How the Older Americans Act Makes an Impact

Author

Pikes Peak Area Agency On Aging (PPAAA)

Posted on

Jan 12, 2022

Book/Edition

Colorado - Colorado Springs

The vital Older Americans Act established in 1965 continues to provide funding to 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 live, in their home and communities. In the Pikes Peak region, El Paso, Teller and Park counties funds are administered through the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging (PPAAA). The OAA helps millions of older adults each year by providing in -home supportive services that assist them to bathe, get dressed and maintain a clean safe home. It provides transportation services to keep people engaged in the community and 19 other services like family caregiver support and vision services. The PPAAA also houses the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) providing no-cost insurance counseling for those with questions.
In 2019, the PPAAA 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.

COVID19 brought on many unique needs in serving older adults and the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging was the recipient of additional funding to adapt to the daily challenges. This funding was passed on to partner organizations who rapidly changed their service model. Some of these changes included partnering with restaurants in Teller County to get senior their meals, adapting transit vehicles with anti-bacterial film to keep virus transmission at bay, increased calls of reassurance, busy bags and much more. For 2022, the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging will continue working with older adults and the service agencies to meet the immediate and evolving needs.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Melissa Marts, Program Development Administrator for Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging. She may be reached at 719-471-2096.

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Elevate your Well-Being

Local Services By This Author

Pikes Peak Area Agency On Aging (PPAAA)

Area Agencies on Aging 14 South Chestnut, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905

A service of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG)/Area Agency on Aging (AAA).  Serving El Paso, Teller and Park counties. The primary goal of the Senior Information and Assistance Center (SIAC) is to provide accurate information on the availability of services for older adults and their caregivers, that help older adults achieve their long-term goals of maintaining independence. Call us when you need quick and direct access to resources. We have an extensive database of services we can use to connect you with the organizations that are best suited to help you.  Direct Services we provide include Case Management, Family Caregiver Support Center, Ombudsmen, State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).  We also have our podcast Aging with Altitude https://studio809podcasts.com/aging-with-altitude/

Senior Insurance Assistance

Medicare & Medicaid Information 14 S Chestnut, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905