A wide range of services designed to cater to the needs of the senior population are accessible.
In the United States, the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) play a crucial role in supporting the elderly population. These locally based entities, designated under the Older Americans Act (OAA), are responsible for planning and coordinating services for older adults within specific geographic regions [1][2].
The Older Americans Act, passed in 1965, serves as the primary federal governing body for AAAs, authorizing and structuring the nationwide network of AAAs at the state and local level [1][2]. The Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, oversees the implementation and funding of AAAs across the country [1][2].
At the national association level, USAging serves as the representative body supporting and advocating for the network of Area Agencies on Aging. Although it is not a government agency, USAging aids AAAs in delivering services and advocating for older adults [2].
AAAs offer a variety of community services to support the elderly. For instance, Meals on Wheels America delivers nutritious food packages to seniors with limited mobility, funded by donations and operated in collaboration with 5000 locally run programs [1]. Elderly individuals can apply for free home-making services through the AAA or funded by non-profit organizations like DADS. These services can be particularly beneficial for seniors above 60 years of age who wish to live independently but may need assistance with domestic chores [1].
The Friendly Visitors program, added in 1967, aims to provide mental nourishment to isolated older adults through weekly visits, outings, and phone calls [1]. Volunteers in this program spend 16-20 hours a week visiting seniors and report back to their community service centers [1].
In addition to food and home-making services, AAAs also provide information and referral services. These services help find services, products, and information, and also offer educational resources for caregivers and the elderly [1]. They even provide information on assistive technology for activities of daily living and offer device demonstrations [1].
Transportation assistance is another type of community service available for the elderly. It helps seniors who cannot drive by providing home delivery services and facilitating shared rides with other seniors [1].
To find nearby community services for the elderly, contact the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office. They govern and fund most community services in the United States [1]. Eligibility for homemaking services includes being 60 years of age or older and functionally impaired [1].
In summary, the Older Americans Act, together with the Administration for Community Living, forms the federal governing framework for Area Agencies on Aging in the United States. These agencies, through their various community services, strive to support the elderly in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
The Friendly Visitors program, a part of the services offered by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), is designed to provide mental nourishment to isolated elderly adults, providing weekly visits, outings, and phone calls, often carried out by volunteers [1]. In the context of health-and-wellness and aging, science has recognized the significance of caregiving, and therefore, AAAs offer educational resources for caregivers, including information on dementia management [1].
