Back to top
Find more resources
RESOURCES FOR BLACK OLDER ADULTS & CAREGIVERS
ENSURING EQUITY in aGING
NEW STORY!
1. Sign up for emergency alerts: Visit CalAlerts.org to sign up for alerts in your area. Consider signing up for alerts in an older loved one’s area too.
to celebrate resilience, leadership, and contributions that have shaped our communities. At the California Department of Aging (CDA), this month holds deep meaning for staff dedicated to ensuring equitable services for older adults and people with disabilities. Their experiences highlight the impact of Black history on their commitment to aging services.
2. Make a disaster-ready plan: Create a list of contact information you may need; decide where to meet if you’re separated from loved ones; practice your plan.
3. Pack a go bag: To grab when you need to leave quickly, including important documents and items for each family member, keys, wallet, identification, phone and charger, and medication.
4. Pack a stay box: Include basic supplies for when you can’t leave home, such as food that won’t spoil, water, a flashlight, trash bags, and medication – enough for three days.
5. Help friends and neighbors: Exchange contact information with your neighbors and plan how you might work together in an emergency.
• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Medication, especially prescriptions
• list of prescriptions
• Eyeglasses
• Copies of important documents
• List of important phone numbers
• Cash
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• FIRST AID KIT
• WHISTLE, TO SIGNAL FOR HELP
• MOIST TOWELETTES, GARBAGE BAGS, AND PLASTIC
TIES FOR PERSONAL SANITATION
• PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
• MANUAL CAN OPENER
• CELL PHONE CHARGER
• BACKUP BATTERY
What should older adults put in a
go bag?
Trusted connections with family, friends, caregivers, and healthcare providers are crucial to ensure older adults’ and adults with disabilities’ needs are met during emergencies. Important considerations include:
Black History Month is a time
5 Readiness Actions
• Emergency Preparedness Guide
• MyHazards
• CalAlerts
• Listos California
• Ready.gov
• Medicare: Care in an Emergency
Quick Links
"As a Black woman and leader, I recognize the importance of equity in aging services. Black History Month is about honoring those who paved the way while advocating for dignity and support for all older adults."
Personal Perspectives: Equity in Aging Services
Ensuring equitable access to aging services is a priority. Visit the Aging in California Resource Hub for information on accessing these services and finding support near you.
This Black History Month, we honor the past by ensuring dignity, respect, and access to services for all older adults—continuing the legacy of those who paved the way.
How to Get Help
Black older adults have historically faced barriers to care, but resources are available to support their well-being. CDA provides essential programs to ensure older adults and caregivers receive the services they need:
• Caregiver Resource Centers – Support for caregivers,
including respite care and counseling.
• Area Agencies on Aging – Local programs offering nutrition,
transportation, and case management.
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program – Coordinated services
to help older adults stay in their homes.
• Community-Based Adult Services – Day health care
integrating medical and social support.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Advocacy for older
adults in long-term care facilities.
The Aging in California Resource Hub offers practical resources on caregiving, well-being, and planning for the future.
Accessing Aging Services and Support
Black older adults have historically faced barriers to care, but resources are available to support their well-being. CDA provides essential programs to ensure older adults and caregivers receive the services they need:
• Caregiver Resource Centers – Support for caregivers, including respite care and counseling.
• Area Agencies on Aging – Local programs offering nutrition, transportation, and case management.
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program – Coordinated services to help older adults stay in their homes.
• Community-Based Adult Services – Day health care integrating medical and social support.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Advocacy for older adults in long-term care facilities.
The Aging in California Resource Hub offers practical resources on caregiving, well-being, and planning for the future.
Accessing Aging Services and Support
CDA staff members share how Black History Month influences their work and the importance of ensuring dignity and access for all older adults.
CDA staff members share how Black History Month influences their work and the importance of ensuring dignity and access for all older adults.
ENSURING EQUITY in
AGING RESOURCES FOR BLACK OLDER ADULTS & CAREGIVERS
Dr. Nakia T.
Branch Chief, Older Adults Program Branch
"Black History transcends a month—it’s about ensuring voices are heard and older adults receive the respect and services they deserve."
Miranda W.
Data & Program Monitoring Specialist, Office of the Long-Term Care Patient Representative
"Many Black older adults don’t know about or have access to the benefits they need. Expanding awareness of these services is essential for aging with dignity."
Shawntel B.
Branch Chief, Health at Home Branch
"Caring for older adults is a responsibility I learned at a young age. My work is a continuation of that legacy, ensuring seniors receive the support they deserve."
Ericka L.
Analyst, Community-Based Adult Services Bureau
Dr. Nakia T.
Branch Chief, Older Adults Program Branch
"As a Black woman and leader, I recognize the importance of equity in aging services. Black History Month is about honoring those who paved the way while advocating for dignity and support for all older adults."
Miranda W.
Data & Program Monitoring Specialist, Office of the Long-Term Care Patient Representative
"Black History transcends a month—it’s about ensuring voices are heard and older adults receive the respect and services they deserve."
Shawntel B.
Branch Chief, Health at Home Branch
"Many Black older adults don’t know about or have access to the benefits they need. Expanding awareness of these services is essential for aging with dignity."
Ericka L.
Analyst, Community-Based Adult Services Bureau
"Caring for older adults is a responsibility I learned at a young age. My work is a continuation of that legacy, ensuring seniors receive the support they deserve."