The Federal Agency That Connects the Older Americans Act (OAA) to the Aging Services Network
The Administration on Aging (AoA) is a key federal agency within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), that administers the Older Americans Act (OAA). aRather than serving as a “local office” where individuals directly apply for all benefits, the AoA provides funding and a policy framework to states, counties, and tribal organizations and helps ensure that the nationwide Aging Network functions effectively. |
| Service Area | AoA’s Role | Examples of Services Residents May Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition & Health | Supports OAA nutrition services and health promotion programs | Congregate meals, home-delivered meals, nutrition counseling, fall prevention, and chronic disease self-management |
| In-Home & Community Support | Supports services that help older adults continue living at home and in the community | Transportation, homemaker services, adult day care, information and referral, and caregiving support |
| Family Caregivers | Supports the National Family Caregiver Support Program and related services | Caregiving information, education, counseling, respite care, and connections to supportive services |
| Rights Protection | Supports elder rights protection, legal assistance, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman system | Response to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and protection of rights in long-term care facilities |
| Medicare Support | Supports SHIP, MIPPA, Senior Medicare Patrol, and related programs | Insurance counseling, assistance connecting to low-income Medicare support applications, and fraud prevention |
| Dementia & Brain Health | Supports the expansion of dementia-capable services in states and local communities | Education, service connections, and local programs for people living with dementia and their families |
While the Administration on Aging (AoA) manages policy and funding at the federal level, services are delivered to residents through State Units on Aging (SUAs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), tribal organizations, local nonprofit organizations, and service providers.
| Situation | First Point of Contact | Why |
|---|---|---|
| My mother needs meals, transportation, and in-home support | Area Agency on Aging (AAA) / Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in the county of residence | Can help identify local service eligibility and providers in one place |
| I have questions about Medicare plan choices or financial assistance | State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) | Provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling |
| I am exhausted from family caregiving and need a break | Area Agency on Aging (AAA) / Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), or a family caregiver support program | Connects families with local caregiver support and respite services |
| There is a care or residents’ rights issue in a long-term care facility | Long-Term Care Ombudsman | Supports residents’ rights and helps address complaints |
| I do not know where to call for help | Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 | Connects individuals nationwide with local aging services based on where they live |
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