The federally funded Older Americans Act provides a variety of in-home and community-based services without cost to persons 60+. While people 60 years of age and older are eligible for Older Americans Act programs, services are funded for individuals with the greatest economic and social need who meet program guidelines. Also provides support services for family caregivers and grandparents or older individuals who are relative caregivers. Examples of Older Americans Act services are Information and assistance, Home-delivered meals, Adult Day Care, Counseling, and Transportation.

History

The Older Americans Act is generally considered to be the most significant federal recognition of the distinct needs, capabilities and privileges which are inherent in a specific group, i.e., those aged 60 and over. The activities, mandated and funded under this Act, carry no income eligibility requirement, unlike numerous other federal assistance programs, e.g., food stamps and Section 8 housing. The Older Americans Act is viewed as a direct outgrowth of the 1960 White House Conference on Aging.

The overall purpose of the Act was to establish an "aging network," provide for the funding of local service programs, establish training and research projects, and stimulate the development of innovative and/or improved services for the elderly. Congress has continued to appropriate funds and update the law with periodic amendments under this Act for the provision of social and nutritional services, staff training, research/demonstration projects, and the operation of the Administration on Aging. In the fall of 2000, the OAA was reauthorized and amendments added for a five year period. According to the amendments of 2000, funds can be utilized as follows:

Title III-B: Supportive Services and Senior Centers
Title III-C-1: Congregate Nutrition Services
Title III-C-2: Home-Delivered Nutrition Services
Title III-D: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services
Title III-E: National Family Caregiver Support Program

Under the Older Americans Act, service providers must follow priorities set by the Area Agency for serving older persons with greatest economic or social need, with particular attention to low-income minority older persons and older individuals residing in rural areas, individuals with severe disabilities, and Native Americans. The Older Americans Act requires that each client be provided the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the service; however, denial of service for non-contribution is prohibited. Contributions must be used to expand services

The revised Older Americans Act added a new caregiver title to the Act. This title provides an infrastructure of program resources and assistance to family caregivers and grandparents and older individuals who are relative caregivers through state and area agencies on aging, service providers and consumer organizations.