SECTION 340:105-1-5. Description of programs administered

(a)   Title III - General description of Aging Services Division (ASD) responsibilities. Under Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA), as amended, ASD provides funding to 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for administration of certain direct services and for the planning, development, and implementation of a variety of services to older persons by means of grants or contracts between the AAAs and local private or public organizations. The AAA is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the grantee and contractor on a regular and continuous basis to ensure adequate performance and compliance with applicable standards.

(1)   The performance of a project is evaluated by measuring actual project achievements or accomplishments in comparison to goals and objectives set forth in project grants or contracts, using standard assessment tools, and evaluating project compliance with applicable regulations and policies.

(2)   ASD monitors and evaluates AAA performance in a similar manner, using standard assessment tools and compliance with applicable policies and procedures to ensure satisfactory progress toward and completion of Area Plan goals and objectives. ASD reviews funded projects on a regular basis as a part of its responsibility under Title III of the OAA.

(b)   Title III-B, supportive services. Supportive services are designed to maximize the informal support provided by caregivers and to enhance the capacity of older persons to remain self-sufficient. Supportive services funding leverages resources to provide home- and community-based care. Supportive services fall under three broad categories:

(1)   access services such as transportation, outreach, information and assistance, and case management;

(2)   in-home services, including supportive services for families of older persons who are victims of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders with neurological and organic brain dysfunction; and

(3)   legal assistance.

(c)   Title III-C, nutrition services. Nutrition services are provided under congregate nutrition services, Part C-1 of OAA and home delivered nutrition services, Part C-2 of OAA. The two services are targeted to different populations of older persons. Meals are the primary service provided. Ancillary services include nutrition education, counseling, and outreach.

(1)   Meals must comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and provide at least 33 percent of the recommended dietary allowances in each meal served.

(2)   Service providers are encouraged to expand meals service to more than one meal per day and more than five days a week to those persons with increased needs.

(3)   Older participants are not charged a fee, but are encouraged to contribute through volunteering and financial donations to help defray the cost of services.

(4)   Financial contributions are used by local projects to expand services.

(5)   Volunteers perform essential tasks such as delivering meals and record keeping. (6) Nutrition intervention and nutrition services provide programs based on individual needs to ensure older persons remain in their homes and communities.

(d)   Title III-D, disease prevention and health promotion services. Title III-D funds are used to leverage other resources to increase public understanding of how healthy lifestyle choices throughout life reduce the risk of chronic health conditions in later years. AAAs allocate funds to organizations , such as public health, education, community-based agencies, hospitals and medical institutions, and senior centers. Title III-D funds provide programs and services , including:

(1)   routine health screening;

(2)   physical fitness programs;

(3)   health promotion programs on chronic disabling conditions;

(4)   nutrition screening and educational services on preventive health services;

(5)   health risk assessments or information on age related diseases and chronic disabling conditions;

(6)   mental health screening, education, and referral;

(7)   home injury control services;

(8)   counseling regarding social services and follow up health services; and

(9)   gerontological counseling.

(e)   Title III-E, National Family Caregiver Support Program. The National Family Caregiver Support Program defines eligible caregivers as family caregivers of older adults and grandparents or relative caregivers of children not older than 18 years of age. The AAAs make grants to local community service providers to support family caregivers through services that include:

(1)   information to caregivers about available services;

(2)   assistance to caregivers in gaining access to supportive services;

(3)   individual counseling, support groups, and caregiver training to caregivers to assist the caregiver in making decisions and solving problems relating to the role of caregiver;

(4)   respite care to enable caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities; and

(5)   supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers.

[Source: Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1170, eff 5-13-02; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 1325, eff 6-1-07]