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 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.
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