Placer County District 2 Newsletter

March 2025

Placer County’s Commitment to Seniors

Did you know 21% of Placer County residents are aged 60 or older? As your County Supervisor, I’m proud to share how we’re supporting our senior residents through vital programs, all funded and run by our county government. These efforts ensure our seniors thrive, whether they’re in Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn, Loomis, Colfax, the Tahoe Basin, or other unincorporated areas of the county.

First, the In-Home Supportive Services program, managed by our Health and Human Services Department, helps seniors stay in their homes by providing assistance with daily tasks like bathing or meal preparation. For many, this support is the difference between independence and institutional care. Similarly, our Public Guardian office steps in for seniors unable to manage their affairs due to incapacity, safeguarding their finances and well-being with compassion and diligence.

Safety is another priority. Through the Placer PROTECT Task Force, our District Attorney’s Office combats elder abuse, offering a fraud hotline and victim support. Meanwhile, Adult Protective Services investigates reports of neglect or exploitation, connecting at-risk seniors to resources that protect their dignity. These programs reflect our commitment to keeping seniors secure in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Placer County also delivers critical healthcare access for our vulnerable populations. The Medi-Cal program, administered by our Human Services Division, ensures low-income seniors receive complete coverage, filling gaps by covering some prescriptions and services not fully covered under Medicare. For those in care facilities, our Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates tirelessly for its clients, investigating complaints and upholding residents’ rights—because every senior deserves respect, no matter where they live.

Mental and emotional health matter too. Our Senior Peer Counseling program offers free, in-home support for residents 55 and older, pairing them with trained peers to navigate challenges like loss or isolation. It’s a quiet but powerful way we help seniors feel seen and heard.

Do you know someone who can no longer drive, and needs transportation to and from appointments, grocery shopping, and more? Have them check out the Placer Rides program, which is administered through Seniors First and is available to reimburse gas expenses for a private driver of your choice.

On a broader scale, the Older Adult Advisory Commission, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, helps amplify the voices of older adults, advising the Board —from transportation to healthcare—ensuring their voices guide our decisions.

The Housing Choice Voucher program, managed by our Human Services Division, provides rental assistance to low-income seniors, helping them afford safe, comfortable homes in a county where costs can rise fast. And through the Aging & Disability Resource Connection, we partner with Agency on Aging Area 4 to connect seniors to benefits like CalFresh or caregiver support, streamlining access to life-changing resources. Calling 211 is also a great way to access a variety of resources.

These programs—most funded and run by Placer County—form a safety net woven with care and purpose.

I would love your input on how we can do more. What do seniors in your neighborhood need? I want to hear if you have ideas for how Placer County can better assist our senior residents—whether it’s new programs, or improvements to what we already offer.  Reach out to my office at: slandon@placer.ca.gov with ideas. Together, we can refine these programs to reflect the diverse needs of Western Placer’s more urban hubs, as well as our rural areas. Our county’s current programs and efforts are a start, but it’s our shared vision that will carry us forward. After all, a community is only as strong as the care it shows its elders!

Shanti Landon
Placer County Supervisor, District 2

Questions or Comments? Email Chief of Staff, Christina Faria at: cfaria@placer.ca.gov

www.placer.ca.gov