Do you know about the Area Agency on Aging?
When we need help for our aging parents it’s often hard to know where to turn to first. Do you need counseling around insurance or Medicare issues? Need an advocate for an older adult in a nursing or assisted living community? Need help coordinating short-term care for an aging parent? Nutrition, medication, caregiver support or other information? These are some of the services that can be provided by a resource that’s paid for by your tax dollars.
Area Agencies on Aging is a network of more than 600 non-profit organizations across the United States created by Congress. They’re designed to be one-stop shops with information about available programs, services and housing options in your area.
Kim & Mike Barnes of Parenting Aging Parents talk with Patty Bordie, the Director of the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area. She explains how the AAA works, the core services they all provide, and who/how they can help. While it’s not a long term solution, it can get you started in the right direction.
The easiest way to find the AAA closest to you is to do an internet search using “Area Agency on Aging” and your city or county. Each AAA provides the same core services and may have additional services depending on how much funding they get.
Read the full transcript
Transcript of Interview: “Where do you turn when you need help for your aging parent?”
Mike Barnes:
Yeah, I think we all experience the fact that we get a little overwhelmed because we don’t know what’s out there; we don’t know what’s available to help our aging parents when we’re trying to assist them.
Kim Barnes:
Today, we’re talking to Patty Bordie of the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area. It’s kind of a mouthful, but it offers a lot of great services. Patty, thanks so much for being with us.
Patty Bordie:
Oh, it’s my pleasure to be here.
Kim Barnes:
Let’s start with what the Area Agency on Aging is because I think it’s very interesting. It’s a great first step when people are looking for help and resources.
Patty Bordie:
Great, and that’s exactly where I start. The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area should be the first call for help for anybody who is 60 years or older needing some assistance, and for caregivers of somebody 60 years or older. I want to let you know right off the bat that we are one of about 692 Area Agencies on Aging across the country. All Area Agencies on Aging are funded by the Administration for Community Living and backed by what’s called the Older Americans Act, which was established in 1965 to be a safety net for individuals who did not necessarily qualify for other public benefits like Medicaid. It was created as part of LBJ’s Great Society to really pick up the pieces for those who may otherwise fall through the cracks.
Mike Barnes:
And we’re talking about financial referrals, what kinds of core services?
Patty Bordie:
The core services are, as I said, information and referrals. We’re going to help connect you to any question you might have—maybe it’s transportation, where to get a senior center for mom, how to find out about home health care, or if you’re having issues with a nursing facility. Our core services include benefits counseling, where specially trained information and referral individuals help people connect to Medicare, Medicaid benefits, and assist with signing up during open enrollment. Our benefits counselors are trusted, visible, and non-biased.
Kim Barnes:
And you mentioned in-home support?
Patty Bordie:
Yes, the next core service is really around in-home types of supports. It can be the independent older individual calling us themselves, just out of the hospital, or having another health crisis. They might be on hospice and need homemaker services. In our caregiver support program, those same types of services are available to assist the caregiver. The client in the caregiver support program is really the caregiver, and the services help the care receiver. You don’t have to be living with that care receiver; we can provide services in their home even if you are the primary caregiver ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Mike Barnes:
You also mentioned Meals on Wheels?
Patty Bordie:
Yes, we are one of the main funders of the Meals on Wheels programs. Everyone knows about Meals on Wheels, and you can access it directly, but we provide some of the funding and spread the word about access to that service. It’s great for short-term needs while recovering.
Kim Barnes:
What about advocacy?
Patty Bordie:
We have the Ombudsman program with specially trained and certified advocacy staff who act as extra eyes and ears in facilities. They visit, ensure residents’ rights are protected, and solve problems by meeting with residents, facility staff, and family members. If necessary, we can make referrals to regulatory agencies.
Mike Barnes:
And these core services are available at the Area Agency on Aging in all of these different communities?
Patty Bordie:
Yes, but we are formula funded. The funding we receive is based on the number of older adults in our area, including non-English speaking, people of color, and those at risk for institutionalization. The core services are the same, but the level and scope may differ, so you’d want to call the specific Area Agency.
Kim Barnes:
If we don’t live in the same area as our parents, can we call the Area Agency on Aging in the area where our parents live?
Patty Bordie:
Absolutely. We get calls from long-distance caregivers frequently. We provide services for the older individual in our region and sometimes work with the AAA in the caregiver’s area for support and resources.
Mike Barnes:
Who pays for these services? Are they available at no cost?
Patty Bordie:
Yes, they are at no cost because we pay for them with our tax dollars. There’s no means test, no income eligibility. We are required to ask for voluntary contributions, but that shouldn’t prevent anyone from calling us.
Kim Barnes:
Is it all short-term help, or is there long-term support as well?
Patty Bordie:
It’s typically short-term to serve as many people as we can with limited funding. Short-term help can range from six weeks to six months, depending on the needs. We pride ourselves on unique, person-centered assessments to meet individual and family needs.
Mike Barnes:
When you say wait, what type of wait time are we talking about?
Patty Bordie:
It can be four to six weeks, sometimes longer. We provide direct case management, but services are also offered by vendor agencies. We coordinate with them to ensure they have workers ready. We also have a voucher program allowing caregivers to choose an individual to provide services, which can speed things up.
Kim Barnes:
Are you set up to help fill out benefit applications and such?
Patty Bordie:
Sometimes, but often we refer to partner agencies that specialize in that to ensure applications are properly completed. We want to prevent them from getting kicked back.
Mike Barnes:
I feel like many people who use your services are surprised they didn’t know you existed and see it as a blessing.
Patty Bordie:
We are the best-kept secret. We’re trying to change that by getting out more and making sure people know about us. In addition to personal care, we offer equipment, mental health services, caregiver education, training, and specialized dementia care to help families understand and cope.
Kim Barnes:
It sounds like if you need more care for your parent or face challenges, call the Area Agency on Aging in your area and find out what your options are.
Patty Bordie:
Exactly, we coach and hand-hold people through the process, helping them understand what to ask and how to advocate for themselves.
Mike Barnes:
Finances are a big concern, so it’s good to know they can get direction and possibly discover eligibility for benefits they weren’t aware of.
Patty Bordie:
Absolutely, and sometimes special projects funded by local foundations or grants offer additional support. Caregivers should seek help sooner rather than later to avoid crises and ensure they get the right support.
Kim Barnes:
Finances are a big issue, so it’s good to know they can get help navigating that.
Patty Bordie:
Absolutely. We can help identify what programs might be available and how to access them. The main challenge is knowing how to access services, and we’re here to help with that.
Mike Barnes:
Patty, we’re letting the secret out. Thank you for being with us and sharing this valuable information.
Patty Bordie:
Thank you for having me. It’s been my pleasure.
Kim Barnes:
So, just ask. Call and find out if there are services that might help your aging parents.
Mike Barnes:
The help is out there. If you have any topics you’d like us to discuss here on Parenting Aging Parents, just let us know.
*This transcript is auto-generated. Please excuse any typos or mistakes.
