scholarly journals The Aging Network and the Older Americans Act Reauthorization

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 725-725
Author(s):  
Amy Gotwals

Abstract This presentation will cover a range of OAA reauthorization proposals - successes and what was not possible this year. As a leader in the aging network, n4a played a major role in the legislative process, and the discussion will include top priorities for improving the ability of the network to serve older adults with community-based supports and services.

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482092532
Author(s):  
Steffany Chamut ◽  
Shahdokht Boroumand ◽  
Timothy J. Iafolla ◽  
Margo Adesanya ◽  
Elena M. Fazio ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate factors associated with infrequent dental use among older adults receiving home- and community-based services. Method: This cross-sectional study analyzed responses from the 2014 National Survey of Older Americans Act participants who received home- and community-based services. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the association between infrequent dental use and key sociodemographic and health indicators. Results: Infrequent dental use was highest among adults participating in case management and home-delivered meals (63%); the lowest among those participating in congregate meals (41%). Participants who did not complete high school were 2 to 5 times more likely to be infrequent dental users compared to those with educational attainment beyond high school. Discussion: Among older adults receiving home- and community-based services, improving oral health knowledge and health literacy may reduce infrequent dental use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 300-301
Author(s):  
Brian Lindberg

Abstract This session provides insights into how the pandemic challenged the capabilities and ingenuity of the Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and the aging network and what it means for in-home and community aging services now and in the future. Speakers will include key aging network stakeholders, who will discuss the overnight evolution of programs serving often isolated older adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 301-301
Author(s):  
Katie Jantzi

Abstract This session provides insights into how the pandemic challenged the capabilities and ingenuity of the Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and the aging network. Speakers will include key aging network stakeholders, who will discuss the overnight evolution of programs serving often isolated older adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 726-726
Author(s):  
Andrew MacPherson

Abstract With the passage of the new “Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020,” Congress acknowledged and address several under appreciated issues -the growing social isolation and loneliness of older adults, and the significant role that the aging network does and can play in providing supportive services to older adults with advanced illness (also known as serious illness). This presentation will provide information on these and other pieces of the OAA puzzle.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 310-310
Author(s):  
Cory Cummings ◽  
Jennifer Dunkle ◽  
Bianca Mayes ◽  
Carolyn Bradley ◽  
Porsha Hall

Abstract LGBTQ older adults present a range of biopsychosocial needs and life experiences that may differ from the general population of older adults. Researchers have broken LGBTQ older adults into three age brackets: the Invisible Generation born before the 1920s; the Silent Generation born in the 1930s and 1940s; and the Pride Generation born in the 1950s and 1960s (Fredriksen-Goldsen, 2016). Research is emerging on health disparities and is fueling calls for inclusive services for this population. This paper session reports on the work of a research collaborative between social work and public health (two universities and a statewide advocacy organization). A qualitative study, designed as phase one a statewide need assessment, engaged ten focus groups (N=48 participants) throughout a mid-Atlantic state. Study aims were to better understand the experiences and perceptions of LGBTQ older adults now and expectations and plans for care as they age. Findings included (1) emphasis on the nuance of connection as an ageing LGBTQ adult; (2) expectations for quality of services; (3) realities of planning for future living arrangements; and (4) two sides of advocacy, as both a personal responsibility and a call for allyship. Recommendations will be made on how attendees can: evaluate agency policies and procedures to create safe spaces and inclusive services, engage in needs assessments of older LGBTQ+ adults in their own communities, and advocate at the State and Federal levels to strengthen services in the aging network to better serve this group, with specific focus on the Older Americans Act.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haley B Gallo ◽  
Kathleen H Wilber

Abstract For over four decades, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have served as focal points to help older adults remain in their homes and communities. AAAs partner with other organizations to administer services authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA). AAAs represent loosely coupled systems; they are responsive to guidelines established by the OAA while maintaining flexibility to leverage limited resources, establish partnerships, and create innovative programs to meet community needs. As stay-at-home orders and concern for safety have kept many older adults homebound during the COVID-19 pandemic, an important question is how the Aging Network, including the over 600 AAAs, has responded to these rapidly changing needs. Although time and more systematic assessments are required, available information suggests that the loosely coupled network of AAAs has been a key, adaptable resource. This article begins with a description of the Aging Network and its history before turning to how the community-specific, collaborative, and evolving nature of AAAs places them at a unique position to respond to the challenges that arise with COVID-19. It concludes with how AAAs can continue to adapt to meet the needs of older adults and the people who care for them.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 301-301
Author(s):  
Amy Gotwals

Abstract This session provides insights into how the pandemic challenged the capabilities and ingenuity of the Older Americans Act (OAA) programs and the aging network. Speakers will include key aging network stakeholders, who will discuss the overnight evolution of programs serving often isolated older adults.


2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110125
Author(s):  
Lawrence Schonfeld ◽  
Jesse Bell ◽  
Mary Goldsworthy ◽  
Kevin Kip ◽  
Amber M. Gum ◽  
...  

The National Aging Network serves millions of older Americans seeking home- and community-based services, but places others on waitlists due to limited resources. Little is known about how states determine service delivery and waitlists. We therefore conducted a process evaluation and analyzed data from one five-county Area Agency on Aging in Florida, where an algorithm calculates clients’ priority scores for service delivery. From 23,225 screenings over 5.5 years, clients with higher priority scores were older, married, living with caregivers, and had more health problems and needs for assistance. Approximately 51% received services (e.g., meals/nutrition, case management, caregiver support), 11% were eligible/being enrolled, and 38% remained on waitlists. Service status was complex due to multiple service enrollments and terminations, funding priorities, and transfers to third-party providers. More research is needed regarding how other states determine eligibility and deliver services, potentially informing national standards that promote optimal health in older Americans.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 725-725
Author(s):  
Brian Lindberg

Abstract The GSA Public Policy Advisor will facilitate a discussion about the 2020 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act with key stakeholders from Washington, DC. Also, the presentation will include perspective on GSA's active role in policy development and the legislative process.


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