How Over $5 Million in Services Is Not Enough
Nov 15, 2019
There is a little-known Federal act, the Older Americans Act, that was established in 1965 in response to concerns about a lack of community based social services for older persons. The vital Older Americans Act (OAA) dollars are sent to states and communities every year to provide a wide range of services that prevent unnecessary nursing home placement, promote healthy aging and help people age with independence and dignity where they want to be, in their homes and communities. In the Pikes Peak Regions El Paso, Park and Teller Counties, these funds are administered through the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The OAA helps millions of older adults each year by providing in-home supportive services that assist them to bathe, get dressed or maintain a clean and safe home. It provides transportation programs to keep older adults engaged in the community. OAA supports home-delivered meals or dining at community centers. It supports the nutritional and social needs of older adults, while evidence-based community programs help people manage their chronic conditions and prevent falls. The family caregiver support that is offered through OAA helps those who are helping older adults.
At the time of this article, the OAA is being reauthorized at the Federal level. AARP has tracked the funding gap and shows that since 2000 the aging population has increased 50% with funding increasing only 1.1% annually and sadly there was a 20% cut in funding in 2010. Many organizations and individuals have advocated to replenish funding to the 2010 level and then continue increasing funding to meet the growing need for food, caregiver support, transportation and more. By the year 2030, more than one in five people in the U.S. will be age 65 or older, yet it appears the Act will just barely pass and hold to the existing, inadequate funding levels.
Older Americans make up a significant population of our country. As we all age, we want to have resources that are beneficial for us to age in place. The OAA funds distributed by the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging provides 19 services through 18 contracted partner agencies and six services through the AAA staff. In 2019, the AAA updated its State Four Year Plan. The full Plan can be accessed on the AAA website but highlights include a focus on affordable housing, mental health, social engagement, elder abuse prevention and transportation resources. As we look forward to the year ahead and how we can better meet the needs of older adults in our region, save the date for May 1, 2020 for the Older Americans Month Kickoff Event at the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging where we will celebrate and reframe aging. And, stay tuned for OAA news.
To learn more about the Older American Act visit the National Council on Aging or the Administration for Community Living.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Melissa Marts, Program Development Administrator, with Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging. She may be reached at 719-471-2096, or by email at: mmarts@ppacg.org
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