Older Americans Act Services
The Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) was enacted to improve the lives of America's older individuals in relation to income, health, housing, employment, long-term care, retirement, and community service. The underlying purpose is to enhance the ability of older individuals to maintain as much independence as possible and to remain in their own homes and communities. Federal funds are allocated to states on an annual basis to provide services to older individuals.
Services Available:
- Congregate Meals, Provides nutritional meals in a group setting
- Escort Shopping Assistance, Provides personally assistance to help people with physical or cognitive difficulties to obtain services outside the home environment
- Family Caregiver Support Program, Provides support services to informal caregivers and older adults caring for children 18 and younger
- Health Maintenance, Provides monitoring and screening services for early detection of health issues, and also provides health education, referral and follow-up
- Home Delivered Meals, Provides homebound individuals who are unable to prepare an adequate meal with a nutritious meal
- Legal Assistance, Provides legal advise and representation by an attorney to older individuals with economic or social needs
- Outreach - Includes interventions by an agency or organization for the purpose of identifying potential clients and encouraging their use of existing services and benefits
- Transportation, Provides a method of travel from one specific location to another specific location to access essential community services
- Senior Companion Services, A service that offers periodic companionship and non-medial support by volunteers (who may receive a stipend) to adults with special needs
Eligibility Requirements
Older Americans Act Services are available to individuals who are age 60 and older. There is no means test. Individuals must be given the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the service; however, no one can be denied service due to inability or unwillingness to contribute.
Seeking Services
For information about Older Americans Act Services in your area, go to ND Aging and Disability Resource-LINK web site, call (800) 451-8693, or e-mail for more information and assistance.