The Area Agency on Aging provides coordinated variety of services and opportunities for the elderly populations.
The services are aimed at letting the seniors live productive and dignified lives.
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Everyone has the right to receive the care they need in the settings they prefer – thus, the establishment of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. This acts paved way for the creation of a nationwide network of Area Agency on Aging (AAAs).
This network of 622 agencies covers federal, state and local levels – serving every region in the U.S.
Under the Older American Act, all the ‘Area Agencies on Aging’ receive federal funding.
Read also: How to Cope With Premature Aging
One of the major services of the Area Agency on Aging, is to provide one-on-one assistance to the seniors, and to the family caregivers, to help access and understand the rights of the elderly ones (60+) to public benefits, like Medicare.
Across states and counties – each area agency on aging provides different services for the seniors, in addition to the basic ones shared below.
Area Agency on Aging’s Services include:
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Ombudsman services i.e. advocating long term care rights, and investigating complaints.
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Providing Health and wellness information.
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Adult Day Care.
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Legal/Benefits Counseling, such as helping seniors understand the benefits of their insurance e.g. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Social Security.
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Emergency response systems.
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Medical Transportation.
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Homemaker Services.
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Enrollment assistance.
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Chore Maintenance (Lawns & House cleaning).
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Nutrition services including counseling, home delivered and congregate meals.
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Caregiver Support – to provide respite care, and trainings to caregivers of seniors.
Visit the National Directory of Area Agencies on Aging to find your area agency on Aging.
