Virginia Department for the Aging
Older Americans Act Overview
Federal Executive BranchU.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration on AgingAdministration on Aging
State Units on Aging (56)State Units on Aging (56)
Area Agencies on Aging (629)Area Agencies on Aging (629)
Local Service Provider Organizations (29,000)Local Service Provider Organizations (29,000)
CONSUMERS CONSUMERS CONSUMERS
Tribal Organizations
(244)
Tribal Organizations
(244)
1965 Great Society Legislation
OAA has be reauthorized 16 times
2006 amendment authorizes the Act for 5 years through 2011
Requires States to Advocate (Not Lobbying) for Older Individuals
Advocacy or Advocate is mentioned 26 times
Older Americans Act (OAA)
President Johnson signing the OAA in 1965
1965 Created Administration on Aging (AoA)
1969 Created nine national model demonstration projects – such as Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
1972 Established congregate (group meal) nutrition program
1974 Added transportation
1978 Established home-delivered nutrition. Mandated Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to serve as a visible advocate for the elderly
1981 Emphasized supportive services to help older persons remain independent in the community
1992 Added "Vulnerable Elder Rights Activities”
2000 Created the National Family Caregiver Support Program
Older Americans Act (OAA)History
Older Americans Act (OAA)Title I: Objectives / Definitions
Adequate Income Best Possible Physical and Mental Health Suitable Housing Institutional & Community-Based Long-Term Care Employment Without Age Discrimination Retirement in Health, Honor, Dignity Participation in Civic, Cultural, Educational Activities Community Services such as Transportation Education About Sustaining and Improving Health Protection From Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Title II: Administration on Aging Authorizes, Organizes, and Finances
Older Americans Act (OAA)Part A:
Defines the Purpose– Maximize Independence and Dignity– Remove Individual and Social Barriers– Continuum of Care– Managed In-home and Community-Based Long-
Term Care Services
State Units on Aging (SUAs)– Develop and Administer State Aging Plan– Advocate for Older Individuals– Designate Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)– Establish Policies, Procedures, Service Standards– Provide Technical Assistance
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)– Develop and Administrator Local Aging Plan– Establish Advisory Council– Provide Services– Establish Focal Points to Provide Services– Facilitate Coordination of Community Long-Term
Care Services
Part B: Support Services & Senior Centers– Community-Based Services and In-Home
Services: adult day care, checking (reassuring contact), chore, homemaker, personal care, residential repair and renovation.
– Access Services: care coordination, information and assistance, transportation.
Part C: Nutrition / Meals– Subpart 1: Congregate (Group)– Subpart 2: Home Delivered
Part D: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Part E: National Family Caregiver Support Program
Title III: State and Community Programs
Older Americans Act (OAA)Title IV: Activities for Health, Independence and Longevity
– Demonstration Grants / Programs Aging & Disability Resource Center Grants Alzheimer's Disease Grants Evidence Based Programs (Chronic Disease Self-Management Program)
Title V: Community Service Senior Opportunities Act– Older American Community Service Employment Program
States National Contractors
Title VI: Grants for Native Americans– Federally recognized American Indian Tribes– Native Hawaiian Program
Title VII: Vulnerable Elder Rights Protection Activities– Ombudsman– Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation– State Legal Assistance Development
History of AAAs 1969 OAA amendment created model demonstration projects
across the nation. Southeastern Virginia Areawide Model Project (SEVAMP) – Senior Services of Southeastern VA was one of the original nine.
1972 OAA amendment created the nutrition program. Funds from this program allowed Virginia to establish a congregate (group) meal program in the 21 planning and service areas.
1973 OAA amendment called for the creation of the AAAs. Regions of the state (generally by planning and service areas)
developed a plan for their area. With approval of the plan grants were given to start the AAA.
Most AAAs were established in 1974-1975.
Greatest Economic Need – income at or below the poverty line.
Greatest Social Need – noneconomic factors, physical and mental disabilities; language barriers; and cultural, social, or geographical isolation (rural), including isolation caused by racial or ethnic status, that restricts the ability of an individual to perform normal daily tasks; or threatens the capacity of the individual to live independently.
Frail – functionally impaired unable to perform at least two activities of daily living without substantial human assistance, including verbal reminding, physical cueing, or supervision.
Older American’s Act – Section 102
OAA Services are Targeted To:
Age 60 and over (except Title III-E Grandparents and Title V is 55)
Not an entitlement (guaranteed access to benefits) like Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid
Services can be curtailed due to lack of funding
Self-declaration of income – Not means tested. There is no verification of ability to pay, but programs target poverty
Income information maybe asked to determine fee-for-service/cost sharing
OAA Eligibility for Services
The AAA Service DilemmaServices can be curtailed due to lack of funding
Coping Strategies:
Limit the number of different services provided
Limit number of people served (waiting lists)
Limit where services are provided (some local governments pay for more meal sites than others)
Target those most in need.
ConcludingComments or Questions???