Older Americans Act Overview

1. Virginia Department for the Aging Older Americans Act Overview

2. CONSUMERS CONSUMERS CONSUMERS Federal Executive Branch U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging Tribal Organizations (244) State Units on Aging (56) Area Agencies on Aging (655) Local Service Provider Organizations (29,000)

3. Older Americans Act (OAA) • 1965 Great Society Legislation • OAA has be reauthorized 16 times • 2006 amendment authorizes the Act for 5 years through 2011 • Requires VDA to Advocate (Not Lobbying) for Older Individuals • Advocacy or Advocate is mentioned 26 times President Johnson signing the OAA in 1965

4. Older Americans Act (OAA)History • 1965 Administration on Aging (AoA) created • 1969 Created nine national model demonstration projects – such as Senior Services of Southeastern of Virginia • 1972 Established national nutrition program (meals) • 1974 Added transportation • 1978 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

5. 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 • Participate 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, Organization, and Finances

6. Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III: State and Community Programs Part A: Purpose • Max 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 (SUA) • 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 (AAA) • 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

7. Older Americans Act (OAA) Title IV: Activities for Health, Independence and Longevity • Demonstration Grants / Programs • Alzheimer’s Disease Grants • Aging & Disability Resource Center Grant • Project 2025 Title V: Community Service Senior Opportunities Act • Older American Community Service Employment Program • Department of Labor • National Contractors Title VI: 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

8. 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 meal program in the 25 planning districts. • 1973 OAA amendment called for the creation of the AAAs. • Regions of the state (generally by planning district) 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.

9. OAA Services are Targeted To: Older American’s Act – Section 102 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.

10. OAA Eligibility for Services • Age 60 and over (except Title III-E 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

11. ConcludingComments or Questions???