The Administration on Aging (AoA) will convene three “listening forums” on the impending reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA).
The forums are designed to solicit input from stakeholders, policymakers, and the public regarding the act, which — among other provisions — determines funding for a wide range of home and community-based services and supports for elders.
Congress is expected to consider the reauthorization of the OAA later this year. It last reauthorized the act in 2006.
More Information on the Forums
The dates and locations of the forums are:
- February 18; Embassy Suites; Dallas, TX
- February 25; Westin Alexandria; Alexandria, VA
- March 3; Hyatt Regency; San Francisco, CA
The forums will take place from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. They will begin with panel discussions addressing various topics, including elder rights and healthy aging. Afterwards, attendees may present comments.
Attendees wishing to express their views should pre-register with Abbe Lackmeyer by calling 866.598.0102 or sending an email to linscoae@muohio.edu.
Interested parties can also directly submit their input by completing an online survey.
History of the OAA
Initially passed in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society reforms, the OAA today funds a nationwide network of direct-care services via the nearly 700 State and Area Agencies on Aging scattered throughout the U.S.
Through this network, the OAA provides a wide range of support to elders. Some of those supports include assistance to family and other informal caregivers, home-delivered nutrition services, and a grant program allowing elders to receive care in their homes.
During OAA reauthorization hearings in 2005, Josefina Carbonell, the assistant secretary for aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), told Congress that State and Area Agencies on Aging comprise “the most significant source of community-based care under the major national programs serving the elderly, including Medicaid waiver programs.”
– by Matthew Ozga
It is imperative that the Older Americans Act be reauthorized. It also needs to be updated to meet the ongoing needs of our seniors. As their lives are extended by new technology and medications, they continue to add value to our cities, towns, and our nation. New language is required to assist in improving and providing home health care as well as promoting culture change in nursing homes for those who cannot stay in their home. Monies to permit family members to care for those at home would be better spent, and make it economically cheaper, for folks to stay at home rather than move to the more expensive nursing home environment.