The Aging Network is a service delivery system designed to meet the needs of elderly people who live in Illinois. The unifying force of the network is the Illinois Department on Aging. Key network components include the 13 Area Agencies on Aging and the numerous community-based agencies which provide direct services to older adults throughout the state. The network also includes two groups which serve in an advisory capacity, the Illinois Council on Aging and the State Technical Advisory Committee. Finally, the Administration on Aging, a Federal agency, assists every U.S. state in seeing that the needs of the elderly are being met nationwide.
THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT ON AGING
The Department on Aging was created by the State Legislature in 1973 for the purpose of improving the quality of life for Illinois' older citizens. It is the single State agency in Illinois authorized to receive and dispense Federal Older Americans Act funds, as well as State funds through Area Agencies on Aging and community-based service providers. In addition to funding these agencies, the Department is also responsible for planning, coordinating and evaluating the system of services provided through Illinois' Aging Network. First priority is given to serving older people with the greatest economic and social needs. In accordance with Federal regulations, the Department on Aging has divided Illinois into 13 Planning and Service Areas. (See map on next page.)
AREA AGENCIES ON AGING
The 13 Planning and Service Areas in Illinois are each managed and served by an Area Agency on Aging. The Department works in partnership with these agencies: 12 not- for-profit corporations and one unit of local government, the City of Chicago. Area agencies have the primary task of planning and coordinating services and programs for older people in their respective areas. The Area Agencies receive funding from the Department based on a formula which takes into consideration the number of older citizens and minorities in that area, as well as the number living in poverty, in rural areas, and alone. Like the Department on Aging, Area Agencies are not, as a rule, direct service providers. Area Agencies contract with local agencies which provide services to the older people who live in the same community.
COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Community-based service providers represent an important segment of the Aging Network. Community Care Program providers (supplying in-home or adult day care services) contract directly with the Department on Aging. Other service providers, such as multipurpose senior centers, nutrition sites and information and referral centers, receive funds from the Area Agency on Aging serving their particular region. In addition to receiving Federal and State funds through the Department on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers often receive local funding.
AREA AGENCIES ON AGING (AAA)
IN ILLINOIS
1. Northwestern Illinois AAA
2. Northeastern Illinois AAA
3. Western Illinois AAA 36 * Illinois Parks & Recreation * November/December 1994
Illinois Parks & Recreation * November/December 1994 * 37 |
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Sam S. Manivong, Illinois Periodicals Online Coordinator |