A pioneering S.F. program seeks to keep rapidly aging immigrant population out of nursing homes

San Francisco is pioneering innovative elder care solutions to support its rapidly aging immigrant population, particularly among monolingual Asian American seniors. Traditional nursing homes often lack culturally and linguistically appropriate services, prompting the development of programs that enable seniors to age comfortably at home.

A notable example is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) operated by the nonprofit On Lok. This initiative provides comprehensive services—including medical care, transportation, and culturally familiar meals—to seniors, allowing them to remain in their communities. For instance, Cantonese-speaking caregivers assist with daily activities, and specialized day centers offer social engagement through activities like mahjong. These services are fully covered by Medicaid and Medicare, reducing the burden on families.

Anni Chung, President and CEO of Self Help for the Elderly and a Class of 2015 San Francisco Fellow with the LeaderSpring Center, has been a vocal advocate for culturally competent elder care. Her organization serves over 40,000 seniors annually across the Bay Area, providing health, housing, and social services tailored to the needs of immigrant communities. Chung emphasizes the challenges posed by funding and staffing shortages, which have led to the closure of facilities like J-Sei Home. She underscores the importance of sustainable support to maintain and expand such vital programs.

The success of PACE and similar models highlights the potential for scalable, community-based solutions to elder care that respect cultural and linguistic diversity. As the senior population grows, these programs offer a promising path forward to ensure dignity and quality of life for aging immigrants.

Learn more about Self Help for the Elderly: https://www.selfhelpelderly.org/