Vision:  All Idahoans, as they age, retain autonomy to determine their own life course.

Mission:
To improve quality of life for all older Idahoans, vulnerable adults, and their families through education, advocacy, accountability and service; to provide opportunity for all to live independent, meaningful and dignified lives within communities of their choice.

Seniors!  Veterans!  People with Disabilities! 
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Mature Worker Job Fair
October 4, 2008 9 am - 3 pm
Meridian School District Building

The Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) is the sole state agency designated under the Older Americans Act to administer programs and services for Idahoans 60 years of age and older.  Since 1965 the Older Americans Act (OAA) has provided funding for services to meet the diverse needs of older persons in the United States through the National Aging Services Network (the Aging Network). 

The Network consists of federal, state, and local agencies, particularly the regional Area Agencies on Aging, that help ensure that older Americans and their families have the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions and choices.  These choices help families care for their loved ones, help older people stay in their homes, and provide care options other than nursing home facilities.

Located under the oversight of the Executive Office of the Governor, the ICOA plans and coordinates, funds, and monitors a statewide program of services to meet present and future needs of older Idahoans.  Its second responsibility is to advocate for Idaho's elderly to secure existing rights, benefits and services under Federal, State and local law and to gain crucial new programs. 

Idaho is divided into six Planning and Service Areas (PSAs), each assigned to one Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which administers and manages programs and services for the elderly under an Area Plan on Aging approved by ICOA.  Each designated AAA develops, supports, and maintains a variety of elderly services.

Each AAA develops a plan for its PSA, assuring that programs and services respond to local needs.  The planning process includes a comprehensive needs analysis, research, service delivery strategies, and involvement of older persons in the planning and operation of programs to meet their special needs.

AAAs generally are not direct service providers.  Through competitive bidding and service agreements, AAAs contract with local service providers.  The AAA, however, is responsible for all aspects of service provision, including planning and development, evaluating contracts and providers, monitoring programs and services, and providing technical assistance to sub-contractors.  In addition, AAAs function as advocates for older person and are focal points for information relating to aging issues.

The governor appoints the Administrator and the seven-member commission to the ICOA.