Aging/Older Adults

The American Association on Health and Disability released their findings from the AAHD Vaccine Hesitancy Survey Among Adults with Disabilities, an online study of the perspectives of adults with disabilities on the COVID-19 vaccine. Their Vaccine Hesitancy Among Adults with Disabilities Research report explores general vaccine hesitancy, distrust and barriers to vaccine access among adults with disabilities.

The National Academy of Social Insurance published a new issue brief about universal LTSS programs in Europe and Asia. This brief provides an overview of the existing approaches abroad to the provision of universal LTSS, and considers lessons from an in-depth case study of Germany.

ACL issued grants totaling $1.4B to help older adults recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, funded through the American Rescue Plan. These grants will help provide meals and nutrition services, support family caregivers, help older adults connect and engage with others to reduce social isolation, re-open senior centers, and help residents of nursing homes resolve complaints.

On Tuesday, May 4, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a Center Informational Bulletin (CIB) discussing the recent extension of the HCBS spousal impoverishment policies. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 extended the requirement that Medicaid programs apply spousal impoverishment protections until September 30, 2023. CMS also described plans to release future guidance regarding options for income and asset disregards.

ADvancing States is incredibly pleased to publish this new primer on the Older Americans Act (OAA) – the seminal piece of legislation that established the “aging services network”. The report discusses the historical development, functions, and governance of the Act, its service programs, populations served, and funding. We hope that you find the report useful and share with your partners across the aging and disability networks.

This publication highlights some of the innovative work AAAs and Title VI Aging Programs are doing to tackle the critical issues of brain health and housing and homelessness among older adults in their communities. Based on findings from previous n4a topical polls, this publications shows a few examples of the various ways AAAs and Title VI programs are adapting their programs and services to meet the changing needs of older adults.

On April 29, 2021, the U.S. Special Committee on Aging held a virtual hearing on “A Changing Workforce: Supporting Older Workers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond”, that discussed what steps could be taken to support older Americans in the workforce.

The Alzheimer's Association has released this free online module on their website. This module will define dementia capable systems and dementia friendly communities. Then, it explores the role of public health and communities in contributing to dementia capable systems through support services and programs, workforce training, and dementia friendly communities. It will also cover support services available for people with dementia and their caregivers.

NCOA has partnered with the Medicare Rights Center to develop a toolkit for counselors who work with dual eligibles and beneficiaries. The toolkit includes a break down of coverage options in an easy-to-understand format for counselors and consumers. This toolkit was created following interviews and focus groups with counselors, and will be updated and enhanced with additional materials on an ongoing basis.

ATI Advisory, supported by the Robert Wood Foundation, has conducted research to create a package of recommended legislative and administrative reforms around LTSS and the caregiving workforce. The goal of the reforms is to increase access to HCBS, reduce the institutional bias in Medicaid, and create a strong caregiving workforce.