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Area Agencies on Aging outline local services, warn availability varies by county
Summary
Directors from local Area Agencies on Aging described nutrition, caregiver support, ombudsman advocacy, home- and community-based services and digital inclusion programs — noting some specialized waivers and veteran-directed programs are not available in every AAA area.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across Utah provide a range of home- and community-based services that help older adults remain independent, but program availability can vary by region, AAA leaders said June 15.
Rochelle Blackham, who represents Davis County aging services, and Amy Hoffteuser, director of aging services for Tooele County, described core AAA programs: caregiver supports and respite care, long-term care ombudsman advocacy, legal services through partnerships, Medicare counseling (SHIP), the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) to detect billing fraud, congregate and home-delivered nutrition (Meals on Wheels), evidence-based wellness programs, transportation coordination and senior centers that provide socialization and volunteer opportunities.
“AAAs serve as a vital hub making sure older adults and their caregivers have access to the support, services, and community connections they need to thrive,” Hoffteuser said.
Both presenters emphasized that some programs — for example the New Choices Medicaid waiver or veteran-directed care — depend on specific contracts or funding and therefore are not offered in every AAA. Hoffteuser noted, “If you're interested in any of these, you'd wanna go directly to your AAA,” and Blackham said that AAAs can usually refer people to other providers if a local program is not available.
Presenters also pointed to a statewide interactive map and a one-page handout that lists AAA regions and contact information; Blackham said organizers would share the handout after the presentation. Several AAA leaders appearing in a recorded video described local services such as caregiver support groups, respite, friendly visiting and health insurance counseling.
Speakers highlighted partnerships with libraries, tech charities and university extension programs to deliver basic computer and smartphone training for older adults, and noted some AAAs host AmeriCorps RSVP (retired senior volunteer) programs that engage volunteers age 55 and older.
For protection issues, presenters reiterated that AAAs work closely with adult protective services, and that the Division of Aging and Adult Services places a prominent reporting link on its website to make abuse reporting easier to find.
Presenters recommended older adults and caregivers start by contacting their local AAA or reviewing the division’s locations page at daas.utah.gov to find senior centers and local programs.
