Older Americans Act
Publisher: Ohio Department of Aging
Published Date: July 2006
What is the Older Americans Act
- The federal Older Americans Act is the foundation of Ohio’s aging network, which includes the Ohio Department of Aging, area agencies on aging, senior centers, service providers and others.
- The Act supports nutrition programs, home- and community-based services, caregiver support, long-term care ombudsman programs and senior employment programs.
- The Older Americans Act provides $46 million in federal funding annually and leverages an additional $71 million in State and local funds.
Why is the Older Americans Act important?
- The Older Americans Act became law on July 14, 1965 and created the U.S. Administration on Aging.
- It authorized grants to States for community planning and service programs, as well as for research, demonstration and training projects in the field of aging.
- It also authorized grants to Area Agencies on Aging for local needs identification, planning, and funding of services, including but not limited to nutrition programs in the community as well as for those who are homebound; programs which serve Native American elders; services targeted at low-income minority elders; health promotion and disease prevention activities; in-home services for frail elders, and those services which protect the rights of older persons such as the long term care ombudsman program.
- The Act was reauthorized on November 13, 2000, creating the National Family Caregiver Support Program.
- The Act was most recently reauthorized October 17, 2006.
How much Older Americans Act funding does Ohio receive annually?
- In 2005, Ohio received more than $46 million in OAA funding, which includes dollars for supportive services, nutrition programs, disease prevention and health promotion programs, family caregiver support services, elder rights and the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP).
- Additional dollars in SCSEP funds have been provided to national sponsors (e.g., AARP, Experience Works) operating in Ohio.
Are there any non-federal match requirements to receive OAA funds?
Ohio must provide a non-federal match ranging from 10 to 25 percent.
- For Title III, Part B, C and D, Ohio uses state Senior Community Services funds to meet match requirements.
- For Title III, Part E, Ohio uses state Alzheimer’s respite funds to meet match requirements.
- The non-federal match requirement for Title V funds is provided at the service provider level.
What are State Senior Community Services funds?
- State-funded Senior Community Services augment federal funds received under Title III of the OAA that support the community services and nutrition program.
- Senior Community Services provide matching dollars for more than $38.3 million in federal funding (Title III, Parts B, C and D) each year, and also provide both leverage and match for funds from other sources (e.g., the Social Services Block Grant - Title XX).
- Home-delivered and congregate meals funded by Senior Community Services and local dollars also leverage federal Nutrition Services Incentive program funds.
- Area agencies on aging use Senior Community Services funds (and other sources such as local senior services levy funds) to secure funds from the Ohio Housing Trust Fund for home repair programs.
Who is eligible to receive Older Americans Act services?
- Typically, any Ohioan age 60 or older, or any Ohioan who serves as a caregiver for an older Ohioan, is eligible for OAA services. However, due to limited funding, area agencies on aging and service providers give priority for services to low-income, minority and rural elders.
How does the Ohio Department of Aging ensure that OAA funds are used appropriately?
- The Department of Aging conducts annual fiscal and programmatic monitoring of area agencies on aging to ensure funds are being used in compliance with federal regulations, state statute and department policy.
- The Ohio Aging Services Information System allows the Department to monitor quarterly service goal attainment at the area agency and service provider level.
What Home- and Community-Based Services are provided by OAA and related state and local funds?
- Nutrition programs and services, including congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition education and nutrition consultation.
- Personal care, homemaker, adult day and chore services.
- Case management and care coordination programs.
- Outreach services and education programs.
- Information and referral about prescription drugs, in-home services and housing options.
- Transportation and escort services for medical visits, meals, shopping and other essential errands.
- Home maintenance and repair.
- Disaster services.
- Recreation, wellness and other preventive health programs.
Can consumers of OAA Services contribute to the cost of their care?
- Consumers and their families are encouraged to make donations to help cover the cost of the services they receive. Ohio consumers contribute more than $7.5 million towards the cost of services annually.
- However, consumers are not required to contribute to or share the cost of services and will not be denied services if they choose not to contribute.
- Selected services, such as homemaker and home repair, are provided on a sliding fee scale based on the income of the consumer.
- Funds generated from cost sharing or voluntary contributions for a given service are used to expand that service.
How do I access Older Americans Act Services?
Where can I learn more about Older Americans Act Programs?
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Ohio Department of Aging
Ted Strickland, Governor - Barbara E. Riley, Director
50 W. Broad St./9th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
1-800-266-4346 - TTY: (614) 466-6161
The Department of Aging is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
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