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???