Aging/Older Adults

Oregon’s CLP Options Counseling Protocol provides guidance for receiving, contacting, meeting and communicating with referrals for options counseling through the Community Living Program (CLP) grant. This could serve as a template for other organizations seeking to develop Options Counseling procedures.

Are you looking to develop an Options Counseling training program? Explore Nevada's training materials including a presentation with information on what options and benefits counseling are, efficient ways to establish dialogue with a consumer, tips on conducting the Nevada Options Assessment, a listing of public resources and funding options. Also included are a role playing activity and a pre-test to obtain a baseline measure of knowledge.

National policymakers and state Medicaid leaders are paying greater attention to better management of long-term supports and services (LTSS). A combination of factors presents state purchasers with significant opportunities to improve care and control costs by better coordinating and managing the full continuum of long-term care services. In this new publication series, states explore and understand emerging options. Review data and options for transforming long-term-care programs.

A vast majority of Americans age 50 and over would prefer to live independently in their own homes and communities as long as they can, rather than relinquish control over their lives in a nursing facility. In this brief video, AARP provides an overview of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, i.e., how it works, what it covers and how it can be beneficial.

Most literature focuses on long-term services and support utilization rather than awareness. This Canadian study used a series of 12 vignettes to describe common situations faced by older adults for which community support services (CSSs) might be appropriate. The findings showed that awareness of CSSs is much lower than previously thought, and that the most important sources of information were information and referral sources, the telephone book, doctors’ offices, and word of mouth.

Looking for information and resources to help families plan for future long-term care? Explore this web site, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, geared toward helping individuals review their options before making decisions. It is primarily intended as a planning resource for individuals who don't yet require long-term care, but includes information on services and financing options that can be helpful to all.

A newly enhanced, person-centered call center that will serve as a link to information and services for older adults and caregivers across the United States has been introduced. Callers will speak with an Information Specialist who will help connect them to a local agency in their area for information and assistance. The service also features a newly re-designed website for boomers and older adults.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a consumer advocacy program established by the Older Americans Act that aims to improve the quality of care for residents in LTC settings by investigating and resolving complaints made by, or on behalf of, such residents. This report provides an overview of the program, including its legislative history, administrative function, and FY2008 funding amounts by source.

Care management has been recognized as a valuable service in supporting family members who care for their older adult relatives. TCARE® is a caregiver assessment and referral protocol designed to assist care managers. The major goal of TCARE® is to provide care managers with a set of steps that are needed to move from the assessment to the implementation of a care plan. Find a presentation on Georgia’s experience with their person-centered initiative and use of the protocol

States are developing comprehensive APS systems that include assessments, policies and procedures to assist staff in performing intakes, investigations, and case planning by providing a consistent approach to obtaining and evaluating information. The SDM® system is intended to promote the safety of vulnerable adults, identify and address their needs, decrease the incidence of self-neglect and maltreatment, enhance service delivery, and provide data for program administration.