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Older Americans Act: Preliminary Observations on Services Requested by Seniors and Challenges in Providing Assistance

GAO-10-1024T Published: Sep 07, 2010. Publicly Released: Sep 07, 2010.
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Highlights

Administered by the Administration on Aging (AoA) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is intended to assist individuals age 60 and older by providing supportive services. Title III, Medicaid and Medicare, state, and other sources of funding provide for several types of services, including congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, and support for caregivers. This testimony reports on ongoing GAO work in preparation for the reauthorization of the OAA and a full report to be issued by GAO in 2011. Based on preliminary findings, GAO describes (1) Title III services most requested by seniors and how state and local agencies reach those most in need, and (2) how agencies have coped with increasing requests in the current economic environment. To do this, GAO reviewed aging plans from the 50 states and District of Columbia; conducted site visits to 4 states; interviewed national, state, and local officials; and analyzed preliminary responses to a Web-based survey of 125 Local Area Agencies on Aging for fiscal year 2009. The survey data used in this document reflect a 54 percent response rate as of July 30, 2010. The survey is still in progress and our results are not generalizable at this time. GAO shared its findings with AoA and incorporated their comments as appropriate.

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Aid for the elderlyDemographyEconomic assistanceElderly personsFederal aid to localitiesFederal fundsFederal lawFunds managementHome health care servicesLocally administered programsMunicipal governmentsProgram managementPublic assistance programsState-administered programsSurveysFinancial assistance