Older Americans Act programs
The Older Americans Act provides community-based services and opportunities for older individuals and their families. Supportive services and senior center programs are provided through Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging. These 15 Area Agencies on Aging (serving 16 planning and service areas) comprise the INconnect Alliance.
How does someone qualify for Older Americans Act programs?
Older Americans Act programs generally require only that recipients be over the age of 60. However, funding is extremely limited, so services are not always available to cover all service options for eligible individuals in need of assistance.
What are the income limits?
There are no income limits for Older Americans Act programs. Participants are asked to make voluntary contributions as they are able.
What are the asset/resource limits?
There are no asset/resource limits for Older Americans Act programs. Participants are asked to make voluntary contributions as they are able.
How does someone apply for Older Americans Act programs?
If you are interested in learning more about the Older Americans Act programs, contact your local INconnect Alliance member at 800-713-9023. A complete listing of INconnect Alliance members is available on Area Agencies on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center , or you can visit the INconnect Alliance website at www.INconnectAlliance.org.
What services are available?
Services available under the Older Americans Act include:
- Adult day services
- Attendant care
- Caregiver support services
- Case management
- Congregate meals
- Environmental modifications
- Homemaker
- Home-delivered meals
- Information and assistance
- Legal assistance
- Personal emergency response systems
- Respite
- Specialized medical equipment
- Transportation
- Vehicle modifications
Family Caregiver Program
The Family Caregiver Program, part of the Older Americans Act, acknowledges and encourages the role caregivers play in the nation’s home- and community-based services system. These services are provided through Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging. These 15 Area Agencies on Aging (serving 16 planning and service areas) comprise the INconnect Alliance.
The Family Caregiver Program can provide services to individuals caring for loved ones 60 years of age and older or to older relatives (not parents) age 55 and older caring for a child or older relatives (including parents) age 55 and older caring for an individual with a disability between the ages of 18 and 59. Additionally, the program can support adult family members or other informal caregivers age 18 and older providing care to individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
What are the income limits?
There are no income limits for the Family Caregiver Program. Participants are asked to make voluntary contributions, as they are able.
What are the asset/resource limits?
There are no asset/resource limits for the Family Caregiver Program. Participants are asked to make voluntary contributions as they are able.
What services are available?
Services available under the Family Caregiver Program include:
- Individual counseling/training/support groups: Services or activities that assist the caregiver in the areas of health, nutrition, financial literacy, decision-making and problem-solving. These can include counseling provided by a licensed professional or support groups that allow caregivers to discuss their attitudes, feelings and problems with other individual(s) to achieve a greater understanding of their situation, role and problems that arise with caregiving. It can also include training and education for the caregiver to assist them in acquiring knowledge and skills that allow them to provide better care.
- Respite: Providing the caregivers temporary, short-term breaks from their caregiving responsibilities.
- Supplemental services: Home- and community-based services provided, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers can include home modifications, assistive technologies, emergency response systems and incontinence supplies.
- Access assistance: One-on-one contacts to provide outreach and information to caregivers on available long-term services and supports can include case management services.
- Information services: Generally consisting of trainings for groups of caregivers and presentations on long-term services and supports.
How does someone apply for the Family Caregiver program?
If you are interested in learning more about the Family Caregiver program, contact your local INconnect member at 800-713-9023. A complete listing of INconnect Alliance members is available at Area Agencies on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center, or you can visit the INconnect Alliance website at www.INconnectAlliance.org.