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Older Americans' Month 2005--an
introduction to services, agencies of the Administration on Aging
Long-Term
Living in Your Home and Community
As
71-year-old Donna regained her ability to walk and help care for
herself after her stroke, she insisted to the nursing home staff
that she be able to return to her home and family in Burlington,
North Carolina.
There
she could devote attention to her much neglected garden and attend
her granddaughter's soccer games, which she anxiously missed.
"My
granddaughter, Ashley, is involved in activities year round, but I
really like going to her soccer games. She is the star of her
team," Donna says proudly.
Doctors and medical social workers urged Donna to stay in the
nursing home longer, or at least to move into assisted living. But
the 71-year-old senior was resolute and stood her ground.
Donna
contacted the local Area Agency on Aging because she had heard that
community services were available to help her. She was right. The
Older Americans Act (OAA) provides funding for services that support
seniors in every community across the nation.
The
Area Agency conducted an assessment, helped to arrange home care and
transportation to physical therapy, and even had wheelchair ramps
installed. Donna had an excellent recovery and today enjoys the
distinction of having the prettiest garden on her street. She is
also the first one out of her seat and loudest fan cheering whenever
Ashley scores a goal.
For
nearly 40 years, the Older Americans Act has made it possible for
seniors like Donna to access care in the comfort of their homes or
communities. Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services' Administration on Aging (AoA), the Older Americans Act
provides the opportunity for adults to age with dignity and remain
independent and productive for as long as possible.
"The
Administration on Aging works with Federal, state, and local
partners to implement a broad array of services for aging
Americans," says Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for
Aging in the U.S. Department Health and Human Services. "Our
priority is to provide innovative long-term care options that
respond to the needs and preferences of older people and their loved
ones."ATURE
ARTICLE
Older
Americans Act services and providers help more than 8 million aging
adults and provide critical assistance in giving the ever-increasing
older population choices in managing their own lives. Several AoA
resources have been developed to help older Americans and the people
who care for them access home and community-based care with
confidence and ease.
National
Aging Services Network (The Aging Network)
The
National Aging Services Network is a system of State Agencies on
Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Tribal and Native organizations
that plan, coordinate, and provide home and community-based services
and elder rights programs.
The
Aging Network implements Older Americans Act programs and operates
as a portal to long-term care services, including information and
assistance, adult day care, elder abuse prevention, and respite
care.
In
addition, the Aging Network can help coordinate supportive services
such as transportation to medical appointments, homemaker
assistance, and personal care.
Older
adults can also access preventive health and nutrition programs
through the Aging Network.
These
programs help individuals lead healthier lives, provide
home-delivered and congregate meals that improve dietary intake, and
offer important social outlets for seniors.
Eldercare
Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide toll-free directory assistance
service and Web site that links older Americans and their caregivers
to services provided through the National Aging Services Network.
Establishedin 1991, the Eldercare Locator is designed to help older
adults and their caregivers navigate their way throughthe maze of
available senior services, and identify trustworthy local support
resources.
Aging and
Disability Resource Centers
The
Aging and Disability Resource Center program is a cooperative effort
of the AoA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to
create "one-stop" centers for persons seeking multiple components of
long-term support. The vision is to have Resource Centers in every
community serving as highly visible and trusted places where people
can turn for information on the full range of long-term support
options.
With
the coming retirement of millions of baby boomers, the demand for
long-term care is expected to more than double by 2030. The AoA is
leading the way to improving the quality of life for all older
Americans and ensuring that homes and communities are good places to
grow old.
As
the nation celebrates Older Americans Month in May, you can learn
more about home-and-community-based care and other topics by
visiting www.aoa.gov. The theme of Older Americans
Month—"Celebrate Long-Term Living!"—highlights the goal of
organizations throughout the Aging Network to help older Americans
stay healthy and active longer. For information about local
resources, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1–800–677–1116, or visit
www.eldercare.gov.
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