Uncertain of future funding, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) continues to strengthen communities through a national network of 618 agencies, eight of which are in Arizona. Yet, in Northern Arizona, as elsewhere, people are often unaware AAA exists, much less sure about what the agency does.
“We’re in the trenches, providing services people use every day without really knowing who is behind them – which is okay until we find ourselves at risk,” said Mary Beals-Luedtka, director of the Northern Arizona Area Agency on Aging, which serves the off-reservation counties of Apache, Coconino, Navajo and Yavapai.
Established under the Older Americans Act of 1965, AAA responds to the non-medical needs of older adults over 60, their caregivers and disabled adults of any age. The objective is to help people remain independent and in their homes for as long as safely possible.
Unfortunately, the historically bipartisan Older Americans Act has been caught up in political gridlock since 2011, waiting to be reauthorized by Congress and putting AAA at risk – while the aging population’s growth rate continues to escalate.
“The over-60 population is growing faster than ever,” said Beals-Luedkta, who was recently elected as second vice president of the Board of Directors, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, in Washington D.C. “Nationally, 10,000 people turn 65 every day. Meanwhile, federal funding lags behind inflation, eroding our service capacity.
“If the Older Americans Act isn’t renewed, I don’t see how we can continue the same level of care for people,” she said. “We’ll have to put them on waiting lists for basic services like home-delivered meals and attendant care. People will become sicker, go into long-term care facilities, lose their independence and run up healthcare costs. AAA is proven to be very cost effective. For every federal dollar received, we provide $2 worth of services, bridging the gap between acute long-term services and in-home, nonmedical support systems.
Spectrum of Services
AAA serves the community through a comprehensive support system of local services and resources. Some are provided by AAA, some are contracted, some are referred to other agencies.
Services provided directly by AAA include care coordination (case management), family caregiver support, Medicare/Public benefit counseling, legal advocacy, health and wellness education, and training for older adults wanting to reenter the workforce.
Contracted services include home delivered Meals-on-Wheels, congregate meals at senior centers, adult day care, respite care for caregivers and in-home, nonmedical, attendant care. All together, AAA of Northern Arizona contracts with over 26 service providers, health departments and nutrition sites to annually provide approximately 400,000 hot meals and 40,000 hours of in-home services.
Referrals are made through the toll-free central intake number, 877-521-3500. Calling this number opens up a world of community resources, and not just for the elderly.
“Anyone can call us with questions,” Beals-Luedtka said. “We’re not just for the elderly or those living in poverty. Our nationally certified Information and Referral Specialists will help anybody – a son with an aging mother, a couple with concerns about retirement, a woman worried about a frail neighbor. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find someone who does.
“We do not tell people what to do or make their choices for them,” she said. “We help them advocate for themselves. But if they can’t, AAA will advocate for them. Without these services it can be a very short path to institutionalization, hospitalization, even death.” QCBN
Renewal of Older American Act Threatened
As the Older Americans Act (OAA) celebrates its 49th anniversary, it is in danger of not being reauthorized. This act is important to seniors in our community, especially as people live longer and the population swells. The OAA has proven effective over time, operating in every Congressional district through the Area Agency on Aging to either provide and/or fund services such as Meals on Wheels, senior centers, elder abuse prevention and community service employment.
AAA saves Medicaid and Medicare considerable money through services that allow older adults to remain safely at home and out of costly healthcare facilities.
Most importantly, it preserves and improves the quality of life.
The law is almost four years late in being renewed. As the 2016 election approaches, AAA represenatives say now is the time to communicate directly with elected officials and know where new candidates stand on aging issues. QCBN
By Catherine Adams
Quad Cities Business News