How do I find senior services in my specific California county?

The fastest way is to call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or dial 2-1-1 (free, available 24/7 in California). Both services will connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging and community programs based on your ZIP code. You can also visit eldercare.acl.gov to search by location.

Can a California senior get help with both Medicare and Medi-Cal?

Yes. Seniors who qualify for both programs are called 'dual eligibles' and may enroll in a Cal MediConnect or other Medi-Medi plan that coordinates benefits. Medi-Cal can cover Medicare premiums, copays, and services Medicare doesn't include, such as long-term care. Contact the California Department of Health Care Services or call your county Medi-Cal office for a free eligibility screening.

What should I do if an older adult in California is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation?

Call Adult Protective Services (APS) in the senior's county — you can get the right number by dialing 2-1-1. APS investigates reports of elder abuse in private homes. If the person lives in a care facility, contact the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which has regional offices statewide; find it through the California Department of Aging at aging.ca.gov. In an emergency, call 911.

Is there crisis support available if a senior or their caregiver is struggling emotionally?

Yes. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — call or text 988. Trained counselors can support seniors experiencing depression, grief, or thoughts of self-harm, as well as exhausted caregivers. Spanish-language support is available. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Senior Resources Resources in California

Last updated September 7, 2026

California has one of the largest older adult populations in the country, and a wide range of federal and state programs exist to help seniors aged 60 and older meet basic needs — from food and health coverage to in-home care and housing stability. Knowing where to start can be the hardest part, which is why connecting with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or calling 2-1-1 California is often the best first step. These free services can assess your situation and connect you to programs you may not know you qualify for.

Many California seniors are eligible for benefits they never claim, including Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program), the California Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (CalFresh/SNAP), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Eligibility rules vary by program, household size, and income, so it's worth getting a free screening rather than assuming you don't qualify.

If you are a caregiver supporting an older adult, you are not alone — California funds caregiver support services through its network of AAAs, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available around the clock if you or a senior you know is in emotional distress. The resources listed below are real, active programs verified through federal and California state agencies.

Key programs in California

Eldercare Locator & Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

Connects older adults and caregivers to local services including in-home support, meals, transportation, legal aid, caregiver respite, and case management. California has more than 30 AAAs covering every county.

How to access: Call the national Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find your county's AAA. Services are free and available in multiple languages.

Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)

Provides free or low-cost health coverage for California seniors with limited income, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and long-term care. Seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal are called 'dual eligibles' and receive enhanced benefits.

How to access: Apply online at coveredca.com or benefitscal.com, visit your county Department of Social Services office, or call 1-800-541-5555 (Medi-Cal Helpline). Your local AAA can also help with the application.

CalFresh (SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Provides monthly electronic benefits to purchase food at grocery stores and farmers markets. California seniors living alone on Social Security may qualify even with modest income. The application process has been simplified for seniors 60 and older.

How to access: Apply online at benefitscal.com, call your county human services agency, or dial 2-1-1 for local application assistance. Some counties offer in-home application support for seniors who cannot travel.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Helps eligible low-income California households — including seniors on fixed incomes — pay heating and cooling bills and address home energy crises such as utility shutoffs. Funding is limited and allocated seasonally.

How to access: Call 2-1-1 California to find your local LIHEAP provider, or visit the California Department of Community Services and Development at csd.ca.gov. Availability varies by county and funding cycle, so apply as early as possible.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) — California

A statewide Medi-Cal program that pays for personal care assistance — such as bathing, meal preparation, housekeeping, and accompaniment to medical appointments — so eligible seniors and people with disabilities can remain safely at home instead of entering a care facility.

How to access: Contact your county IHSS office to request an in-home assessment. You can find your county office through the California Department of Social Services at cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-services, or call 2-1-1 for a referral. Applicants must be Medi-Cal eligible.