They were created by a federal law in 1974 to help older Americans and their caregivers live quality lives with independence and dignity. The AAA administers federal, state, and local funding through contractual arrangements with the 12 counties in the region as well as other local agencies. They are listed below with examples of our work.
•Management and Staffing- the AAA is staffed in positions
supported with aging funds to fulfill the goals and objectives for the region. There are aging planners with skills and experience to offer supports in the areas of service programs, caregiving, health and wellness, public benefits, monitoring and budgets.
•Planning – County planning committees for services to the elderly are located in the 12 county region. These committees are composed of seniors representing all areas of the county and service providers, health representatives, public officials and others who have a major interest in how aging occurs in their county. AAA staff facilitate and offer support for these meetings.
•Funds Administration and Quality Assurance – It is the responsibility of the AAA staff to monitor all contractual programs, including the standards associated with the services and the budgeting necessary to provide the services. It is the role of the AAA to keep all stakeholders informed about the requirements of all funding including the Home and Community Care Block Grant. Boards of non-profits and county commissioners are responsible for the funding associated with the delivery of services and the support of their local agencies. Information Brokerage – The Area Agency on Aging plays a lead role in assisting individuals, communities, health care facilities, public officials and others in becoming aware of and knowledgeable about aging issues available to older adults and caregivers. They also spend time with consumers and others discussing the issues affecting older adults in North Carolina. The staff are available for educational presentations.
•Program, Resource and Systems Development: It is a major role of the AAA to engage in activities that promotes a system of care for older adults that is accessible. Staff work with consumers and providers and other stakeholders in each county to identify the necessary needs to build a strong infrastructure (development of services and supports and a way to get there) and offer creative ways to meet the needs of older adults and their families.
•Advocacy – The AAA assures that the individual and collective interests of older adults, their caregivers and families and individuals with disabilities will be safeguarded and recognized. It is important to empower older adults and families and other community resources such as the NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature with the knowledge and skills to have the ability to make change in existing policies where necessary. The Area Agency on Aging has Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Staff dedicated to monitoring the rights of residents in institutionalized settings, both skilled nursing and adult care homes. They deal with complaints associated with Residents Rights. They provide training to facility staff on issues surrounding aging and dementia as well as convene Residents Councils and support groups. Funding for programming and administration of services comes from the federal Older Americans Act and the State of North Carolina. Counties and local agencies provide different amounts of local match based on the types of programs they may be offering, ranging from 0-25%. The PTRC Board of Delegates provides the match for the administration of the AAA. The Regional Advisory Council on Aging (RACA) is charged with advising the Area Agency on Aging on all matters relating to the development, administration, and operations as specified by the Older American’s Act, of the four year plan which impacts all 12 counties. Members actively promote and review all programs funded through the Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging. Membership is specifically defined in the Operational Procedures of the RACA. The PTRC Board of Delegates has final authority in all AAA activities.
