National Network
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 reauthorize 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
The Council is comprised of 15 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.
There are 10 regional AoA offices throughout the United
States, which 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.
The AAAs 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 AAAs 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.
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