Accessible Elderly Support Services in the Community
In the United States, the network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) plays a crucial role in providing support and services to older adults and people with disabilities. The governing body overseeing these AAAs is the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [3].
The ACL funds, oversees, and supports AAAs as part of its mission to advance independence and inclusion for the elderly and those with disabilities. Meanwhile, USAging, the national association representing and supporting the network of AAAs across the country, acts as a national advocate and resource, but is not a governmental governing body [1].
This unique governance structure ensures that AAAs operate within a federally supported framework while meeting the needs of local communities [1][3].
Community services, provided by AAAs and other organisations, offer a variety of assistance. Information and referral services help find needed services, products, or information, and also provide education on various subjects. These services are invaluable for seniors who may require assistance in navigating the complexities of their daily lives [4].
Community service is not always voluntary. It can be performed as a requirement for citizenship, as a substitute for a prison sentence, or as part of the school curriculum [5].
For seniors in need of assistance, there are numerous community services available. To find nearby community services for the elderly, contact the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office. With a total of 622 AAAs nationwide, there is likely one near you [2].
One of the most well-known community services is Meals on Wheels. This programme, operating in collaboration with over 5000 locally run programmes, provides nutritious meals to seniors who cannot afford or cook their meals. In addition to food, Meals on Wheels staff members aim to provide companionship [6].
Another service offered is the Friendly Visitors programme, suited for seniors above 60 years of age who wish to live an independent life. Funded by the federal and state government, this programme aims to provide mental nourishment to isolated older adults [7].
A free of cost home-making service is also offered by AAAs and non-profit organisations like DADS. This service is available to seniors who are 60 years or older and functionally impaired [8].
Transportation assistance is available through community services for seniors who cannot drive. This includes home delivery services and shared rides with other seniors [9].
Information and referral services offer assistance in finding reliable real estate agents, as well as information about assistive technology for activities of daily living [10].
Meals on Wheels America provides food packages to seniors with limited mobility, delivered directly to their door, with no cost to the recipient, and accepts donations [11].
The Older Americans Act (OAA), passed in 1965, governs community services in the United States [12]. The Friendly Visitors programme, added to the OAA in 1967, aims to provide mental nourishment to isolated older adults [7].
In conclusion, the AAAs and community services play a vital role in supporting the elderly in local communities. From Meals on Wheels and the Friendly Visitors programme, to information and referral services and home-making services, these organisations provide a safety net for seniors who may need assistance in navigating their daily lives.
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) funds and supports Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to advance health-and-wellness for the elderly and people with disabilities, ensuring that these organizations provide essential services like caregiving, education, and assistance in daily living. This comprehensive care includes dementia support programs, such as the Friendly Visitors program, designed to provide mental nourishment for isolated seniors.
