In October 2025, Governor Newsom signed AB 960 into law. Authored by Assemblymember Robert Garcia and sponsored by Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Alzheimer’s Orange County, and Alzheimer’s San Diego, this bill ensures that people with disabilities and/or cognitive impairment, including dementia, have access to friend and family caregivers in the hospital.

Hospitals can be overwhelming for people living with dementia. It can be disorienting and frustrating. They can struggle to communicate their needs and preferences. Friends and family caregivers play an important role in advocating and supporting people with dementia while they are in the hospital.

Starting in January 2026, people with disabilities and/or cognitive impairment can have a friend or family caregiver stay with them as needed throughout the duration of their hospital visit.