Quality

ADvancing States organized members of the Aging Network at listening forums in 3 cities for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. The sessions fostered public input, which ADvancing States used to form recommendations for improvement according to its policy principles. The letter outlining these is addressed to Assistant Secretary of Aging, Kathy Greenlee. Some recommendations are to advance the network with more funding and to modernize the language of the Act to reflect person-centered objectives.

States endow Commissions on Aging Services with different responsibilities. States that have Commissions with more of an oversight nature advise states about aging issues and are responsible for working with legislators, advocating for seniors, and evaluating needs and services. More advisory Commissions offer guidance in identifying and researching aging issues. Results of a ADvancing States survey found that 20 states have Commissions in place, 5 with oversight capacity, and 15 that are more advisory.

ADvancing States conducted a survey of state agencies on aging and disability to determine if they conducted participant experience surveys to ensure quality. This asked four basic questions: if the state conducts participants experience survey; the frequency of conducting the survey; how the survey was completed; and who conducts the survey. The appendices include sample participant experience surveys from various states.

The AoA reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 2011 was preceded by a series of listening sessions and online input forums representing thousands of consumers of OAA services. This document provides a summary of some of the common input received during this process. Some of the consistent views on OAA services were broad while others were more specific, e.g. expanding Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) services to all nursing home residents regardless of age.

Review a new survey of organizations that provide services within the I&R/A Network. The following themes emerged from the survey: aging and disability networks continue to integrate; the use of technology in I&R/A service delivery is slow to develop; the role of I&R/A organizations is expanding; and there are opportunities for improved coordination and quality service delivery. Review the recommendations that address these themes.

There has been effort to create standards for senior centers at a state level. Many State Units on Aging (SUAs) coordinate with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to fund, develop, and foster these standards. This report summarizes findings from a survey of 38 states concerning various areas related to senior centers, including funding sources, operational guidelines, and required services. Most states reported some common practices and 16 states provide guidance for their senior centers.

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.

Welcome to QualityTools™, a clearinghouse for practical, ready-to-use tools for measuring and improving the quality of health care. QualityTools is sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Four content areas with tools for providers, policymakers, patients and consumers, payers and purchasers.