Details of the National Network On Aging
Stemming from the Older American's Act of 1965
A. The U.S. Congress
The Congress has taken responsibility for enacting national legislation to assure the dignity and worth of older persons. The OAA is the authority at the national level from which the administrative network on aging has evolved. Since its enactment in 1965, Congress has continued to re-authorize the OAA to assure that its objectives are realized.
B. The Counselor to the President on Aging
The Counselor’s position exists at the discretion of the President. The Counselor is a Presidential appointee who participates in the review of any policy proposals presented to the White House that impact on the lives of older persons. These policy areas may include social security, employment, housing, health, transportation and welfare. The Counselor also represents the President on matters pertaining to aging in the federal government, the Congress private organizations and the general public and suggest ways for the federal government to be responsive to the needs of older persons.
C. The Federal Council on Aging
In 1973 funds were appropriated under Title II of the OAA for the operations of the
Council. It comprised fifteen members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, five of who must be older individuals. The President designates the Chairperson from the appointed membership of the Council. All 15 members serve three-year terms. The Council serves as an advisory body to the President, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Commissioner of AoA, and the Congress on matters relating to the special needs of the nation’s elderly. The Council also reviews and evaluates federal policies relating to aging activities and programs, and is required to conduct a thorough evaluation and study of programs conducted under the OAA.
D. The Administration on Aging
The Administration on Aging (AoA) was established with the passage of the OAA in 1965
within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, now DHHS, under the direction of a Commissioner on Aging. AoA serves as a visible focal point, effective advocate, and coordinating agency for all matters pertaining to older persons at the federal level. The Commissioner on Aging is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. AoA’s major responsibility is to implement programs authorized under the OAA. The Commissioner must establish within AoA a National Information and Resource Clearinghouse for Aging to collect, analyze, prepare and disseminate information related to the needs and interests of older persons and professionals in the field of aging. AoA is also responsible for administering the research and demonstration and national training program authorized under Title IV of the OAA.
Ten regional AoA offices throughout the United States are the focal points for aging
activities at the federal regional level. The regional offices work directly with the State Units on Aging in their respective region and approve State Plans. They also monitor and provide technical assistance to State Units and serve as the visible advocate in working with other federal departments and agencies at the regional level.
E. State Unit on Aging
The State Unit on Aging (SUA) is the designated agency at the state level responsible for developing and administering a multi-year state plan with annual updates, and serves as the effective and visible advocate for all older persons in the state. The 57 State Units on Aging are located in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Mariana Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. The OAA requires AoA to allocate OAA funds to State Units based on the number of people age 60 and older in the state. These funds serve as the nucleus for developing the Network on Aging in the state. It is also significant to point out that governors and state legislators may have a direct impact on the Network on Aging within their respective states. State policies and procedures may impose additional requirements on the implementation of the OAA programs at the state and area levels. State funds may also be earmarked for administration through the Network on Aging. An active State Advisory Council is required in each state to advise the SUA on the development and implementation of the state plan; conduct public hearings; represent the interests of older persons at the state level; and review and comment on the other state plans, budgets and policies which affect older persons. The Council, which may or may not include Area Agency Advisory Council representatives, also serves as an advisory body to the State Unit on other matters as deemed necessary. As one of its major responsibilities, the State Unit divides the state into planning and service areas, then designates an Area Agency within each area. Upon approval of an area plan submitted by the Area Agency to the State Unit, the State allocates OAA Title III social and nutrition services funds to Area Agencies based on a formula established by the State Unit. The State Unit Monitors the implementation of the Area Plan, conducts fiscal reviews and audits, and provides technical assistance ad training tot he Area Agency.
F. Area Agencies on Aging
The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) plans, coordinates and advocates for the development of a comprehensive service delivery system at the local level to meet the short and long term needs of older persons in a specific geographical planning and service area. They work with federal, state and local officials; elderly constituents; service providers; and the private/voluntary sector to coordinate existing services and to stimulate new ones. Each Area Agency prepares a multi-year plan with annual updates which identify the needs of older persons, existing services, and gaps between needs and services; set objectives and priorities; and specifies which services will be provided to meet these needs.
The Area Plan is a formal contract with the State Unit by the AAA which explains how the
AAA intends to carry out its responsibilities under the OAA. The plan also projects the use of OAA funds available to the AAA as well as the use of other funds from federal, state and local public and private sources. The Area Agency Advisory Council, which is mandated by the OAA, helps the AAA develop and administer the Area Plan, conduct public hearings, represent the interests of older persons, and review and comment on all community policies, programs, and actions which affect older persons. The Advisory Council is the key link between the community and the AAA in communicating the needs and concerns of older persons. he AAA’s must make grants to, or contract with local service providers for direct service provisions unless the AAA receives a waiver from the SUA to provide those services directly when necessary. Under the OAA, local service providers are primarily used to provide direct services to persons 60 and older with greatest economic or social need. The AAA’s work closely with all public and private agencies and senior centers to coordinate service activities within the local community to meet the needs of older persons identified in the area plan. They also work with private/voluntary agencies to pool and tap resources to satisfy other needs of older persons.
G. Service Providers
Local service providers are at the bottom of the administrative hierarchy, but are the key components of actual service delivery. They are in the center of action and are in direct "one-to- one" contact with older persons. Service providers are the actual helpers: the ones who translate dollars into tangible services for the elderly. Service providers are technically defined in the federal regulations as an entity that is awarded a subgrant or contract from a AAA to provide services under the Area Plan. Services provided by local provider agencies may include: Home-delivered meals, congregate meals, counseling, nutrition education, homemaker services, chore services, outreach, friendly visiting, shopping assistance, transportation, escort, telephone reassurance, Ombudsman and legal services, information and referral, multipurpose senior center activities, placement and relocation assistance.
H. Summary
As this section illustrates, each component of the Aging Network plays a unique role in the development of comprehensive service delivery systems for older persons at the local level. The ability of the Network to achieve its goal of meeting the needs of older persons depends upon how well each component comprehends and carries out its roles and responsibilities.