remains the best place in America to grow older."

Key Investments Under AB 1820 The $350 million package includes:

• 40 Community Senior Wellness Hubs: $160 million to build integrated community centers offering memory care, physical therapy, hot meals, and legal assistance across 25 counties.
• In-Home Caregiver Wage Supplements: $120 million to provide wage enhancements and paid healthcare training for IHSS home aides.
• Home Modification Safety Grants: $45 million providing low-income seniors with direct grants of up to $7,500 to install wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers, and grab bars.
• Alzheimer's & Dementia Respite Care Vouchers: $25 million for short-term caregiver respite relief vouchers.

Senior advocacy organizations, disability rights groups, and home healthcare labor unions praised the landmark legislation, highlighting that proactive in-home care investments prevent avoidable emergency hospitalizations.