|
Q. |
What is an Area Agency on Aging? |
|
A. |
In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act to coordinate community-based
programs for older citizens. Its objectives were to assist senior citizens in finding
adequate housing, health services, dignified long-term institutional and in-home
care and to act as an advocate for job opportunities. Amendments to the Act in 1972
increased its range to include a nutrition program for the elderly and in 1973 required
states to establish Area Agencies on Aging to coordinate federal and state programs
with local efforts. |
|
Q. |
What is an Aging and
Disability Resource Center
? |
|
A. |
The ADRC promotes easier access to community resources for seniors, caregivers,
and adults with severe and persistent mental illness, providing information about
long-term care services, public assistance programs, and private businesses.
|
|
Q. |
What is the role of the Alabama Department of Senior Services? |
|
A: |
Alabama
Department of Senior Services (ADSS) supports a network of agencies and programs
throughout the state of Alabama for the following purposes:
* Secure and maintain independence and dignity of older persons.
* Remove social and individual barriers.
* Assure the provision of a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly
* Develop comprehensive, coordinated systems for older persons. |
|
Q. |
What do Area Agencies do? |
|
A: |
Area Agencies
on Aging develop, monitor, and maintain coordinated systems of community based services
within their respective planning and service areas. These systems are designed to
assist older persons and caregivers to lead independent, meaningful and dignified
lives in their own homes and communities as long as possible. Area Agencies carry
out a wide range of functions related to advocacy, planning, coordination, interagency
linkages, information sharing, brokering, monitoring and evaluation. |
|
Q. |
How do I find services in my area? |
|
A: |
Contact
your local area agency on aging, or click on the button "Search For Services"
in the left-hand frame of your page. If you are not sure of the services available,
then fill out the
assessment questionnaire by clicking "Assess Your Needs" button
and based on your answers, the website will suggest to you some possible services and respective providers
in your area. |