Aging Ahead Receives Prestigious Aging Innovations Award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
(Manchester, MO) Aging Ahead announces that the Aging Ahead at Home—Bringing Resources to Your Door recently received recognition from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with a 2019 Aging Innovations Award, the highest honor presented by n4a to member agencies. The awards program is supported by WellCare Health Plans. Aging Ahead at Home—Bringing Resources to Your Door was among the top 16 of 48 local aging programs to receive honors during the n4a Annual Conference & Tradeshow, July 27-31, New Orleans.
The 2019 n4a Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards recognizes Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American aging programs that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their family caregivers. Among the selection criteria was the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities.
“n4a is thrilled to present the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards to a diverse and talented group of Area Agencies on Aging. We are happy to say that every corner of the country is represented in the 2019 awards this year” said Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer of n4a. “The work the Innovations winners have done, especially, is remarkable. These AAAs have developed truly innovative programs in their communities to better meet the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. From programs that focus on healthy aging or transportation to nutrition or housing, we commend them all and urge them to continue creating great programs like the ones highlighted in this year’s 2019 Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards,” Markwood said.
The Program:
The Aging Ahead at Home program was established to expand access to resources, combat social isolation and meet the needs of residents living in affordable housing. A Community Options Specialist offers onsite support and individual assessments to residents so they are aware of the programs offered by Aging Ahead and other community providers. Engaging programming delivered in an inviting communal space encourages socialization among neighbors. The fee-based private-pay program also supports the expansion of other vital services. Each hour onsite is billed to the apartment management company, offering Aging Ahead a revenue source outside of Older Americans Act funding. The project began with one housing community in 2016 and has expanded to four as of January 2019.
Budget:
Funds to support development of the pilot program were diverted from administrative costs associated with the Community Options and Services Department. Ongoing salary and benefits of onsite employees have been integrated into the continued staffing model of the department. No overhead costs have been calculated because the apartment management
company provides space and access to office equipment.
Accomplishments:
More than 275 residents have gained access to services and have participated in more than 100 educational events, resulting in them receiving an additional $45,000 in benefits or income. Currently, Aging Ahead has increased its annual revenue by approximately $40,000.
Replicability:
This program can easily be replicated by organizations recognized for
quality service delivery for older adults. AAAs should contact agencies
that provide housing information and funding to developers for
assistance with identifying partners. The state housing development
commission can offer state-specific and federal tax credit information.
The 2019 n4a Aging Innovations Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories including Caregiving, Health-LTSS Integration, Healthy Aging, Housing, Information & Referral/Access to Services, Nutrition and Transportation & Mobility.
All winners are showcased in the n4a awards book.
About n4a:
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the leading voice on aging issues for the 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country and a champion in our nation’s capital for the more than 250 Title VI Native American aging programs. n4a’s primary mission is to build the capacity of our members so they can help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible. (www.n4a.org)