The Aging Evolution
As more Baby Boomers join the aging population and new concepts about aging are trending, the AAAs must respond with appropriate services to meet the specialized needs of older Kansans. Advocating for appropriate coordinated care and programs to deter from premature entry into a nursing home is a specialty of the AAAs.
A National Network
Local Leaders
The Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas are part of a national network of 629 AAAs and 246 Title VI organizations designated as the leaders on aging issues at the local level. Area Agencies on Aging were established under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1973 to respond to the needs of older adults and caregivers in every local community. AAAs are the “boots-on-the-ground” organizations charged with helping vulnerable older adults live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. Locally managed with federal, state and local funding resources, service delivery decisions are made at the community level: often in the private homes of the individuals who need services. The AAA’s primary responsibilities include the following:
- Promote person-directed care
- Serve as a community planning agency to improve community services to seniors
- Act as an advocate for seniors
- Provide services which help seniors remain in the community and avoid unnecessary or premature moves from their homes
- Develop coalitions and networks of support for seniors and their caregivers to avoid or reduce the need for publicly funded services
- Coordinate services in its geographic area and manage its service area effectively and efficiently
- Help seniors live happier and more active lives through prevention and intervention
AAAs provide services that fall into five broad categories:
- Information and Access services
- Community Services
- In-Home services
- Housing
- Elder Rights
The Kansas Network
Your Boots-on-the-ground local agencies
The Kansas Area Agencies on Aging deliver a core set of services: funding for nutrition programs (congregate and home-delivered), in-home and community access services, programs to support physical health and fitness, and services that assist individuals who are caregivers for older adults. As community needs were identified, AAAs responded by expanding services:
1989 Commissioned to oversee non-Medicaid Senior Care Act program
1994 Commissioned to perform Level I CARE assessments
1997 Designated single point of entry for older adults
1997 Started Targeted Case Management for frail elderly waiver until 2013
2012 Contracted with KDADS for the Aging and Disability Resource Center
2020 Contracted with KDADS for Administrative Case Management
A field of sunflowers