BACKGROUND:
In response to the growing number of seniors and their diverse needs, the Older
American Act (OAA) of 1965 was enacted to provide a range of support services to
allow older persons to live independently, even if they are not fully able to care for
themselves. The OAA is based on the principle that older adults are entitled to
spend their retirement years in good health, independence and dignity. To put this
ideal into action, the OAA created a network of 900 Area Agencies on Aging and
Native American aging programs in communities across the country.
The Act established the Administration on Aging (AoA) at the federal level. AoA
award funds to State Units on Aging, based on the senior population. The State is
divided into Planning and Service Areas (PSA) so programs can be effectively
developed and targeted to meet the unique needs of the elderly residing in that
area.
Colorado funds 16 AAAs, which in turn fund local service providers. Local Region
9 includes Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan counties.
Services in each county may include congregate meal and home delivered meals;
transportation; home chore; home health and personal care; legal services and
elder and elder abuse prevention; caregiver support, information and referral;
health insurance counseling; client assessment and care management;
employment services and volunteer opportunities; and an ombudsman program
that helps resolve complaints involving long term care facilities.
Services are available to all older persons over the age of 60. The County Senior
Centers contract with the AAA for most of these services. Legal services is with
attorneys within the 5-County area. Caregiver support, home health, and
personal care are provided by the local health departments, and the required long
term care Ombudsman and Registered Dietitian are independent contracts, funded
by the AAA.
Request for Proposals (RFP) for services are accepted annually, usually in April.
The San Juan Basin AAA is a : click here!
| SAN JUAN BASIN AREA AGENCY ON AGING Serving Region 9 - Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan Counties A 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization |
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| View our Senior Text Messaging video by clicking the following link: SENEXTING |
