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I need care for a loved one

estate sales, donations, the hard stuff

California families coordinating in-home care use these official programs and checklists when making day-to-day and long-term decisions.

  • Last verified 2026-06-24
  • 6 topics
  • Official sources

Care transitions

The National Institute on Aging publishes consumer guides on caregiving, chronic conditions, and safety written for families - free and updated as clinical evidence evolves.

  • Search NIA by condition for printable checklists.
  • NIH does not endorse private agencies - use for education only.
  • Share NIA handouts with siblings and paid caregivers.

NIH NIA - Caregiving

Post-acute coverage

Official sources publish current rules and program details for post-acute coverage. California program rules, income limits, and county administration change - confirm eligibility and covered services on the primary site rather than relying on informal summaries.

  • Bookmark the official page and note the publication or revision date.
  • County offices may interpret statewide rules differently - call local AAA staff.
  • Keep records of applications, denials, and appeal deadlines.

Medicare.gov - Home health services

California aging network

The California Department of Aging coordinates Area Agencies on Aging, caregiver support, and nutrition programs. County AAA offices are the front door for many local referrals.

  • Use the county finder to locate your local AAA phone number.
  • Benefits counseling can compare Medicare and Medi-Cal options.
  • Nutrition and transportation programs vary by county funding.

California Department of Aging

Advance directives & POLST

California recognizes advance health care directives and POLST forms for serious illness. These documents guide families and clinicians when a person cannot speak for themselves.

  • POLST is for serious illness - not every senior needs one.
  • Name a primary and alternate health care agent.
  • Give copies to doctors, hospitals, and family caregivers.

California Secretary of State - Advance directive registry

Financial power of attorney

A durable power of attorney lets a trusted person pay bills and manage accounts when cognitive decline or hospitalization prevents self-management. Consult an elder law attorney for California-specific forms.

  • Separate financial POA from health care directive.
  • Banks may require their own forms in addition to the POA.
  • Review documents every few years or after major life changes.

California Courts - Advance health care planning

Medi-Cal & estate planning caution

Medi-Cal eligibility and recovery rules are complex. Transferring assets without advice can create penalty periods. Use official DHCS guidance and qualified legal help - not internet shortcuts.

  • Some assets are exempt - home, vehicle limits, spouse protections.
  • Penalty periods apply to uncompensated transfers in look-back windows.
  • Estate recovery may affect some beneficiaries - verify current law.

California DHCS - Medi-Cal

Program rules, income limits, and covered services change. This page summarizes public programs in plain language - it is not legal or financial advice. Confirm eligibility and benefits with the linked official source or a qualified advisor.

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