Older Americans Act Reauthorization 2011
Congress passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965 in response to concern by policymakers about a lack of community social services for older persons. The original legislation established authority for grants to states for community planning and social services, research and development projects and personnel training in the field of aging.
In 2011, Congress will consider reauthorization and amendments to the OAA effective in FY 2012. The Administration on Aging (AoA) is soliciting input concerning the reauthorization through AoA-Convened Listening Forums, OAA Reauthorization Input Events and direct input via the AoA website or mail.
- Testimony
- Additional Links
- Current Older Americans Act
- Reauthorization Events
- Video from AoA-Listening Forums
Testimony
February 18, 2010 - Dallas, Texas
On February 18, Texas State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Patty Ducayet, Managing Local Ombudsman Suzanna Swanson, and Certified Volunteer Ombudsman Ruth Hancock presented testimony on the importance of ombudsmen services for older Americans at the Dallas, Texas, Administration on Aging (AoA) listening forum on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.
Additionally, the forum included several panel presentations and testimony, including a presentation by Georgia State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Becky Kurtz on elder rights and elder justice.
A video of all presentation from the listening forum will be available on the AoA website within two weeks.
February 25, 2010 - Alexandria, Virginia
On February 25, Montgomery County, MD, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Eileen Bennet testified on behalf of the National Association for Local Long Term Care Ombudsmen at the AoA listening forum in Alexandria, Virginia.
Sarah Wells, Consumer Voice executive director, presented alongside Robert Blancato, president of Matz, Blancato & Associates, Inc., at the Alexandria, Virginia, Administration on Aging listening forum. Consumer Voice's presentation was part of a panel focused on Elder Rights and Elder Justice.
March 3, 2010 - San Francisco, California
On March 3, California State Long-Term Ombudsman Joseph Rodrigues testified on behalf of the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs at the AoA listening forum in San Francisco, California. His testimony focused the important role of the long-term care ombudsman program; since 1978, the ombudsman program has been a OAA core program.
September 7 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
On September 7, Wisconsin State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Heather Bruemmer testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on the Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.
Additional Links
Leadership Council of Aging Organizations: Consensus Recommendations for the 2011 Older Americans Act Reauthorization
Government Office of Accountability Report: Older Americans Act - Preliminary Observations on Services Requested by Seniors and Challenges in Providing Assistance (View the highlights)