Policy & Community Engagement

Making the world a better place for seniors

On Lok's Community Engagement for Seniors

As the pioneer of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), On Lok has been a strong voice for seniors and an advocate for policies that create a healthy aging environment for all.

For the past 50 years, we have shared our expertise with government officials and regulators to develop legislative, regulatory, and budget policies that support the health and well-being of vulnerable older adults. We have also helped other organizations establish their own PACE programs, empowering thousands of seniors to age in place.

In 1994, we co-founded the National PACE Association (NPA) to provide leadership and support for the growth, innovation, quality, and success of PACE. Today, we continue to advocate for policies to allow PACE to expand nationally. Learn more about our work with NPA at https://www.npaonline.org/policy-advocacy/value-pace.

In 2007, we co-founded the California PACE Association (CalPACE), the first statewide PACE association, to support, safeguard, and expand PACE programs and initiatives in California through education and advocacy. Learn more about our work with CalPACE at http://www.calpace.org/.

The Bay Area Senior Health Policy Forum

The Bay Area Senior Health Policy Forum

As California’s senior population continues to grow, so does the need for affordable healthcare, housing, and support services. We believe that, collectively, we can strengthen the health safety-net that more and more seniors will need in the coming years.

Since 2009, On Lok and the Center for Elders’ Independence, two of the Bay Area’s PACE programs, have convened the biennial Bay Area Senior Health Policy Coalition to bring together advocates, care providers, and policymakers committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable seniors.

This convening provides an opportunity for On Lok and other community-based organizations, stakeholders, and elected and government officials to forge and strengthen relationships across programs and geography, collaborate on creative solutions for healthy aging, and find a common voice as Bay Area senior services providers and advocates.

Registration is open for the eighth Senior Health Policy Forum, which will convene on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Mission College, Santa Clara.

Learn more at http://bayareashpf.org/

Working with the community on policy and engagement

Working with the community on policy and engagement

On Lok is an active member of the following committees and workgroups to support and implement policies that positively affect the lives of seniors:

Statewide

San Francisco

Alameda County

Santa Clara County

Advocating for Older Adults in Our Community

Through On Lok’s proactive advocacy work, and collaboration with local and statewide organizations, we continually advocate to preserve and enhance funding for community-based services to enable older adults in California to age in their homes and communities.  Learn more about the how current proposals may impact older adults and people with disabilities:

The SCAN Foundation

Justice in Aging

California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports

Resources

Master Plan for Aging

The Master Plan for Aging outlines five bold goals and twenty-three strategies to build a California for All Ages by 2030. On Lok is proud to co-host events to elevate the Master Plan for Aging locally and raise the visibility of important advocacy opportunities. Learn more at http://bayareashpf.org/1414-2/

Learn more about PACE:

Find a location near you

Learn more about On Lok’s seven Bay Area PACE Centers, On Lok 30th Street Senior Center in San Francisco, and our other care settings.