AoA Announces Participation of Community Aging Service Providers in Medicare Senior Risk Reduction Demonstration

Administration on Aging, Dec 19, 2007

Effort will empower older adults to take greater control of their health

As part of U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt's focus on prevention, HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. Carbonell today announced participation in a demonstration designed to help seniors stay healthy. Nine Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) programs and an Administration on Aging (AoA) Older Americans Act Information and Referral (I&R) program will participate in the Medicare Senior Risk Reduction Demonstration.

Since 2003, more than 125 areas in 43 states have received more than $42 million in support under the ADRC initiative, which is jointly administered by AoA and CMS. States are using ADRC funds to better coordinate and redesign their existing methods for providing seniors, younger people with disabilities, and family caregivers with relevant information and personalized assistance in accessing services such as home-delivered meals, personal care, housekeeping, specialized transportation, assisted living services and nursing home care.

The ADRCs also assist consumers in their efforts to prevent disease, disability and injury through health promotion and disease prevention programs, including evidence-based interventions. Since 2003, AoA has supported the delivery of evidence-based disease and disability programs in 24 states. These programs are designed to help seniors better manage their chronic conditions (such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease), reduce their risk of falling, and improve their physical and mental health.