Title
a. Receive an oral presentation from the Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding the Area Agency on Aging Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Area Plan Update; and
b. Provide direction, as appropriate, regarding efforts to promote healthy aging, independence, and quality of life for older adults and caregivers in Monterey County.
Presenters: Diana Jimenez, Deputy Director, Aging and Adult Services (AAS), and Marleen Bush, Community Affiliations Manager, Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Health, Housing, Homelessness and Human Services (HHHHS) Committee:
a. Receive an oral presentation from the Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding the Area Agency on Aging Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Area Plan Update; and
b. Provide direction, as appropriate, regarding efforts to promote healthy aging, independence, and quality of life for older adults and caregivers in Monterey County.
SUMMARY:
The 2026-2027 Area Plan Update supplements the County of Monterey Area Agency on Aging’s four-year Area Plan originally approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 2024 and outlines the planned services, goals, and activities for the upcoming fiscal year. The update supports the continued delivery of programs and services authorized under the Older Americans Act, including nutrition services, caregiver support, outreach, legal assistance, Ombudsman services, health insurance counseling, and other community-based services that promote the health, independence, and well-being of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers throughout Monterey County.
This oral presentation will provide the Board of Supervisors with an overview of the direct services and contracted programs and services administered through the Area Agency on Aging, highlighting the comprehensive and coordinated approach used to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers.
DISCUSSION:
The mission of the County of Monterey Area Agency on Aging is to support the development of community-based systems of care for older adults by providing vital services that promote independence and encourage community involvement in the planning and delivery of these services.
Every four years, the Area Agency on Aging conducts a needs assessment and prepares a four-year Area Plan to determine priorities and outline an action plan. This 2026-2027 Area Plan Update provides current information to the four-year Area Plan originally approved in May of 2024 and projects services for the upcoming fiscal year. These services include home delivered and congregate meals, outreach services, nutrition education, family caregiver support, legal assistance, long-term care facility oversight, health insurance counseling, and more.
The 2026-2027 Area Plan Update primarily reflects administrative revisions rather than major policy or program changes. These updates include a revised cover page and checklist, updated demographic tables, edits to the Ombudsman, HICAP, and Legal Assistance narrative descriptions, and public hearing details. Goals, service units, and outcome measures have been refreshed across key programs. Changes also include the replacement of a senior center location, public hearing details, updates to governing board and advisory council membership and terms; an updated organizational chart; and revisions to the Assurances section to comply with new requirements. Lastly, Attachment A summarizes the FY 2026-2027 changes, and Attachment B was updated to include Older Californians Act Modernization intergenerational activities.
A public hearing was held on April 23, 2026, to review funding levels and planned services. This updated plan was developed in collaboration with the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. Contracted service providers were also given the opportunity to review and provide comments.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
No other agency was involved in development of this report.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the County General Fund from this report.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Area Plan Update aligns with the Well-Being and Quality of Life Strategic Plan Goal adopted by the Board of Supervisors by supporting programs that enhance services promoting the health, independence, well-being, and quality of life of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers through coordinated efforts across Monterey County.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
_X__Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Diana Jimenez, Deputy Director, x3320
Approved by: Roderick Franks, Director, x4430
Attachments: Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 2026-2027 Area Plan Update
PowerPoint Presentation