Health & Community Services
Berkeley has numerous health care resources, including Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, part of the Sutter system, and LifeLong Medical Care, a network of community health centers. The ratio of primary care doctors to residents is well above the national average. Berkeley is located between Stanford and UCSF medical schools. Stanford Health Care and John Muir Health recently expanded to Berkeley. However, there remain stark health inequalities across ethnicity, income, and neighborhood that several community programs are addressing. These include access to dental care, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations. Additional care navigation and programs that de-stigmatize seeking help for mental health and other basic needs are necessary to improve the well-being of all residents
Age Friendly Resources
Public
Nonprofit
Map of Healthcare Resources
There are many healthcare options along the main city corridor which runs through downtown. Stanford and John Muir Health care have both moved into South Berkeley, but there are few options available in West Berkeley. Several service providers such as Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay, CEI, and Jewish Family & Community Services are also concentrated near downtown.
Community Survey Results
Overall, subjective reports of health are good among older adults in Berkeley who responded to our survey.
There are predictable disparities in self-reported health across income and race. The graph below shows a trend similar to what is found in most studies nationally of the relationship between health, race, and financial resources. Berkeley is continuing its work on eliminating disparities.
According to the Alameda County Plan for Older Adults 2016-2017,
15.7%
of Berkeley residents over 60 have MediCal
48%
of Alameda County older residents have avoided needed medical care because of cost
39%
of older, low-income Alameda County residents are "very concerned" about being able to prepare healthy food as they get older
Take Aways
Equity and Inclusion: Most subjective health reports from residents are good to excellent; however, disparities are apparent in Berkeley along socioeconomic and racial lines. Addressing this is a priority of the City and County Public Health Departments, and more is being done. However, this may require expanding current programs, adding new ones, and implementing policy changes.
Information: Even though there are abundant healthcare resources in Berkeley and surrounding cities, care navigation, in-home care and memory care are three areas where there is a gap. Seniors who need support to stay at home often need help finding service providers but may not be able to afford services unless they qualify for Medi-Cal. Those who are just above income guidelines struggle to find affordable services. A clear source of information about these services and their affordability is needed.
Infrastructure and Policy: While Berkeley has many excellent health and community service programs, most are not large or well-funded enough to meet the increasing demand for services. Also, with the planned closure of the local hospital scheduled for 2030, the city will need to continue to work on ensuring residents have access to emergency care.
Action Plan
In Process
Year 1
Year 2-3
