scholarly journals Older Americans Act Meals Programs: Responding to the Pandemic

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.

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.


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 ◽  
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.


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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar R. Vieira ◽  
Joan A. Vaccaro ◽  
Gustavo G. Zarini ◽  
Fatma G. Huffman

Background. The Older Americans Act (OAA) requires that nutrition programs provide meals and related nutrition services that promote health and help manage chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare health status, food security, functional limitations, and chronic diseases of older adults who received or did not receive OAA meals using data from a representative sample of US adults.Methods. Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys 2011–2014 for 2,392 older adults ≥ 65 years of age, including 187 Mexican Americans, 212 other Hispanics, 521 non-Hispanic Blacks, 219 non-Hispanic Asians, and 1253 non-Hispanic Whites.Results. Those receiving OAA meals had higher percent of food insecurity and functional disabilities. Adjusting for potential confounders, adults who received OAA meals had higher odds of emphysema (OR = 2.02; 1.05, 3.89) and lower odds of good-to-excellent health (OR = 0.52; 0.36, 0.77). Women and minorities had poorer health status compared to non-Hispanic Whites.Conclusion. A higher proportion of older adults who received nutritional services reported poorer health as compared to older adults who do not participate in these services. Future studies should assess nutritional adequacy for older adults who participate in nutritional programs comparing sex and race/ethnicity.


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