SACRAMENTO – Legislation aimed at making it easier for seniors needing care to remain at home has been passed by the State Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care. 

Assembly Bill 1022 was passed by committee members with unanimous bipartisan support.

The measure would allow Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) to provide assisted living care to seniors while living in their own homes outside of retirement communities.

The bill’s author, Assembly Member Lori Saldaña (D- San Diego) said this approach provides more options for middle class seniors who may not want to enter a retirement community or a nursing home, or those who do not qualify for the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program available to modest income seniors.

“Perhaps a senior needs help with home maintanence or maybe needs more intensive medical services; she wouldn’t have to give up her home or independence.” said Saldaña.  “I think this is an option many of us would prefer.”

Six other states and the District of Columbia currently offer consumer-preferred, in-home care by utilizing CCRCs to provide a system of care.

The bill previously passed with unanimous support from the Assembly’s Human Services Committee. It is scheduled to be heard in Assembly Appropriations later this month.

Assembly Member Saldaña is Chair of the Legislature’s informal Caregivers Caucus.