Information and Referral

This report and sample survey were used to evaluate information and assistance services provided by GA Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The report summarizes the responses and lists recommendations for measuring and improving consumer satisfaction with this aspect of AAA services. The Quality Assurance Team of the Division of Aging Services mailed the survey to users such as consumers and their caregivers, case managers, friends and family members. They received 840 responses.

The MN Board on Aging, the agency with primary responsibility for MinnesotaHelp.info, issued this RFP with the goal of contracting an organization to maintain the database underpinning the website. The site is an online directory of services helping people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, May 30, 2008.

This survey asks local Advisory Council members to rate 10 statements about the Virginia No Wrong Door (NWD) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) project and their role in it. The statements include, “I understand the overall vision and goal of the NWD/ADRC initiative for the Commonwealth,” and “I understand the purpose of and my role on the (Richmond, Peninsula, Central Shenandoah Valley) Advisory Council.” A series of open-ended questions follow.

What questions should be asked when someone first contacts and ADRC? Ohio’s Aging and Disability Resource Network has provided this example of their Intake and Referral Form. Questions address contact information, income, employement, disability, insurance, benefits, and living arrangements. There is also space for referent information.

ConnectMeOhio.org (CMO) is Ohio’s statewide online access point for information pertaining to aging and disability services. This document describes its policy to define the kind of provider that can list their services on the website. Comprehensive lists of inclusion and exclusion guidelines are included.

An example of how ADRCs can stay connected, Washington uses a simple text-only format for their newsletter that is meant to bypass spam filters. The text also allows people to "rip-and-read" so they can easily take the information out to use in other settings. There are no attachments, as requested by the newsletter recipients. The newsletter is published monthly and features Local Happenings, National News, and Job Postings.

As part of the January 2008 Monthly ADRC TAE call, Dorie Seavey and Hollis Turnham presented the idea of worker registries. Supporting materials offer an overview of the concept and state examples. Also included is a two-page hand out that lists worker registry websites and offers and example of the database potential functionalities.

The federal government's one-stop Web site for people with disabilities, their families, employers, veterans and service members, workforce professionals and many others. The site connects people to information and resources needed to actively participate in the workforce and in their communities. Topics covered on the site include: benefits; civil rights; community life; education; emergency preparedness; employment; health; housing; technology; & transportation.

The federal government will match expenditures that it deems necessary to support the “efficient and effective” administration of the Medicaid program. This administrative federal financial participation (FFP) is typically 50% of the costs, but in certain cases, enhanced match of up to 90% is available. Medicaid administrative activities can include many of the ADRC functions.

States can draw down federal funds to assist in paying for the operation of their Medicaid program. Some ADRC activities may be eligible for administration federal financial participation (FFP). This resource provides guidance in applying and securing Medicaid FFP for ADRC activities.