All States/Territories

This report is meant to serve as an overview of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (SLTCOP), which was established to advocate for people living in long-term care facilities. The report is useful to State Unit on Aging (SUA) Directors by providing program history, practices, and unique role in the aging network. The report also discusses the implications for the LTC Ombudsman role as residents move away from facilities to home and community-based services.

Interested in the work and current challenges that face The National Association of State Units on Aging members? This report, resulting from a February through April 2009 NASUA survey, was given to its members to obtain a snapshot of their work and the current challenges they face. The results, divided into 10 themes, provide that snapshot as well as the states’ perspective on the evolution of the aging network as it works to redesign the long-term care delivery system.

The goal of this coordinated national campaign from n4a & NASUA is to provide the resources to implement consumer-centered and cost effective long-term care strategies authorized in the 2006 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Empower the Aging Services Network to implement these strategies through a three-pronged program encompassing person centered access to information, evidence-based disease management and health promotion activities, and enhanced home and community-based services.

Are you struggling with what should and should not be included in an I&R resource database? NASUA has put together a compilation of suggestions, experiences, and ideas from the field related to establishing a database. The paper also addresses specific elements of designs and policy development.

Held in May 2005 this national conference was designed to meet the unique training needs of waiver program operators. This year’s conference, titled "The Sun Shines Brighter at Home," offered substantive opportunities to learn about the national initiatives, policy directions and grant programs that shape the current environment. The attached agenda has links to all of the presentation overheads.

Review a comprehensive list of existing performance measures on long-term services and supports (LTSS) systems in the US. It can serve as a valuable pool of resources regarding LTSS performance standards available from federal and state initiatives, as well as valuable projects undergone in private sector and academia. The list also covers measurement tools targeting specific beneficiary groups and programs, including dual eligibles and adults with disabilities.

The findings from a fourth economic survey of the state units on aging conducted in May 09 revealed that despite the funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, 60% of states must reduce their agencies' budgets for FY10. While ARRA funding allowed states to maintain food and nutrition programs, over 20% of states indicated they will cut back services and programs include Older Americans Act, disability, Medicaid, and home- and community-based services and supports.

Home modifications can make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents and support independent living. Examples include lever door handles that operate easily with a push, handrails on both sides of staircase and outside steps, and ramps for accessible entry and exit. Check out this directory of state resources on home modification to find resources in your state. Also note the link to Disability.gov, where you can find more information on accessible housing options.

The recession continues to affect state programs for older individuals and adults with physical disabilities. Demand for publicly funded services has grown, and resources, including staff, are stretched thin, according to this new 50-state study. 31 states have cut non-Medicaid aging and disability services programs in FY 2010, and 28 states were expecting to cut these programs in FY 2011. Find the research report, brief, video and compiled State profiles.

This research issue brief summarizes the results of an in-depth research study on participant engagement in the design and improvement of Cash & Counseling programs. It is intended to provide policymakers, program funders, advocates, and program participants with insights into the challenges faced and subsequent outcomes when developing and sustaining meaningful participant engagement practices. This issue brief aims to provide concrete recommendations based on the research conducted.