Aging/Older Adults

This is an MOU between the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the AAA of Southwest Arkansas. It is not applicable statewide, only for the ADRC service area. This MOUs outlines the purpose and scope of agreement between the two divisions.

This resource guide was developed to help CILs: 1. understand specific needs and problems that are unique to older persons as they age, 2. understand the network of aging organizations including their organizational structure and funding sources, 3. help identify ways to network with these established “aging” agencies and 4. locate and tap into some of the monies that are available for “senior” programs. The guide has 13 sections covering topics from assistive technology to collaboration ideas.

ILRU hosted a webcast where Bob Kafka, from ADAPT of Texas and Gwen Gillenwater from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) offered ideas about how policy planners, agencies, states and advocates can promote Money Follows the Person. There are a number of elements to consider including systemic issues, service coordination, housing, mental health, consumer involvement, quality and accountability. Listen to the presentation, review the transcript or read the handouts.

Try This is a series of assessment tools where each issue focuses on a topic specific to the older adult population. Each issue is a 2-page document with a description of why the topic is important when caring for older patients on the first page, and an assessment tool that can be administered in 20 minutes or less on the second page. A publication of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, the series of over 20 assessments is accessible online and also as hard copy.

A public voice for caregivers, the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) offers information education, services, research and advocacy programs to support and sustain the vital work of families caring for loved ones. The website offers fact sheets, audio archives, referrals, newsletters, issue briefs and reports. A newly updated resource map called Caregiving Across the States allows state administrators, policy makers, and caregivers to access state-by-state data from an interactive database.

Vermont is changing their long-term care systems and in a shift from nursing homes, the state has family members care for elderly relatives. A recent Wall Street Journal cover story details the changes. Some of the new home and community based services include the development of the Choices for Care program.

The Oregon Dept. of Human Services, Division of Seniors and People with Disabilities (SPD) contracted with Human Service Research Institute to develop a consumer survey exploring the satisfaction of people served by SPD in-home Waiver programs (seniors, people with physical and developmental disabilities). The project team worked collaboratively with SPD staff and Stakeholder Group to develop a survey instrument and process that adequately addresses the interests and concerns of all involved.

How many hoops does a customer have to jump through to receive services? The goal of this self-assessment is to help ADRCs serve as leaders in systems change in the area of streamlined access. The paper outlines several hoops that individuals often have to navigate to gain access to information about LTC services beginning with the initial call. This report contains examples from current grantees, offers context and can be used as a tool for developing a clear strategy for streamlining access.

The West Virginia Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver Program developed a number of provider audit tools. Monitoring Tools include: Site, Homemaker, Case Management, Personnel Files and Quality Assurance.

HHS announced on September 15, 2006, the award of $20 million in grants to states to develop programs for people with disabilities or long term illnesses. The eight states receiving a 2006 award are California, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Kansas. The award will help states and territories “rebalance” their long-term support programs to help people with chronic illness or disabilities to reside in their homes and participate fully in community life.