Board receives Local Aging and Disabilities Action Plan; staff seeks county role in implementation

Alliance on Aging presented the Local Aging and Disabilities Action Plan (LADAP) to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on June 17, describing a multi-year, community-driven framework to improve services and access for older adults and people with disabilities across the county.

The project area spans rural agricultural portions of North and South Monterey County and the Greater Salinas area. Alliance on Aging said the planning process included an advisory council of representatives from 37 organizations, 397 resident survey responses, and eight solution summits that drew 232 community participants, predominantly Hispanic and age 60-plus.

LADAP priority goals were presented across adapted AARP livability domains (housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, civic participation and employment, communication and information, social participation, health services and community supports) and added disaster preparedness. Examples of recommended actions include:

- Civic participation: establish community-based groups to improve engagement with city and county representatives. - Housing: promote accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and supports for older homeowners and caregivers. - Health services: reduce wait times and improve rural access to specialists. - Disaster preparedness: develop targeted communication strategies for older adults and people with disabilities by December 2025.

Presenters emphasized gaps in capacity: Adult Protective Services staff cited rising referrals (from about 3,000 reports two years prior to about 4,000 last year) and understaffing, with 13 investigators and a single long-term case manager serving the county. APS supervisors shared case examples of people who ultimately received coordinated help after prolonged engagement.

Supervisors expressed support for the plan and concern about funding uncertainty for partner organizations that provide core services such as Meals on Wheels and food banks. Supervisor Askew asked how the plan would adapt if federal funding streams were reduced; Alliance on Aging said partners must maximize resources, pursue collaboration and seek to preserve core services while acknowledging funding risks.

The board received the plan and asked staff to integrate LADAP goals into county decision-making, support civic participation, and coordinate with the senior network and community partners on implementation and accountability.

Ending: Alliance on Aging will post the full report and Spanish-language executive summary and continue to work with the county and advisory group on implementation over the coming 3-5 years.