The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and Miami University's Scripps Gerontology Center have found that support services for older adults electing to pursue aging in place are becoming more readily available. This is a reversal of the trend that has been noticed since 2008, when the financial recession meant that many communities saw funding for older adult services dry up.
There are currently 618 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) that operate a home delivery system that provides access to home and community-based services for older adults. Established in 1973 under the Older Americans Act, these organizations help adults maintain their independence by providing services to help them live in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Their offerings include care management, disease prevention, insurance counseling and transportation services, among others.
The survey found that in 2013, the budget for the average AAA exceeded $9 million, which represents more than a 6 percent increase from 2010. Today, the survey reports that 70 percent of AAAs provide "diversion programs," which help keep older adults independent and promote safe aging in place. With over 90 percent of the country's older adults electing to pursue aging in place, these services are key to maintaining quality of life, especially for those in suburban or rural areas.
Of course, technology also plays a growing role in supporting the activities of daily living for those aging in place. Independa's Angela™ platform offers something that many other digital devices and software solutions cannot. Through our LG Television, older adults are able to avoid social isolation, the number one issue for associated with aging in place. To schedule a demo, contact us through our online form.
Do you or your family members have any experience using a combination of community services and technology to successfully age in place? Share your insight with us on our Facebook page!
