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In California, seniors make up a growing segment of the population, with many choosing to age in place and continue living independently in their own homes. The City of Paramount is committed to supporting this preference through its longstanding partnership with Pathways Circle of Care, a trusted local provider of home care and hospice services. Together, they offer the Senior Home Safety Program, which is designed to enhance the safety and well-being of seniors in the community.
Home safety is critical, as one in four older adults experiences a fall each year, with many of these falls occurring in the home according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To prevent such accidents, the Senior Home Safety Program offers free home evaluations to identify potential hazards and provide safety upgrades. Recommendations often include installing grab bars, non-slip rugs, smoke detectors and shower seats, all of which contribute to preventing falls and ensuring that seniors can live independently and safely. Pathways communicates the recommended upgrades to the City’s Public Safety team, which coordinates the purchase and professional installation of these items—at no cost to the senior. Pathways also participates in the City’s Spring and Fall Health Fairs, providing blood pressure screenings in collaboration with California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) to support seniors’ health and wellness. Additionally, Pathways hosts monthly table talks with seniors, creating opportunities for open conversations and helping identify any additional services they may need.
The program has also expanded to assist seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. A notable new feature is the distribution of Apple AirTags to eligible seniors, allowing families to track their loved ones in real time. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander, making tracking devices an invaluable tool for ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Paramount’s dedication to its older population extends well beyond the partnership with Pathways. The City also offers several additional programs that support seniors living independently and securely:
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program focuses on enhancing the health and nutritional status of seniors through monthly packages of shelf-staples.
- Mental health, housing and food services are available through the Veteran Peer Access Network.
- Home-Delivered Meals of Paramount brings meals to seniors’ homes Monday through Friday if they are unable to prepare meals on their own.
- GoGo Grandparent and Paramount One Card offer convenient ways for seniors to ride-share easily and for a low cost.
As the senior population continues to grow, Paramount remains dedicated to ensuring that older residents can thrive with the resources and support they need to remain in the community they call home. For more information about the Senior Home Safety Program or other senior services, please visit: https://www.paramountcity.gov/government/departments/community-services-department/senior-services/
