POLISHED-Q1-2024 -Leaps and Bounds

To know where you going, you got to know where you came from! Timeline

Historical Evolution of Programs for Older Americans (cont.)

Historical Evolution of Programs for Older Americans (cont.)

agencies and non-profit corporations, to provide congregate independent living service programs. OAA amendments required each state to establish a long-term care ombudsman program to cover nursing homes. 1981 Third White House Conference on Aging held in Washington, D.C. Lennie-Marie Tolliver named Commissioner on Aging Older Americans Act reauthorized; emphasized supportive services to help older persons remain independent in the community. Act expanded ombudsman coverage to board and care homes 1984 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act clarified and reaffirmed the roles of State and Area Agencies on Aging in coordinating community-based services, and in maintaining accountability for the funding of national priority services (legal, access, & in-home). Carol Fraser Fisk named Commissioner on Aging 1987 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act provides for nursing home reform in the areas of nurse aide training, survey and certification procedures, pre-admission screening and annual reviews for persons with mental illness. Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act added six additional distinct authorization of appropriations for services: in-home services for the frail elderly; long-term care ombudsman; assistance for special needs; health education and promotion; prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and outreach activities for persons who may be eligible for benefits under supplemental security income (SSI), Medicaid, and food stamps. Additional emphasis was given to serving those in the greatest economic and social need, including low-income minorities.

1974 Title XX of the Social Security Amendments authorized grants to states for social services. These programs included protective services, homemaker services, transportation services, adult day care services, training for employment, information and referral, nutrition assistance, and health support. Older Americans Act amendments added transportation under Title III model projects. Housing and Community Development Act enacted; provided for low-income housing for the elderly and handicapped, pursuant to the Housing Act of 1937. National Institute on Aging created to conduct research and training related to the aging process, and the diseases and problems of an aging population. Title V of the Farm and Rural Housing Program of 1949 expanded to include the rural elderly as a target group. 1975 Older Americans Act Amendments authorized grants under Title III to Indian tribal organizations. Transportation, home care, legal services, and home renovation/repair were mandated as priority services. 1977 Older Americans Act Amendments required changes in Title VII nutrition program, primarily related to the availability of surplus commodities through the Department of Agriculture. 1978 Older Americans Act Amendments consolidated the Title III Area Agency on Aging administration and social services, the Title VII nutrition services, and the Title V multi-purpose senior centers, into a new Title III and added a new Title VI for grants to Indian Tribal Organizations. The old Title V became the Community Service Employment grant program for low-income persons, age 55 and older (created under the 1978 amendments as Title IX). Robert G. Benedict named Commissioner on Aging Congregate Housing Services Act authorized contracts with local public housing

1969 Older Americans Act Amendments provided grants for model demonstration projects, Foster Grandparents, and Retired Senior Volunteer Programs. 1971 Second White House Conference on Aging held in Washington, D.C. 1972 A new Title VII is created under the Older Americans Act authorizing funds for a national nutrition program for the elderly. 1973 Older Americans Act Comprehensive Services Amendments established Area Agencies on Aging. The amendments added a new Title V, which authorized grants to local community agencies for multi-purpose

1965 Older Americans Act signed into law on July 14 1965. It established the Administration on Aging within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and called for the creation of State Units on Aging. William Bechill named first Commissioner on Aging Medicare, Title XVIII, a health insurance program for the elderly was established as part of the Social Security Act. Medicaid, Title XIX, a health insurance program for low-income persons, was added to the Social Security Act.

1967 Older Americans Act extended for two years, and

provisions made for the Administration on Aging to study the personnel needs in the aging field. Age Discrimination Act signed into law. Administration

senior centers, and created the

Community Service Employment grant program for low- income persons age 55 and older, administered by the Department of Labor. Arthur S. Flemming named Commissioner on Aging Comprehensive Employment and Training Act was enacted; included older persons.

on Aging moved from the Office of

the Secretary of HEW and placed in the newly created Social and Rehabilitative Service Agency within the Department. 1968 John Martin named Commissioner on Aging

LEAPS & BOUNDS | Q1 POLISHED MAGAZINE

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