The commission oversees the distribution of federal Older Americans Act funding to California’s Area Agencies on Aging, which deliver essential services to seniors across the state. Jensen’s extensive experience in Social Work and her deep connection to Humboldt County’s older adult community make her a significant addition to the Commission, especially in bringing a rural perspective to state-level discussions.
Jensen’s journey to helping older adults began in 1995 when she started working at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center’s adult day health care program. Initially drawn to nursing, she worked as a nursing assistant, providing personal care to program participants. However, after five years, Jensen realized that her true calling lay in social work. This transition led her to focus on supporting family caregivers, helping them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a loved one who is aging.
“I realized that social work was my route,” Jensen said. “I wanted to help people understand their health and well-being options so they could make informed choices and retain control over their lives.”
Over the years, Jensen has worked in various capacities, including at the Redwood Caregiver Resource Center, where she provided support to families caring for loved ones with degenerative neurological diseases. Her work has always been driven by the belief that everyone deserves to live the best life possible and that the most cost-efficient way to provide care often involves keeping older adults in their own homes rather than institutional settings.
One of the key reasons for Jensen’s appointment is her ability to represent the rural communities of Northern California, which have historically been underrepresented on the Commission. Jensen currently serves as the board president for the Area One Agency on Aging, an entity that the Commission oversees. Her understanding of the unique challenges faced by older adults in rural areas, such as limited access to services and transportation barriers, will be invaluable in her new role.
“When the state looks at funding, they don’t always account for the high cost of serving older adults in rural areas,” Jensen explained. “It’s crucial to have someone who understands these challenges and can advocate for the necessary resources.”
Jensen’s appointment comes at a time when she was considering winding down her professional commitments. However, the opportunity to influence state-level policies and to continue learning from experts in aging was too compelling to pass up.
“I’m really excited about the learning opportunities and the chance to have important conversations at the state level,” Jensen says. “I’m also looking forward to connecting students at Cal Poly Humboldt with what’s happening in the field of aging and adult services.”
In addition to her work on the Commission, Jensen is also leading a research study on aging in place in rural communities, which she will present at a conference in Ireland this fall. The study, conducted with students from Cal Poly Humboldt, explores the experiences of older adults aging in their homes in rural areas, and it will provide valuable insights that Jensen can bring to her work on the Commission.
Jensen’s appointment to the California Commission on Aging is a five-year term, during which she will participate in quarterly meetings across the state. Her first official meeting will be in October in San Bernardino.