Understanding Area Agencies on Aging: A Quick Guide to AAA & AoA
The aging process brings with it many changes that older adults and their family members might not expect. Being prepared for the next steps in your life will help you protect your physical and mental health as you age.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) aim to provide local resources and a broad range of services and connections, including caregiving and nutrition support, to elderly adults. Below, you’ll learn more about how AAAs can support seniors through the later years of their lives.
How AAAs Got Started: The Older Americans Act (OAA)
For decades, research has shown that independent living and community support are two important factors in seniors’ mental and physical health.
It is because of that research that Congress enacted the Older Americans Act of 1973 (OAA), which you can think of as the starting point for aging support in the U.S. From there, Congress established the Administration on Aging (AoA) to put the OAA into practice across the country.
One key part of the OAA regarded creating a network across the country that was to include regional and local agencies that would support older adults in all ways. We now know these agencies as Area Agencies on Aging.
How Do AAAs Work?
AAAs are wonderful resources for older adults. Their primary goal is to allow seniors to continue living at home for as long as possible, which makes them especially practical nowadays, as many older adults prefer to “age at home.”
An AAA typically covers single cities, counties, or districts made up of a few counties. Each region covered by an AAA is known as a Planning and Service Area (PSA). If you’re interested in services, all you need to know is what AAA covers your area.
Services and Resources You Can Get From AAA
Almost all AAAs offer comprehensive senior care, support, and counseling. In California, the California Department of Aging (CDA) works with 33 AAAs across the entire state. The variety of services offered is wide and attempts to meet the needs of many California seniors at once.
As for what your local AAA can do for you, here’s a breakdown of what most AAAs specialize in:
Nutrition Support and Meal Services
Older adults need specialized dietary advice to stay healthy, especially if they’re dealing with serious medical conditions like diabetes or kidney failure. A local AAA can provide such guidance. Nutrition counseling for seniors offers important information about building healthy meals, choosing nutritious ingredients, and avoiding harmful foods. It also empowers seniors to make enjoyable, healthy dietary decisions for themselves.
Some AAAs even connect seniors with meal delivery services, allowing those with mobility issues and health challenges to still enjoy nutritious meals.
Care Resources
Some seniors will require in-home care or respite care. A local AAA can provide information and referrals for these services. They’ll also often train caregivers on the best practices and helpful strategies for maintaining positive relationships with older adults.
As a senior, you can receive counseling about your care options through an AAA. In turn, you’ll be able to evaluate which senior care options work best with your lifestyle and medical needs and be empowered to make these choices yourself, thereby preserving your dignity and autonomy as you age.
Insurance and Legal Services
As you get older, your legal and financial needs will likely change as well. Thankfully, your local AAA can counsel you on different insurance and legal service options. That is incredibly helpful as you navigate new challenges, like planning your estate and enrolling in affordable health insurance.
Support Services
Seniors may need a wide range of support services. These can include companion services, homemaking assistance (cleaning, cooking, etc.), and things like case management and home care services. AAAs can help you find the services you need without sacrificing your wishes for your life.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Advocacy
Seniors in long-term care facilities (like assisted living) need advocacy and support. Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for older adults and try to solve problems between long-term care facilities and patients. Your local AAA can refer you to a regional long-term care ombudsman if needed.
AAAs: Aging With Dignity and Support
As you age, you should never have to go without resources or aid. And AAAs make sure you’re always supported. Your geographic area is covered by one of these specialized agencies, so do not hesitate to reach out for information, resources, and support any time you need to.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
