Winter 2010

In 1965, the Older Americans Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Funding received through the Older Americans Act (OAA) provides crucial services to adults who are 60 years of age or older.

The Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging and its 654 counterparts throughout the country are committed to helping older adults maintain independence in their homes and communities and to promoting a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly.

The Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging uses the OAA funding, along with state and local funds, to provide:

• Information and referral to community resources;
• Congregate meals in a senior center setting;
• Home delivered meals;
• In-home services such as respite care, personal care, and homemaker services;
• Legal services;
• Long term care ombudsman services;
• Training and employment opportunities;
• Elder abuse and prevention activities; and
• Support to caregivers.
  

In FY 2009 ending on June 30, 2009, the Area Agency on Aging and its network of providers served:

• 450 individuals in the region's 12 senior centers;
• 1,225 individuals in the home delivered meal program; and
• 191 individuals through in-home services.

Another 645 people received in-home services through the Community Care Services Program, funded through the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CCSP is a proven, cost-effective, community-based alternative to nursing home place.

Here in Middle Georgia, there are almost 80,000 people aged 60 or older. The "oldest-old," those aged 85 and older, are growing more rapidly than any other age group in our country. Many people in this age group have multiple health problems resulting in physical frailty and up to 50 percent of the oldest-old have some form of cognitive impairment. The need for the AAA's services and programs is greater than ever.

During the next several months, the U.S. Administration on Aging is asking for the public's comments on the Older Americans Act, which is to be reauthorized in 2011. On behalf of the Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging, I encourage you to submit your comments about the crucial services funded through the Older Americans Act by accessing the AoA website, http://www.aoa.gov. Click on the OAA Reauthorization icon located in the top right column and follow the directions.

As always, the staff of the Area Agency on Aging is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me with your thoughts and concerns.

                                                                                                   Geri Ward, AAA Director