San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging

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 idea 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. AAA-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.